NEW LONDON, N.H. - Colby-Sawyer Director of Athletics Mitch Capelle announced Tuesday, April 25, he will step down at the conclusion of the college's commencement activities (May 6, 2023).

"I'd like to thank President Stuebner and Vice President Davis for the opportunity to be a part of the campus community for a second time in my career and entrusting me to lead the Department of Athletics for the past three years," said Capelle. "I have been, and always will be, a fan of the Chargers and root for the College and department's continued growth and student-athlete success."

Hired in the summer of 2020, Capelle helped the department navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and the college's safe return to athletic competition following nearly 18 months without competition. Six Chargers teams earned Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) championships under Capelle's direction, including a school-best four championships in 2021-22.

"We thank Mitch for his three years of service to Colby-Sawyer," said President Sue Stuebner. "Two of his years were spent leading the department during the pandemic when athletics competition was extremely limited and many decisions had to be made about our student-athletes' safety, crowd control, and how to compete within an unprecedented environment. His collaboration with our sports information director helped raise the media profile of our athletics program in general and the individual and collective accomplishments of our student-athletes."

Capelle's background in athletic communications/media relations enhanced the publicity of the Chargers athletics programs, leading to strategic investments in the athletic communications office. Capelle also successfully secured the College's first NCAA Ethnic Minority and Women's Internship Grant which funded the Assistant Sports Information Director position

Prior to serving as athletic director at Colby-Sawyer, Capelle served as Associate Athletic Director at Saint Anselm College (NCAA Division II) and as Assistant Athletic Director at Wisconsin-Stevens Point (NCAA Division III). Capelle also served as sports information director at Colby-Sawyer from 2006-08.

A national search for the next AD will begin immediately.

For the latest on Colby-Sawyer Athletics, follow the Chargers on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CSCathletics), Twitter (www.twitter.com/CSCathletics) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/CSCathletics).