A new Pioneer to lead the caravan: Shana Levine named Athletic Director

By Maddie Lee /// Staff Writer

On March 25, Lewis & Clark announced the hire of Shana Levine as the new Director of Physical Education and Athletics.  She will start her work here no later than July 1.

Levine said that what drew her to LC was the college’s academic reputation. “I really wanted to take the next step in my career at an academically-selective institution that is truly committed to the Division III philosophy and a truly integrated experience for its student-athletes,” she said. “I became more excited about the opportunity as I learned more about the college, athletic programs, location and the Northwest Conference.”

After graduating from Washington and Lee in 2001, Levine attended law school at the University of Pittsburgh, passing the bar exam in in 2005.

She began working for the NCAA in 2004. Over the next four years she would serve as an enforcement services intern, Coordinator of Membership Services, Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Reinstatement, and an Associate Director of Membership Services/Division III Governance Liaison.

She became the Associate Director of Athletics at Washington and Lee in 2008 and has held that position until her hire at LC.

Levine will take over the position at LC from Mark Pietrok, who served as the interim athletic director this past year after former Athletic Director Clark Yeager left the college in May 2013. While Pietrok has enjoyed his time as the interim AD, he is happy to return to his position as Head Athletic Trainer.

“It was a nice change of pace for me after 24 years in the training room, but I’m going back to where my heart is,” Pietrok said. He looks forward to working with Levine as she makes the transition to LC.

Even as she wraps up her time at Washington and Lee, Levine has already become invested in LC athletics, following the Pioneer spring teams as they finish up their seasons.

She has high hopes for the future of the athletic department, speaking of both achievements in the past and continued progress for the years to come.

“Long-term, I hope to create a fully-integrated student-athlete experience that not only permits, but empowers, Lewis & Clark student-athletes to excel in all areas of their college experience,” she said.  “This will lead to sustained success for our athletics programs and help to foster a sense of tradition among the entire student body and alumni.”