Nipissing University is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Batley as its new Director of Athletics, succeeding founding Director Vito Castiglione, who is retiring after 33 years of distinguished service. With a vast array of leadership experience in post-secondary athletics and recreation, Batley brings a student-centered, growth-minded approach to varsity sport, recreation, and student engagement.
She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology with Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Doctor of Chiropractic from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, and a Master of Human Kinetics and Recreation from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Most recently, Batley served as Assistant Director, Sport & Student Engagement at Trent University, where she led a wide-ranging portfolio that included varsity sports, campus recreation, fitness, aquatics, youth development, and student engagement. Her leadership helped shape inclusive, high-performance sport programming while also enhancing the student experience through recreation and wellness initiatives.
"I'm honoured to join Nipissing University and the Lakers community. This is a program with a proud tradition of academic and athletic excellence, and I'm excited to work alongside such passionate students, staff, and coaches," said Batley. "I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place - championing student success, fostering inclusive and engaging programs, and strengthening the role athletics plays in connecting our campus and community."
Prior to her role as Assistant Director at Trent, Batley held several other positions within the department, including Athlete Development Coordinator, Varsity Recruiter, and Assistant Coach with the women's soccer program. She has also worked in athletics and wellness leadership roles at Lakehead University's Orillia campus and Mohawk College.
Batley began her career as a healthcare professional before transitioning into post-secondary athletics. A former varsity student-athlete herself, she continues to stay active through competitive and recreational sports including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee. She recently represented Canada in the sport of Gaelic football at the 2023 World GAA Games in Derry, Ireland.
"We are thrilled to welcome Sarah to Nipissing University," said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor. "Her passion for student success, along with her breadth of experience in athletics and recreation leadership, will be a tremendous asset to our community. I look forward to seeing the positive impact her vision and energy will bring to our Lakers programs."
Nipissing University welcomes Batley to the Lakers community and looks forward to her leadership in advancing varsity and recreational programming that supports student well-being, engagement, and success.
