Junior midfielder Emily Maher’s value on the lacrosse field is undeniable.
This time, Maher’s leadership came to light in a different way: as a member of the AU Athletic Director Search Committee.
When former AD Keith Gill left in November, the search began early in the semester for the next department head. A nine-person committee formed for the search, which included Maher and representatives from various campus departments.
Maher said she worked well with the committee. She admired how each committee member was engaged in the process, and how the body treated her as one of its own and not as a student, she said.
“My experience on the AD search committee was very eye-opening,” Maher said. “I was able to understand what role the athletic director has in not only the Athletic Department, but also in the academic administration and AU community. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to be able to contribute to the future of AU athletics.”
Maher was the student body advocate on the committee and said she took her job very seriously. She listened to students’ input on what they wanted in the next Athletic Director and did her best to relay the concerns to the committee, she said.
“When [students] gave me their input I kept them in mind. I wanted the new AD to be someone who would enhance my experience at AU, but more importantly the rest of the student body.”
More than 100 candidate applications were narrowed down to three finalists. President Neil Kerwin made the final call on selection of the new AD, and he and the committee announced their selection of Billy Walker from the U.S. Air Force Academy on Feb. 28.
Maher’s ideal AD would continue where Gill had left off, academically and athletically. She wanted someone who has a deep interest in the department, demonstrates leadership and who cares for all students and all levels of athletics.
“Mr. Walker has demonstrated leadership and knowledge of intercollegiate athletics,” Maher said. “Most importantly Mr. Walker’s experience, character and values at the Academy align with AU’s and the Patriot League. He will also serve as a tremendous mentor to student-athletes as he is invested in their experience at AU and beyond.”
Maher had important confidentiality guidelines to follow, she said. The AD search was confidential for the sake of the candidates and the University. Although many of her peers often asked how the process was going, Maher was sworn to secrecy about the details of the search.
“It was difficult at times, especially as the search was coming to a close and [the committee and I were] excited about the new AD. I was given information about the candidates who were applying that was confidential throughout the process, but the student body was [only] given vague details from the University during the search.”
Despite all of these restrictions and secrecy guidelines, Maher did just what she would have done if it had been a lacrosse game: Keep her cool and perform.
On the field
Maher is third on the team in goals with 28 and fourth in assists with 10. In addition, she is first on the team in ground balls collected with 29.
Despite her individual statistics, Maher only cares about one stat: wins.
Maher’s teammates and coach recognize her as the hardest worker on the team. They said she is humble and does everything in her power to help the team to victory. In the beginning of the season, Maher knew she had to step up, especially with the loss of key seniors and a new coach.
“She has stepped up in a big way for us this year,” Head Coach Emma Wallace said. “Emily has become a leader for the underclassmen on this team, and she has helped each and every one of them get better.”
Maher’s leadership and play have produced positive results. The lacrosse team is the second seed in this year’s PL Tournament and will play the Holy Cross Crusaders (8-9, 3-3 PL) on April 26. They had a near-perfect season in conference play at 5-1. Earlier this year, they pulled off a historic upset over No. 12 Johns Hopkins.
With a noteworthy season and the AD search committee already under Maher’s belt, she still has big plans left for this season.
“We have learned from our losses and we are determined and focused to win the Patriot League,” Maher said. “Right now our team is at a great place.”
Maher and the rest of the Eagle lacrosse team will aim to win their first conference title in AU history when they travel to Annapolis for the Patriot League Tournament beginning April 26.
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