One of the most respected and decorated athletic leaders in Canadian Interuniversity sport, Thérèse Quigley, arrived at McMaster University in 1984 as the women’s volleyball coach. The former volleyball star with the powerful Western Mustangs, Quigley rose to the position of Director of Athletics and Recreation at Mac within six years. She worked tirelessly to achieve her vision for the university until 2009. During her 18-year tenure as Director, the McMaster Athletic and Recreation Department was completely transformed with regard to athletic programs and facilities. It established itself as one of the most progressive programs in Canada.
By forging and cultivating relationships both on-campus and in the greater Hamilton community, Quigley was able to build a lasting legacy that included the building of the Ron Joyce Stadium, the state-of-the-art David Braley Athletic Centre and Sport Medicine Clinic, Alumni Field, the Alpine Tower and major renovations to the Ivor Wynne Centre.
Quigley achieved one of the highest accolades in the industry and was recognized by her peers as the International Athletic Director of the Year in 2002-03.
One of the most memorable moments of her career was getting women’s soccer included in the Summer Universiade and hosting the very first FISU women’s soccer championships at McMaster University in 1993.
In 2009, Quigley ended her nearly two-decade stint as McMaster Athletic Director to return to her alma mater, Western University, as Director of Sport and Recreation Services. She retired in 2016.
“Thérèse put her heart and soul into McMaster and it’s hard to imagine the University without her,” said then McMaster president Peter George. “She always put students first, leads by example, believes in and achieves excellence and is as committed to the Hamilton community and sporting organizations across Canada as she is to the university.”