A Home Coming for New Athletics Director Meaghan Donahue Wies
It’s all been a whirlwind for Meaghan Donahue Wies.
Less than a month into her new job as athletics director at STU, she hasn’t had time to personalize the office at the JB O’Keefe Centre she inherited from the retired Mike Eagles. There’s not so much as a photo of her family—husband Justin and seven-year-old daughter Ryleigh – yet.
“I honestly haven’t had time,” she said, recounting a hectic schedule since taking over the office on Oct. 25. She has travelled to the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association and then the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association championship men’s soccer tournaments, has been meeting coaches, athletes, and administrative personnel on campus, and has been watching the Tommies in action.
“It’s just been hitting the ground running,” she said. “That’s what I expected coming in at the time that I did."
Classes and sports seasons were already in progress by the time she started, having completed an 18-month stint as executive director of the Fredericton District Soccer Association.
“I was really proud of my time there,” she said. “I would have liked a little more time to get as much done as I wanted. But when an opportunity like this comes along, you have to try for it."
It’s actually a homecoming of sorts for Donahue Wies. Born and raised in Saint John, STU was the only university to which she applied in 2002.
“I knew this was where I wanted to come,” she said.
She graduated with a BA in Psychology with a Minor in Criminology in 2006. Then she went to Simon Fraser University in British Columbia where she studied neuropsychology.
“I didn’t love it,” she said. “I kind of re-evaluated to find out, ‘What is it that I do love?’ Sports had been a constant in my life, and I figured out a way to turn it into a career.”
She earned a degree in Recreation and Sport Management from UNB and has been involved as an administrator for 12 years before landing in STU’s Athletic Director’s office.
“It’s really, really nice to drive up that hill and see campus again... there’s something very nostalgic about it, but also kind of new. I’m here in a new capacity, and campus has changed a lot, and the school has changed a lot."
She has some familiarity with most of the coaches and has connected with those she hadn’t previously met.
“It seems like there’s this general tone of excitement,” she said.
Certainly, there’s lots to be excited about.
Men’s soccer player Josh Oakes was named Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association player of the year, the first time a St. Thomas athlete has earned that honour in any sport. Even better, he’s expected back for a fourth year and will lead the Tommies as they host the CCAA national championship tournament next November.
That’s one reason Donahue Wies was on hand in Windsor, Ont., for this year’s tournament, taking copious notes and asking questions that will help the Tommies stage a successful nationals next year.
She’s excited to lead the Tommies into the future.
“I see a lot of potential; I really do,” she said. “It’s a small school, but I think that’s one of our superpowers…the ability to have a good relationship with everyone. I want to get to the point where, every athlete who walks in here, I know by name, they know me by name and everyone’s really comfortable with that.”
“There’s a lot we can do on the performance front…we’re still here to win. We’ve got varsity programs, and I think there’s room to expand some of those programs and add new programs over the years. We’re responsible for recreation on campus and for wellness, and I think there’s lots of opportunity to grow on that side as well. I really want to make sure that we’re providing opportunities for everyone."