Clarkson University Names Laurel Kane Athletic Director

Clarkson University has named Laurel Kane as its 10th Director of Athletics and Recreation. She began in her new role on April 1. Kane is no stranger to Clarkson Athletics, as she has been both a coach and administrator in the department for the past 22 years.

“Laurel has been a valued leader in Clarkson’s athletics division for over 20 years, and we are excited for her to take the helm as our new Director of Athletics and Recreation,” said Clarkson University President Marc P. Christensen, Ph.D., P.E. “The success of Clarkson’s athletics programs matters both on campus and in the community, and I can’t wait to see our fans continue to rally around our Golden Knights moving forward. Our athletic programs and our student-athletes are in good hands.”

During her time as a senior level administrator, the Athletic Department has seen remarkable growth by not only adding varsity and intramural offerings, but in raising the level of competitiveness in all 20 of varsity programs that compete in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and Liberty League. Clarkson’s teams have appeared in more than 25 NCAA Tournaments, and its Alpine and Nordic teams are perennial contenders at the USCSA National Championships. Throughout the years, both Division I and the Division III programs have produced more than 35 different student-athletes achieving All-American status. Furthermore, the Athletic Department has seen multiple coaches earn league, regional, and national staff recognition.

“I am honored to continue serving Clarkson Athletics and look forward to new challenges as Director of Athletics and Recreation,” Kane said. “The Golden Knight community is a strong and determined one. Our staff and coaches are extremely dedicated and I am eager to get started working with the entire department to move us all forward together.”

Since 2019 Kane has been the Senior Associate Athletic Director, getting more involved with the men’s and women’s hockey programs and overseeing the daily operations of the department. Prior to that role she also held the positions as Assistant and Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator (SWA), where she worked closely with the Division III coaching staff and oversaw the day-to-day operations of the 18 Division III sports. She also implemented student-athlete welfare initiatives, and worked with the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

Kane will succeed Scott Smalling, who has been appointed as Vice President of Operations at Clarkson University. In his new role, Smalling will oversee Facilities, Custodial Services, Capital Projects and Vendor Relationships. Additionally, he will act as Director of Athletics Strategy supporting the Athletic Director and University with alumni relations and capital projects. Smalling has served as Director of Athletics and Recreation since July 2019 and has been part of Clarkson’s athletic department for more than 30 years.

Kane joins a growing list of women athletic directors in the ECAC and Liberty League and as the 50th anniversary of Title IX continues. She joins colleagues at Harvard University, Yale University, Cornell University and Brown University in the ECAC and in the Liberty League at Vassar College, Skidmore College, Ithaca College and Rochester Institute of Technology at the helm of athletics administration.

Kane came to Clarkson in 2001 to coach both the women's soccer and lacrosse teams. Prior to her time at Clarkson, Kane was the Head Women’s Soccer coach and Assistant Athletic Director at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana.  

Kane earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Earlham and completed a Master of Science in Athletic Administration at SUNY College of Brockport. She played both soccer and lacrosse at Earlham College and is a member of the Earlham College Athletic Hall of Fame.