University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: Mikey Reeves
Rawak Named CEO of USA Swimming
2/19/2025 12:00:00 PM | Delaware Athletics
NEWARK, DEL. – After serving as University of Delaware's Director Athletics and Campus Recreation for nine years, Chrissi Rawak is stepping down from her role to become the chief executive officer of USA Swimming, effective March 14.
"Our Blue Hen student-athletes are accustomed to achieving success on the field, on the court, and in the classroom, and Chrissi Rawak has contributed greatly to all of these pursuits," said University President Dennis Assanis. "Chrissi has elevated the profile of UD Athletics — an integral component of the student and community experience at our University — and positioned UD for success in its forthcoming transitions to Conference USA and the Football Bowl Subdivision. I know the entire Blue Hen community joins my wife Eleni and me in thanking Chrissi for her contributions and wishing her continued success at USA Swimming."
Jordan Skolnick, who currently serves as the senior deputy athletic director of revenue generation and sport administration for UD Athletics, will lead the department on an interim basis.
"I am proud of all that we have accomplished together over the past nine years and want to sincerely thank the President, UD leadership team and Board of Trustees for their support," Rawak said. "I have no doubt Delaware will continue to achieve success at the highest levels, and I will forever be part of the Blue Hen family, cheering on your success."
UD Athletics has experienced both on- and off-field success under Rawak. Blue Hen student-athletes just this last fall posted a cumulative grade-point average of 3.404 — an all-time high for a single semester. This marked the 22nd consecutive semester in which the department has registered a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater, and fifth straight semester of 3.20 GPA or greater.
Excellence has made its way from the classroom and into athletic competition during Rawak's tenure, with UD teams winning one national championship, 27 team conference championships and 41 individual conference titles. Rawak directed the department's move to Conference USA and the football team's transition to FBS, both effective July 1, 2025, and shepherded the addition of women's ice hockey as a varsity sport.
Also, Rawak has prioritized capital investment and community interaction in her work at UD.
She launched the first comprehensive fundraising campaign for athletics, overseeing an effort that raised $38 million in 20 months and led to the construction of the Whitney Athletic Center. The 90,000 square-foot facility houses all sport performance and student-athlete success functions, supporting the Blue Hens' nearly 700 student-athletes and transforming the student-athlete experience at UD.
Rawak expanded UD's engagement in the state of Delaware, prioritizing engagement with members of the Delaware Chamber of Commerce, the Kent and Sussex Leadership Alliance, and Delawareans everywhere. Her department hosted multiple Blue Hen Business Forums to drive interaction with local businesses and created the annual 302 Tour, a three-day trip aimed at stirring statewide UD pride.
Campus Recreation grew under Rawak's leadership with more than 40 club sport offerings that provided 1,500 students the opportunity to represent UD. Intramurals have grown by 21% over last year in total participation, and fitness class participation grew by 17%, showcasing the breadth of opportunities for all students to participate in on campus.
University of Delaware Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation
Located in Newark, Delaware, University of Delaware Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation sponsors 21 varsity sports and three spirit teams. Aiming to achieve excellence together, the department boasts a storied history of 529 All-Americans, 138 conference titles, and 10 national championships. Currently competing in the Coastal Athletic Association, the department will transition to FBS football and become a full-time member of Conference USA, while also adding women's ice hockey as the 22nd varsity sport – both effective July 1, 2025.
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"Our Blue Hen student-athletes are accustomed to achieving success on the field, on the court, and in the classroom, and Chrissi Rawak has contributed greatly to all of these pursuits," said University President Dennis Assanis. "Chrissi has elevated the profile of UD Athletics — an integral component of the student and community experience at our University — and positioned UD for success in its forthcoming transitions to Conference USA and the Football Bowl Subdivision. I know the entire Blue Hen community joins my wife Eleni and me in thanking Chrissi for her contributions and wishing her continued success at USA Swimming."
Jordan Skolnick, who currently serves as the senior deputy athletic director of revenue generation and sport administration for UD Athletics, will lead the department on an interim basis.
"I am proud of all that we have accomplished together over the past nine years and want to sincerely thank the President, UD leadership team and Board of Trustees for their support," Rawak said. "I have no doubt Delaware will continue to achieve success at the highest levels, and I will forever be part of the Blue Hen family, cheering on your success."
UD Athletics has experienced both on- and off-field success under Rawak. Blue Hen student-athletes just this last fall posted a cumulative grade-point average of 3.404 — an all-time high for a single semester. This marked the 22nd consecutive semester in which the department has registered a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater, and fifth straight semester of 3.20 GPA or greater.
Excellence has made its way from the classroom and into athletic competition during Rawak's tenure, with UD teams winning one national championship, 27 team conference championships and 41 individual conference titles. Rawak directed the department's move to Conference USA and the football team's transition to FBS, both effective July 1, 2025, and shepherded the addition of women's ice hockey as a varsity sport.
Also, Rawak has prioritized capital investment and community interaction in her work at UD.
She launched the first comprehensive fundraising campaign for athletics, overseeing an effort that raised $38 million in 20 months and led to the construction of the Whitney Athletic Center. The 90,000 square-foot facility houses all sport performance and student-athlete success functions, supporting the Blue Hens' nearly 700 student-athletes and transforming the student-athlete experience at UD.
Rawak expanded UD's engagement in the state of Delaware, prioritizing engagement with members of the Delaware Chamber of Commerce, the Kent and Sussex Leadership Alliance, and Delawareans everywhere. Her department hosted multiple Blue Hen Business Forums to drive interaction with local businesses and created the annual 302 Tour, a three-day trip aimed at stirring statewide UD pride.
Campus Recreation grew under Rawak's leadership with more than 40 club sport offerings that provided 1,500 students the opportunity to represent UD. Intramurals have grown by 21% over last year in total participation, and fitness class participation grew by 17%, showcasing the breadth of opportunities for all students to participate in on campus.
University of Delaware Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation
Located in Newark, Delaware, University of Delaware Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation sponsors 21 varsity sports and three spirit teams. Aiming to achieve excellence together, the department boasts a storied history of 529 All-Americans, 138 conference titles, and 10 national championships. Currently competing in the Coastal Athletic Association, the department will transition to FBS football and become a full-time member of Conference USA, while also adding women's ice hockey as the 22nd varsity sport – both effective July 1, 2025.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware Athletics, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
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