Congratulations to Saddleback’s Dean of Kinesiology and Athletics, Dan Clauss, who was named the recipient of the prestigious Cushman & Wakefield Athletics Director of the Year award, announced March 29.
Dean Clauss is one of only four community college athletic directors nationally, and one of just 28 overall in the U.S., to earn the award for 2022-23. He’ll be honored at the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and Affiliates Convention in Orlando, Fla. on June 13.
Saddleback’s Kinesiology and Athletics division has experienced major challenges since Dean Clauss arrived in 2017, including the need to implement robust change management processes to protect the health and wellness of Bobcat teams, faculty, staff, and fans during the pandemic. Despite the obstacles, Dean Clauss and the Athletics Department showed remarkable resiliency, and in calendar year 2022 posted arguably the college's best year of overall athletic success, winning two national titles (women's soccer and surfing), one state championship (women's soccer) and three Orange Empire Conference championships (men's golf, women’s golf, and baseball).
In addition, Saddleback student-athletes continue to perform at a high level academically, highlighted by the selection of the 2021-22 baseball team and men’s golf team as 2021-22 California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Scholar Athlete Teams for their respective sports. The national champion women’s soccer team is nominated for the 2022-23 award. Also, seven players from the 2022 Bobcats football team earned Academic All-State honors from the California Community College Football Coaches Association.