By Jaelyn White

For On The Edge

April 17, 2023

Suann Saltzberry, Edgewood College’s first female athletic director named in November 2022, said her vision for her first few years is to, “focus on enhancing the student-athlete experience. The needs of student-athletes are changing and we want to strengthen the support staff to meet their needs.”
 
“(W)e anticipate great things from Edgewood College athletics under Suann’s leadership,” said President Andrew Manion in the Edgewood College website statement when she was appointed in November 2022.
 
To meet to her goal, Saltzberry said she is, “creating a center for student-athlete well-being. This includes sports psychology, mental health, sports medicine, strength, and conditioning, as well as nutrition.”
 
Saltzberry adds that, “another area of focus of mine is regarding facilities. I’m working with campus leaders to develop the recently purchased Fitchburg property for Athletics and Wellness.” 
 
In a statement issued by the college when she was appointed, Saltzberry said she was “eager to further engage and enhance the student-athlete experience, as Athletics serves as an important complement to the educational mission of the college.”
 
The athletic world has always been a part of Saltzberry’s life. she said. She smiles as she talks about how she, “fell in love with the athletic world and working with student-athletes.” Saltzberry says watching these athletes progress and develop in their sport is meaningful to her.
 
Saltzberry was a three-sport student-athlete at Edgewood College. She played volleyball, basketball, and softball. She graduated college with a business degree and eventually worked for a company called Inergy Propane, located outside of Kansas City. Saltzberry said she later decided that she wanted to do something different with her career.
 
In 2006, Saltzberry returned to Edgewood as the Athletic Business Manager. In 2011, she was promoted to Assistant Director of Athletics.
 
As the Athletic Director at Edgewood College, Saltzberry oversees coaching staff,  student athletes’ wellness, and exploring ways to improve the experience of student-athletes. Additionally, she is responsible for the college’s 20 NCAA Division III athletic programs with approximately 350 collegiate athletes in total.
 
Currently, the athletic department is located in Marshall Hall, where it moved in January of 2023 and it is still settling in, she said.
 
To contact Saltzberry, email her at SSaltzberry@edgewood.edu