Santa Clara University’s Renee Baumgartner stepping down after nine years as athletic director

Renee Baumgartner is stepping down as Santa Clara University’s director of athletics effective June 30, the school announced on Tuesday afternoon.

Baumgartner, who has overseen the Broncos’ 20 Division I programs since July 2015, is leaving the school “in order to return home and attend to family health matters that require her attention,” according to a release issued by the school.

The Portland, Oregon, native and her husband, Scott, are the parents of two daughters, Ellie and Abby, according to her bio in the SCU athletic department directory.

Staci Gustafson, a San Jose native who is currently the deputy director of athletics, will serve as the interim AD, according to the school release. University president Julie Sullivan said in the release that the school will begin a national search for a full-time replacement.

“Renee’s leadership over the past nine years has significantly elevated SCU athletics in many areas, including the holistic development of our student athletes, the excitement of our game day experience, and the quality of our facilities,” Sullivan said in the school release.  “We are grateful for the strength in which Renee leaves our athletic programs and look forward to a bright future that builds upon her legacy.”

According to the school, SCU athletics underwent more than $50 million in new or upgraded facilities projects during Baumgartner’s tenure. In October, she was appointed to the Division I Men’s Basketball Committee, which has a five-year term.  Baumgartner arrived at SCU after four years as the deputy athletic director and chief of staff for athletics at Syracuse and more than two decades at the University of Oregon as an administrator and head women’s golf coach.

She replaced longtime athletic director Dan Coonan, who was at SCU for 11 years. Coonan has been the Commissioner/CEO of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) since 2017.

Among the highlights during her Baumgartner’s tenure include the SCU women’s soccer team winning a national title and the men’s basketball team producing consecutive first-round NBA draft picks.

“My time here at Santa Clara University represents the pinnacle of my career,” Baumgartner said in the release.  “The progress we have made in building one of the finest Division I athletic programs in the country has been a testament to the caring and support of the entire Bronco family.  I am so grateful for the support I have received from President Sullivan, each and every one of the student athletes who have passed through our doors, and the committed staff, coaches and administrators, alumni and donors who make this an amazing place.

“It is time now, to tend to the needs of my family, after 40 years away from home, but I do so secure in the knowledge that Santa Clara Athletics will continue its climb.”

Gustafson, a graduate of Mountain View’s St. Francis High, and has been with the athletic department since 2007.

“I have every confidence in Staci to provide steady leadership through this transition,” Sullivan said in the statement. “For now, I want to thank Renee for her passion, dynamism and service to Santa Clara University.  She will be missed.”