Fordham University Director of Athletics David Roach, who has served in collegiate athletics for 45 years, announced his retirement today effective June 30, 2020.

 “After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire at the end of June”, said Roach. “It has been an exceptionally satisfying and rewarding forty-five years in intercollegiate athletics, and I am incredibly grateful for all that my time in athletics has given me.  It is far more than I ever imagined. “

Fordham University and all NCAA collegiate sports programs suspended their spring schedules as the Coronavirus Pandemic was brought to attention last month. Roach was at the Barclays Center and watched the Rams win their first round Atlantic-10 men’s Basketball Conference game over George Washington.

 “Fordham and its student athletes are deeply grateful to Dave for his eight seasons of leadership on and off the field,” said Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the University. “I know the Fordham community joins me in thanking Dave for his long service, and in wishing him a joyful retirement.” 

Roach is completing his eighth season on Rose Hill. Under his guidance, the Rams have enjoyed on-field success with 12 Atlantic 10 titles along with one Patriot League championship. Over that time, the Rams have made 16 NCAA appearances and women’s basketball competed in four WNIT bids..

Fordham sent three teams to the NCAA Championships in 2013-14 for the first time in school history (football, women’s basketball and softball) and followed that with three more in 2014-2015 (football, men’s soccer and softball) and again had three teams advance in 2019 (women’s basketball, softball and baseball. 

“As both a coach and Director of Athletics I have had the privilege of working with excellent staff, outstanding coaches, and exceptional student-athletes,” said Roach. “Over the years, I have often been asked which athletic moments are the most memorable. It’s never been one game, one championship or one season.  The thrill for me has been the satisfaction of having been a small part in helping young adults develop, graduate, and find success as they pursue their talents and passions.”

 Roach has also served as athletic director at Colgate University (eight years) and Brown University (14 years). Prior to moving to the administrative side, Roach served as head swimming coach at Tennessee (1986-1990) and Brown (1978-1986). Roach was inducted into the Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame in 1988, the Brown University Hall of Fame in 1989 and received a Springfield College Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2018.

He was recently appointed to serve on the Lake Placid 2023 World University Winter Games Organizing Committee. 

“I would like to thank Fr. McShane and Senior vice president Jeff Gray for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to lead Fordham Athletics,” said Roach. “I have enjoyed working with everyone at Fordham and I’m especially proud of the staff and athletic department we have in place. “

” We have a phenomenal staff both as professionals and as people. Our coaches have always kept the student-athlete first and foremost in everything.  I will mostly miss the Fordham student-athlete who has always represented Fordham so well on and off the field of play. Go Rams!” 

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