Northwestern University Athletics
Photo by: John Konstantaras/Northwestern Athletics
Positively Dr. Gragg - November 2023
11/21/2023 5:00:00 PM | General
Wildcats,
These past couple of weeks have reminded us all what it feels like to find success. And after the challenges we've experienced the past few months, this success feels even sweeter.
Now before I get into a recap of the extraordinary feats within our program, I want to backtrack just a bit. Because I do know that many of you still have some worries, some apprehension, some angst about the state of our athletic department. And I understand why you may feel that way.
Lots of lessons have been learned over the past few months. And I want you to know that as your athletic director, I have been focused internally, working diligently with our staff and coaches, with our student-athletes and with our supporters to ensure a commitment to a culture steeped in integrity and excellence.
Above all things, I want you to know that the safety, security, and well-being of our student-athletes is always at the forefront of decisions made within our athletic department. It is difficult when I cannot always share details of why some decisions are made. But know that creating a positive experience for them is the driving force behind everything that we do.
In the future, I look forward to doing more externally. You will continue to receive my Positively Dr. Gragg updates, which I have done in the past and are posted on our website. Additionally, I will update you with videos at least once a month where I will share insights into what is going on in our department. I am also looking forward to collaborating more with our alumni association and getting out on the road to attend some upcoming meetings.
Now, what makes success special is that it comes in various shapes and sizes. A field hockey team making it to yet another national championship, coming from behind on multiple occasions, showing grit and perseverance. A cross country student-athlete, Ava Earl, achieving the second highest individual placement in program history at the NCAA Championships. Our football team becoming one of only five teams this century to go from a 1-11 record to winning six or more games the very next season, ensuring a Bowl appearance. And please know I have been fighting diligently behind the scenes to help secure the type of bowl bid our Wildcats have earned and deserve!
These examples of success even reflect the diversity of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni and fans. This shows that we are greater together than we are as individuals. Seeing many of our coaches travel to North Carolina to support Coach Tracey Fuchs and the field hockey team is an example of us looking out for one another. I am humbled to lead this department, made up of hundreds of professionals who are focused on helping student-athletes find their own version of success in competition, in the classroom and in our communities.
There are already so many highlights from this fall, from David Braun being named Northwestern University's Dan and Susan Jones Family head football coach to Lacrosse head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller being inducted into The Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
And then last night, I was on hand to witness Northwestern receiving the green light to move forward with the Ryan Field rebuild. The Evanston City Council approved the University's proposal to rebuild the stadium and to host concerts and other community events.
Lastly, I want to acknowledge you, Wildcat Nation. You bleed purple through and through and it is your loyalty and commitment to these student-athletes and this university that has sustained us and fueled our continued success. Please know that we do not take your unwavering support for granted. I personally thank you for all that you do for us from all corners of the globe.
As we approach the holidays, I believe we should be grateful for the platform that we've all been given. It is a privilege to serve our student-athletes, our teammates, and this university. What an exciting time it is to be a Wildcat!
I wish you a safe and healthy Thanksgiving. Go 'Cats!
Positively,
Dr. Gragg
Quote of the month: "Spare me the grim litany of the 'realist'; give me the unrealistic aspirations of the optimist any day." Colin Powell
Reading recommendation: Stick Together by Jon Gordon.
These past couple of weeks have reminded us all what it feels like to find success. And after the challenges we've experienced the past few months, this success feels even sweeter.
Now before I get into a recap of the extraordinary feats within our program, I want to backtrack just a bit. Because I do know that many of you still have some worries, some apprehension, some angst about the state of our athletic department. And I understand why you may feel that way.
Lots of lessons have been learned over the past few months. And I want you to know that as your athletic director, I have been focused internally, working diligently with our staff and coaches, with our student-athletes and with our supporters to ensure a commitment to a culture steeped in integrity and excellence.
Above all things, I want you to know that the safety, security, and well-being of our student-athletes is always at the forefront of decisions made within our athletic department. It is difficult when I cannot always share details of why some decisions are made. But know that creating a positive experience for them is the driving force behind everything that we do.
In the future, I look forward to doing more externally. You will continue to receive my Positively Dr. Gragg updates, which I have done in the past and are posted on our website. Additionally, I will update you with videos at least once a month where I will share insights into what is going on in our department. I am also looking forward to collaborating more with our alumni association and getting out on the road to attend some upcoming meetings.
Now, what makes success special is that it comes in various shapes and sizes. A field hockey team making it to yet another national championship, coming from behind on multiple occasions, showing grit and perseverance. A cross country student-athlete, Ava Earl, achieving the second highest individual placement in program history at the NCAA Championships. Our football team becoming one of only five teams this century to go from a 1-11 record to winning six or more games the very next season, ensuring a Bowl appearance. And please know I have been fighting diligently behind the scenes to help secure the type of bowl bid our Wildcats have earned and deserve!
These examples of success even reflect the diversity of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni and fans. This shows that we are greater together than we are as individuals. Seeing many of our coaches travel to North Carolina to support Coach Tracey Fuchs and the field hockey team is an example of us looking out for one another. I am humbled to lead this department, made up of hundreds of professionals who are focused on helping student-athletes find their own version of success in competition, in the classroom and in our communities.
There are already so many highlights from this fall, from David Braun being named Northwestern University's Dan and Susan Jones Family head football coach to Lacrosse head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller being inducted into The Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
And then last night, I was on hand to witness Northwestern receiving the green light to move forward with the Ryan Field rebuild. The Evanston City Council approved the University's proposal to rebuild the stadium and to host concerts and other community events.
Lastly, I want to acknowledge you, Wildcat Nation. You bleed purple through and through and it is your loyalty and commitment to these student-athletes and this university that has sustained us and fueled our continued success. Please know that we do not take your unwavering support for granted. I personally thank you for all that you do for us from all corners of the globe.
As we approach the holidays, I believe we should be grateful for the platform that we've all been given. It is a privilege to serve our student-athletes, our teammates, and this university. What an exciting time it is to be a Wildcat!
I wish you a safe and healthy Thanksgiving. Go 'Cats!
Positively,
Dr. Gragg
Quote of the month: "Spare me the grim litany of the 'realist'; give me the unrealistic aspirations of the optimist any day." Colin Powell
Reading recommendation: Stick Together by Jon Gordon.
Lacrosse - NCAA Tournament 2nd Round vs JMU Postgame Press Conference (5/10/26)
Sunday, May 10
Baseball - 'Cats Ground Redbirds in 7-1 Midweek Victory (5/5/26)
Tuesday, May 05
Softball - Marina Mason Tosses One-Hit Shutout, 'Cats Claim Series Win vs. Minnesota (5/3/26)
Monday, May 04
Baseball - 'Cats Take Series with 9-6 Victory over Hoosiers (5/3/26)
Sunday, May 03
