University of Delaware Athletics
Staff Directory
- Title:
- Director of Recreation Services
- Email:
- Phone:
- 302-831-2700
Tricia Fitzgerald, a University of Delaware graduate who has spent the last six years working in the areas of alumni relations and development at her alma mater, was selected as the new director of recreation services in May, 2015.
A native of Wilmington, Del., Fitzgerald replaced Jake Olkkola, who moved into the role of senior associate athletics director for finance and administration at Delaware this past winter after five years at the recreation post.
Fitzgerald will oversee the daily operations of the UD Recreation Services program which services the entire UD student body and focuses on student wellness, leadership development, and healthy engagement. Among its features are the Carpenter Sports Building, Rawstrom Natatorium, four fitness centers for students and staff use, various upgraded playing fields and courts, 33 club sport teams, and over 30 intramural leagues and tournaments. She will supervise a full-time administrative staff of 15.
“After six years in development and alumni relations here at UD, I am looking forward to this career transition,” said Fitzgerald. “I am eager to combine my passion for health and wellness with my enthusiasm for recreation and athletics to make a meaningful contribution to the department.”
She earned her degree in mass communications from Delaware in 2004 and her master's degree in corporate and organizational communication from Northeastern University in 2006.
Fitzgerald began her career as an administrative and event assistant at the Northeastern University School of Law in 2005-06 and worked as an event manager for the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce in 2007-09.
She returned to her alma mater in 2009 and served as associate director for reunion and student programs for five years before being promoted to director of alumni engagement in April, 2014.
Her duties included executing Homecoming and reunion activities, producing comprehensive marketing and communications plans, and managing all aspects of UD's premier alumni event, Alumni Weekend. Under her guidance, the three-day event's attendance grew by 225 percent.
A resident of Wilmington, Del., Fitzgerald's interests include Crossfit, yoga, and mountain biking.
