A Legend Steps Away

When people retire from their work life one of the most common sayings their co-workers will give them is, “you’ll be missed.”  In this particular case, this holds much more meaning as the incredible Sandra Murray-MacDonell is stepping down from the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) after an unbelievable impactful 31 years.

Her exemplary, dedicated service has been truly remarkable as the Chief Executive Officer (Executive Director) of the CCAA since 1995. A three-decade period at the helm of any organization is unprecedented, but her tenure speaks volumes to her character.

Under her guidance, a CCAA Hosting Manual was developed to aid members, Women’s Soccer advanced from probationary status to a Level One Championship, Golf and Cross-Country Running became new CCAA events, and Curling returned after a two-decade hiatus. She was also instrumental in the establishment of the Female Apprentice Coach Program in 2005, giving recently graduated student-athletes the opportunity to pursue a career in coaching, which was a program ahead of its time.

“As a former student athlete, a female apprentice coach and now an administrator all within the CCAA, I have been profoundly inspired by Sandra's leadership,” says Danielle Hyde, PACWEST President and Athletic Director at VIU. “Her dedication and contributions to college sport and athlete development have not only shaped my career but also set a benchmark for excellence and integrity.  As she embarks on her well-deserved retirement, I wish her the time to do all her favorite things.”

Douglas College Athletic Director Brian McLennon has worked with Murray MacDonell over the last several years with his duties on the PACWEST Executive and the CCAA and had this to say, “Sandra Murray-MacDonell’s leadership over the past 31 years has been inspirational. Her legacy includes ensuring mandatory Safe Sport training and compliance, and embedding reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusive (R.E.D.I.) practices into the day-to-day operations of the CCAA. She championed the Female Apprentice Coaching Program, thus establishing a gender equity coaching development model for post-secondary athletics.”

She has had a variety of roles within the CCAA, but it was the relationships that she loved most, “The best thing about the CCAA is the people,” said Murray-MacDonell. “Laughing and learning alongside so many dedicated leaders has left me with friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Thank you, Sandra, for the incredible impact you made for CCAA student athletes and enjoy your retirement from all of us at the PACWEST.

*Sandra is on the far rightside of the photo