EMMITSBURG, Md. (March 6, 2023) – Mount St. Mary's Director of Athletics Lynne Robinson announced her retirement from the position, effective August 2023.
 
Throughout her 42-year career, Robinson has served Mount Athletics as a coach and an administrator, with the past 15 years as the University's Director of Athletics.
 
"The entire Mount community is grateful to Lynne Phelan Robinson for her 15 years as director of Mount Athletics and 42 years of tremendous service to the university." Mount St. Mary's President Timothy Trainor said. "Her commitment to the success of student-athletes both on the playing fields and in the classroom has touched countless lives. Following an impressive coaching career, she entered sports administration to help lead the university's move to Division I in the Northeast Conference and is retiring after a successful transition to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. I as well as our entire community will deeply miss Lynne, and hope that we will continue to see her around campus and in the stands during her well-earned retirement years."
 
"I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve Mount St. Mary's University for my entire career." Robinson said. "Words cannot adequately express my gratitude for the many wonderful memories, experiences, and especially all the friends, alumni, and colleagues I have met along the way."
 
Her professional career began upon graduation, serving as coach for women's cross country and track and field. Numerous conference champions and five All-Americans competed while Robinson was at the helm. In 1988, Robinson left coaching to become a full-time athletic administrator to help lead the Mount's move to Division I.
 
Robinson was named Director of Athletics in 2007. Her tenure has seen the Mount increase its offering of varsity sports from 16 to 24, and its student-athlete population nearly double over a six-year span. During this time, athletic development revenues of over $15 million have led to major facility upgrades and renovations to athletic venues. Robinson has enjoyed significant success as Athletic Director, with 23 conference championships and several NCAA tournament appearances.
 
A cornerstone of Robinson's leadership has been a commitment to student-athlete well-being, as she has championed the expansion of several key areas: sports medicine; strength and conditioning; academic support services; sports nutrition; the team Chaplaincy Program with the Mount Seminary; and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
 
The Mount's long-term commitment to student-athlete academic success has continued under Robinson's tenure, as student-athletes have earned numerous academic accolades throughout the years. The Mount's graduation success rate has reached, or exceeded, 90% over the past six years.
 
Robinson has served on numerous campus, conference, NACDA and NCAA committees, including serving as an NCAA peer reviewer in the NCAA Division I Certification Program and the NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse Committee. She has served on the Athletics Advisory Committee since its inception in 1996, and she was actively involved in the Mount's three successful NCAA certification reviews.
 
In 2022, Robinson worked with President Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D., and the Board of Trustees to transition as a full member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference for the 2022-23 season and beyond. This followed a successful 33-year run in the Northeast Conference.
 
Robinson and the Mount have been intertwined for decades, as she is the daughter of the Mount's legendary basketball coach, Jim Phelan. A lifelong resident of Emmitsburg, Robinson grew up in the shadow of the college. She attended the Mount, playing basketball under the guidance of Rev. James Delaney and Fred Carter, as well as field hockey and tennis. She graduated magna cum laude in 1979 with a degree in Political Science.
 
"To the Mount faculty, administration, staff, and the Mount Community, past and present, it has been a privilege and pleasure to work with all of you." Robinson said. "I owe a special thank you to President Tim Trainor and his wife Donna, for their support and friendship. They have been tremendous advocates for Mount Athletics and for the role of intercollegiate athletics at the Mount.
 
"To my friends and colleagues in the Athletic Department, your passion and dedication to our programs and student-athletes have inspired me to be better every day. Some of my most treasured memories are the relationships I have had with our extraordinary student-athletes. You will always hold a special place in my heart."
 
"I would like to thank my cherished family for their love and support. A special thank you to my three wonderful children, James, Kate, and Mary. At very young ages, you quickly learned to love being part of the Mount family too. Thank you for understanding and embracing your Mom's career. You have given me joy beyond measure."
 
A national search, led by President Trainor, will commence in the coming weeks to find a successor candidate.