Simmons Director of Athletics Ali Kantor Announces Retirement at Conclusion of Semester

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Courtesy of Simmons Athletics Communications

BOSTON – After three decades at Simmons University, Director of Athletics Ali Kantor will retire at the conclusion of the fall semester. Over the course of her tenure at Simmons, she has been a beacon guiding all the Sharks athletic programs to success both on and off the playing surface.

Kantor's retirement announcement comes on the heels of Simmons Athletics rising to new heights both within the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) as well as on a national scale. The Sharks have won 35 conference titles, received numerous post-season berths as well as regional rankings – most recently volleyball being ranked in the latest AVCA poll for the first time in program history.

Throughout her tenure at the helm, Kantor has presided over a program that has earned three Commissioner's Cups as the top women's program in the GNAC. Additionally, she also won the prestigious Simmons' Priscilla McKee Award in 2016.

"It is hard to think about Simmons without Ali," says Simmons Vice President of University Real Estate and Facilities Management, Laura Brink Pisinski. "Her enthusiasm, creativity, collaborative spirit, and constant care for our students raises the game for our entire community. Ali is the reason we have Daly Field, not only to host our own student-athletes, but also to provide opportunities for our community partners in Brighton. She has built a program at Simmons that attracts engaged student leaders and student-centered coaches. Throughout the pandemic, she led her team to continue that engagement so that our teams didn't miss a beat. She truly understands community engagement, partnership, philanthropy, and excellence when it comes to wellness and fitness. I'll miss her energy and her care for the Simmons community."

Kantor was instrumental in securing a home for the Sharks' outdoor athletic programs with the Daly Field Athletics Complex, which opened in the fall of 2016. An innovative public-private partnership with the community of Allston-Brighton and Brighton High School, Daly Field offers the Simmons outdoor athletic programs a place to call home.

"It has been the greatest honor and privilege to build Simmons athletics throughout my tenure," says Kantor. "In my 33 years at Simmons I have been fortunate to be able to work with talented, dedicated, and extraordinary coaches and athletic personnel. They have, collectively, over the years raised Simmons Athletics to a highly competitive level and served so many of our student athletes.  I am extremely proud of all of student-athletes, coaches and athletics staff and their impact has been unparalleled."

A former Division I basketball coach, it was the sport of basketball that led her to Simmons in the first place. Kantor served as head coach of the Sharks basketball program for five years before transition into her role as Director Athletics which she held from 1995 forward.

What Ali's Colleagues Say About Her: 
"Ali has been powerful, inspirational, and dedicated visionary leader for the Sharks at Simmons University. As a member of the Daly Field Committee, I was honored to watch her orchestrate the vision, planning, and construction of Daly Field, which finally gave her Simmons student-athletes, coaches, and community a home for their athletic program. Thank you and wish you the best for a healthy, happy retirement."
PETER CENTOLA, Member of Daly Field Committee; Former Director of Athletics at Newbury College and Assistant Director of Athletics at Mount Ida College; Current Director of Recreation, Watertown

"It has been a pleasure working with Ali during my time in the GNAC, starting in 2003. Her dedication to the Simmons Athletic Department over three decades is impressive, and the lasting legacy she is leaving with the addition of the beautiful Daly Field complex is going to benefit Simmons student-athletes for years to come!"
PAM ROECKER, Dean of Athletics, Regis College

"Ali created a positive work environment and has maintained a phenomenal team around her to bring Simmons Athletics to a whole new level. She provided me the opportunity to grow as a professional over the last 17 years we have worked together. I am grateful for her mentoring and friendship; and wish her much health and happiness in her retirement."
ERICA SCHULING, Associate Director of Athletics & Head Women's Soccer Coach, Simmons University

"Ali has been a terrific asset to both the forming of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference and the growth of the GNAC. Her vision for swimming and diving has led to a first-class event and an outstanding experience for our student-athletes. Her contributions to the league and her assistance to the conference office is greatly appreciated. I wish Ali all the best in her new adventures."
JOE WALSH, Commissioner, Great Northeast Athletic Conference

"I feel very fortunate to call Ali a friend as well as a colleague. I admire her dedication to the Simmons student-athletes and to the Simmons Community. Over the years, Ali's decisions have always been centered around the student-athlete experience and what is best for them. She is certainly leaving a strong legacy at Simmons and is leaving the program in a good position for her successor.  I wish her the best of luck."
KRISTY WALTER, Director of Athletics, Lasell University