Claybrook named new Athletic Director
March 31, 2011

LaGrange College President Dan McAlexander announced today that Jennifer Claybrook has been selected as the institution’s new athletic director.

Claybrook is currently the school’s head softball coach and senior woman administrator.

“Jennifer has an incredible track record as a coach in bringing out the best in her players and those around her,” Dr. McAlexander said. “We know she’ll bring that same winning attitude to all of our sports teams as athletic director.

“We welcome the addition of a new leader who will carry on the legacy of retiring Athletic Director Phil Williamson—a tradition of personal care for our student-athletes and dedication to their best performance in the classroom and on the field. With her strategic planning mindset, Jennifer is sure to lead our coaches and teams to the next level.”

Claybrook will continue to serve as head women’s softball coach, a role she has held since 2002. In three of the last four years, her teams have advanced to NCAA postseason play by winning the conference tournament championship.

She said she is eager to begin making a difference for students.

 “I am both honored and humbled by my selection,” Claybrook said. “As an alumna and former Panther athlete, LaGrange College is one of the most meaningful facets of my life.

“I can think of no more fulfilling a career than helping to transform our students’ lives through their participation in intercollegiate athletics.”

Claybrook earned both her bachelor’s (1999) and master’s (2001) degrees at LaGrange College and also has worked as an assistant coach for both volleyball and basketball and as an assistant in sports information.

She has served as a panelist at the NCAA national conference, and presented at the national athletic directors’ meeting. She also mentors the Great South Athletic Conference’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Active in the community, Claybrook is on the board of directors and co-chair for Big Brothers Big Sisters of LaGrange, vice president for membership for Boys Scouts of America in LaGrange and has been active with United Way, where she served as loaned executive chair, campaign chair and co-campaign chair. She also has worked with Community in Schools as a member of its board of directors.

On campus, Claybrook has been a member of the Staff Council, serving as president and first vice president; a member of the LaGrange College Institutional Planning Committee and Servant Leader Award Selection Committee; and a Physical Education instructor. She served on search committees for the head volleyball coach and first-ever football coach. Claybrook also is an advisor for the college’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes.