Barrett to Assume Development Position

HAMDEN, Conn. -- Quinnipiac University Director of Athletics and Recreation Jack McDonald today announced that Michael Barrett will no longer serve as head coach of the women's ice hockey program in order to pursue a new career opportunity. Barrett will return to the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs as director of development at Quinnipiac University.

"I am grateful for the opportunity that was given to me to lead the women's ice hockey program, and I am confident the program is currently set up for success in the very near future," said Barrett. "I look forward to a new role at this great university, and I am excited about growing our development programs while having the opportunity to spend more time with my family."

Barrett, a former four-year letter winner as a member of the men's ice hockey team, graduated from Quinnipiac in 1985 and recently completed his sixth season as head coach of the Bobcats. A 1990 inductee to the Quinnipiac Athletics Hall of Fame, Barrett has held several other positions at the school including serving as a men's hockey assistant coach (1985-91), an admissions officer (1988-93), director of alumni affairs (1993-98) and director of annual giving (1998-2000). 

"Mike Barrett's experience and contributions will be missed in the Athletics Department. He assisted Quinnipiac University's candidacy and acceptance into ECAC Hockey, and was an important part of the design, construction and dedication of the TD Banknorth Sports Center," said McDonald. "He set a strong foundation for our women's hockey program and was a very active leader nationally in support of women's ice hockey. I wish Mike all the best in his newest endeavors and look forward to continuing to work with him at Quinnipiac."

"I am delighted that Michael Barrett will be returning to Alumni House where he made such a positive impact as both our director of alumni affairs and director of annual giving," said Donald J. Weinbach, vice president for development & alumni affairs. "Michael is a loyal and devoted graduate of Quinnipiac University and I know he will continue to make enormous contributions to his alma mater for many years to come. It will be an honor to work with him on an everyday basis once again."

McDonald said the university will retain a national search firm to begin immediate recruitment of a new head coach to lead the women's ice hockey program in its next phase of development.