Inside Athletics Meet Athletic Director Molly Campbell

With a robust background in athletic administration and education, Campbell brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the Marian community.

How has your transition been since joining Marian this fall?

I’ve always viewed Marian as the gold standard in women’s athletics. Since joining the Marian community, I’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible support from every corner— parents, students, and colleagues alike. Their kindness and warm welcome have made me feel like I’ve been part of this close-knit community far longer than just five months.

What is your vision for Marian’s athletic program?

I am a competitive and confident woman, so by nature my vision focuses on empowering young women through sports, fostering confidence, leadership, and personal growth to be the absolute best they can be. My vision for our athletics programs aims to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being, with a commitment to inclusivity, health, and wellness. It encourages participation at all levels, from recreational to competitive sports, while emphasizing sportsmanship, teamwork, and school spirit. We’re fostering a program that provides diverse athletic opportunities, including mentorship, coaching excellence, and pathways to collegiate athletics. Ultimately, Marian Athletics is all about building strong, resilient young women who excel both on and off the field.

How do you aim to enhance the experience of our student-athletes?

I plan to honor the school’s rich athletic tradition by preserving its core values of teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship while introducing innovative strategies to elevate the student-athlete experience. Being a former collegiate athlete, I offer a unique approach as I can relate to a lot of the pressures our student athletes currently go through.

I am focusing on fostering a holistic and empowering experience for student-athletes, both on and off the field. This includes integrating Catholic values of integrity, respect, and sportsmanship into athletics, while ensuring a balance between physical, mental, and academic growth. I am working on creating inclusive programs that support athletes of all skill levels, emphasizing leadership development, mental health, and character building. Additionally, I am prioritizing strong coaching, community engagement, and celebrating achievements through school-wide events. Ultimately, my goal is to provide an environment where student-athletes thrive, grow in their faith, and develop lifelong skills for success beyond high school.

You’ve emphasized leadership and personal growth in your career. How will you be integrating these elements into Marian Athletics?

First and foremost, offering opportunities for student-athletes to take on leadership roles within their teams, such as captains and team organizers. These roles build responsibility, decision-making, and communication skills. Additionally, building a mentorship program that promotes a culture of support and shared learning is a key priority, pairing junior and senior athletes with underclassmen to guide them both on the field and holistically through their time as a Marian student.

Character-building is also central, with regular team discussions on values like integrity, respect, and perseverance, helping athletes understand that true leadership extends beyond performance and into personal conduct. We’ll be emphasizing goal-setting by incorporating workshops that help athletes set and achieve both athletic and personal goals, fostering confidence and resilience. Self-reflection is also an important part of the equation through journaling or team conversations to track growth and learn from experiences.

Emotional intelligence will continue to be developed through training on emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and empathy, enabling athletes to manage their emotions and build strong relationships within their teams. We’ll also be providing increased opportunities for athletes to lead in the community, through service projects or charity events, to practice leadership in real-world contexts.

Finally, our program will support personal growth beyond athletics. We will offer guidance in time management, academic success, and career exploration, ensuring athletes develop life skills that prepare them for leadership in all areas. The overall goal is to cultivate well-rounded, confident young women who are equipped with the leadership skills to excel in both sports and life.

Outside of athletics, what are some things about you that the Marian community might not know?

I am a proud mother to two young boys, Beau (6) and Duke (3). My husband, Dan Campbell, and I have been married for nearly 10 years and are college sweethearts. I am also a former collegiate softball player at Central Michigan University, where I set records for Career Home Runs and RBIs.

What are you most looking forward to in the coming seasons?

I am excited to continue supporting our athletes and coaches. Each sport provides a wonderful opportunity to engage with our Marian community, and I look forward to connecting with more of our alumnae. Athletics serves as a meaningful bridge between our school’s rich history and the present, fostering lasting connections and school spirit.