Santa Clara Athletic Director Renee Baumgartner to Step Down on June 30

President Julie Sullivan announced that Santa Clara Athletic Director Renee Baumgartner would be stepping down from her position at the helm of the department due to family health issues. Deputy Athletic Director Staci Gustafson has been appointed as interim athletic director while a search is conducted.

Photo Source: Santa Clara University

Baumgartner, who facilitated the projects of the Athletics Excellence Center and the Wipfler Family Golf Facility while serving on the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Basketball Selection Committee for March Madness, will officially step down on June 30. Current Deputy Athletic Director Staci Gustafson has been appointed as interim athletic director while a search is conducted. 

“My time here at Santa Clara University represents the pinnacle of my career," said Baumgartner. "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. 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.”

Under Baumgartner’s watch, the Broncos won a Women’s Soccer National Championship in the Spring of 2021, qualified for said NCAA Tournament every year, watched baseball return to the NCAA Tournament in 2023 for the first time this century and had back-to-back NBA first-round draft picks with Jalen Williams in 2022 and Brandin Podziemski in 2023.

In the classroom, Santa Clara student-athletes were also proficient. With Baumgartner at the helm, athletes posted a 97% graduation rate and ten programs were recognized for a stellar Academic Progress Rate by the NCAA during the 2018-19 year.

Baumgartner departs with over 40 years of experience between playing, coaching and administrating in collegiate athletics.