Seewald Resigns as Athletic Coordinator
By Chris Schmidt | Thursday, February 05, 2009 11:04 AM
Rachel Seewald, athletic coordinator of the University Interscholastic League, resigned Jan. 30 after more than 16 years of service with the organization.
Seewald began working at the UIL as an office assistant only four months after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She was promoted to director of public information one year later.
“As a young college graduate they trusted me and weren’t afraid to challenge me with added responsibilities,” Seewald said. “They never wavered in their faith of my abilities.”
In 1997, Seewald earned her master’s degree in education from UT, and two years later she became the athletic coordinator for volleyball, girl’s basketball and track and field.
During her tenure, volleyball went through possibly the most significant changes of any other sport with the switch to rally scoring and the change of venue for the state tournament, moving from Austin to San Marcos. She believes these changes to be her greatest accomplishments while at the UIL, and those who worked with her give her great credit for making these transitions as smooth as possible.
“Rachel will be greatly missed by all of us,” Dr. Charles Breithaupt, UIL executive director, said. “She is well respected across the state by coaches and officials and will be very difficult to replace.”
Seewald also worked with several organizations outside of the UIL including the Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA), the Texas Association of Sports Officials and the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. Sam Tipton, executive director of the TGCA, enjoyed their relationship and said he will miss working tournaments with her.
“I am very lucky to have been able to work with someone as wonderful as Rachel,” Tipton said. “I have so much respect for her and her efforts to enhance programs for girls sports across Texas. There is no doubt she will do well wherever she goes.”
Seewald admitted she will miss Austin’s live music scene, the unique restaurants and the hike and bike trails. But of all the things she will miss, she says her UIL family is at the top of the list.
“I will miss the people and the staff the most,” Seewald said. “I feel truly blessed to work with everyone here. The people and relationships can’t be replaced.”
Before she departed the capital city, Seewald wanted to thank former Executive Directors Dr. Bill Farney and Dr. Bailey Marshall, Breithaupt, Tipton and the entire athletic staff at the UIL for their support and friendship over the years.
“When I look back and reflect, I have nothing but fond memories,” Seewald said. “The UIL is my family and always will be.”
Seewald plans to move to Indianapolis, Ind., where she will be closer to her sister Audrey and her family. Her first order of business when she arrives is to buy a big coat, as she said Indianapolis just had 12 inches of snowfall.
“They know a little more about the cold than we do down here [in Texas],” Seewald said. “That is something I’ll have to get used to.”