Opportunity for the Cougs: A chat with WSU Athletic Director Anne McCoy

As the Pac-12’s remaining members—Washington State University and Oregon State University—began rebuilding the conference, WSU President Kirk Schulz announced in June 2024 that Anne McCoy was the new permanent athletics director.

McCoy hit the ground running earlier in the year as interim AD, since she has worked for WSU Athletics since 2001 in almost every department. She faces a lot of challenges in her new role…along with some exciting opportunities.

Washington State Magazine editor Larry Clark met with McCoy in the athletic director’s office on the WSU Pullman campus to chat about stepping in as AD; the future of Pac-12 and Cougar sports in a rapidly evolving national college sports landscape; the student athlete experience; and how Washington State fans can play their part in the bright new future of WSU athletics.

The press conference audio at the beginning is courtesy of WSU Athletics.

The podcast music is by WSU emeritus professor and composer Greg Yasinitsky.

Learn more

A conversation with Anne McCoy: WSU Regent and alum Enrique Cerna sat down with McCoy to learn more about her plans for WSU Athletics and her insights on college sports. (YouTube)

Transcript

Episode 31 Washington State Magazine webisodes: Anne McCoy

Kirk Schulz  00:01

Just to start this off right, how about on the count of three a Go Cougs, 1 2 3, Go Cougs. All right, it's really a pleasure for me to do our formal introduction of Anne McCoy as our now permanent athletic director.

Anne McCoy  00:19

Well, first, I'd like to wish everyone good afternoon and welcome. So thrilled that so many people came to spend some of their afternoon with us on a beautiful, sunny day here in Pullman. You know, largely at these types of events, someone comes in fresh. They've never been at the school. They offer a vision, and that's all wonderful. But I have to say, having a really unique perspective of having been here, I already have gotten to know all of the people in our department and on our campus. I've gotten to know many of our fans, donors, a lot of our student athletes, and so I feel like that gives me a unique perspective. I hope to really hit the ground running with all of the unique and, you know, really wonderful opportunities we have before us.

[music]

Larry Clark  01:01

As the Pac-12’s remaining members, Washington State University and Oregon State University, began rebuilding the conference, WSU President Kirk Schulz announced in June 2024 that Anne McCoy was the university's new permanent athletics director. McCoy hit the ground running as interim AD earlier in the year, since she has worked for WSU athletics since 2001 in almost every department. She faces a lot of challenges in her new role, along with some exciting opportunities. 

Welcome to the Washington State magazine podcast. We connect you to Washington State University campus life, research, and fascinating alumni. I'm Larry Clark, editor of the magazine. 

I met with Anne McCoy in the athletic director's office on the WSU Pullman Campus to chat about stepping in as AD, the future of Pac-12 and Cougar sports, the student athlete experience, and how Washington State fans can play their part in the bright new future of WSU athletics. 

[music]

Hi Anne, welcome to the Washington State Magazine podcast. Glad you could join us today. 

Anne McCoy  02:09

Oh, thank you so much for having me. I'm thrilled to be here. 

Larry Clark  02:13

Well, you've stepped into this role as the athletics director. It's very exciting, and you've been in a lot of different positions with WSU athletics. How does it feel now that you've been athletic director for a while, a few months now?

Anne McCoy  02:27

Yeah, it feels really, really amazing, honestly, a little surreal to your point of having been at Washington State University for a long time. Guess this is my 24th fall here in Pullman at Washington State University, and to think of my journey of kind of where I came into Washington State University, and my role and responsibilities to sitting here today, I don't know that I would have ever imagined at that point in time that, you know, fast forward to, you know, 24 falls later, and this is where I'd be, but it really has been amazing. And honestly, there's nowhere else I'd rather be in any other position right now.

Larry Clark  03:00

That's great. And you stepped in at the time of big transition. A lot going on. Can you talk a little bit about some of these changes, especially with the Pac-12, and what's been happening?

Anne McCoy  03:12

Yes. I mean, honestly, even before Pat's departure, it had been kind of a really tumultuous year with a lot of changes and a lot of different things happening both at Washington State University, but athletics. But certainly, you know, college athletics overall, and I think you know, with the changes with the Pac-12, and you know the changes here at Washington State University, it really has felt like a great opportunity to kind of, you know, roll up my sleeves and really gather everyone around in our department who's so committed at kind of really having everything move forward and have our future be really bright. It's been a year of a lot of unknowns, so to be here right now knowing more about what our future will be, and that the future indeed is really bright, with the Pac-12 conference rebuilding and kind of reimagining itself. It just feels really, really terrific compared to, you know, some of the darker days of this past year.

Larry Clark  04:08

Yeah, they certainly were dark. You know, as a person who enjoys watching Cougar sports, it's been very nerve wracking. So I know I'm personally excited. I've heard from a lot of other Cougs out there, they're excited about these new teams that are coming in. Can you talk a little bit about how they're coming in and how that's going to maybe change the way the Pac-12 looks?

Anne McCoy  04:29

Yeah, certainly. I mean, first, I'm glad to hear you're excited and share the enthusiasm, because I think you're right. It's harder for people to kind of wrap their minds around 10 potential options versus the one we know, and the fact that it's both something familiar in some ways, but also something new and exciting, all in one place, I think, is really unique. And the new schools coming in, they have so much excitement, I think, for what we at Washington State and the folks at Oregon State have known all along, I think that the Pac-12, you know, is a really special brand, and it's something worth fighting for. And I think they're excited to join that fight and really help build, I think, something that can adapt and grow with where college athletics is heading. Because it really, it's taking 100 years of history, but with this huge overhaul, kind of the unique opportunity to also reinvent itself into what will be sustainable for college athletics going forward. So I think one thing that was really appealing about the schools coming in are not only, I think was not their excitement, which was certainly part of it, but also their feeling of investment in athletics, and understanding how college athletics can really help, I think, fit into the strategic mission of a university. You know, certainly it's part of a larger mission, but can be the vehicle of really helping promote that. And I feel like all of the schools that will be part of the Pac-12, I think really understand that and see the value in college athletics, but also kind of the appropriate positioning of it too.

Larry Clark  06:04

Yeah, that's really exciting to hear. You know, I like to hear that about college athletics fitting within the university and the mission of the university, and maybe particularly true for places like WSU and OSU that are land grant universities. 

Anne McCoy  06:19

Yeah, I think very much. So I think part of the really amazing part of being at a land grant university is really that feeling of kind of service, you know, to the state, to the community, and really beyond. I mean, you know, so many great things that really, not only service the state of Washington or this community, but really are amazing breakthroughs worldwide, which are so exciting. And I think the fact that athletics can be a way to help just really, maybe be part of a great student experience, or something that continues to bring people together on behalf of Washington State University, it can really also help propel all of the amazing things happening here into more of the public eye, which I think is really exciting. I think it fits well with what we do as a department.

Larry Clark  07:10

I think we really see that at some of the games too, you know, where you highlight faculty, or you talk about research and connect it to really, what's community building like games. That's how I see them. You go to a football game, you go to a volleyball game, any sporting event, and it's that community that's built. It's very exciting.

Anne McCoy  07:28

I agree. I mean, that's always I think what's been so appealing to me about being in college athletics, and honestly, one of the reasons I've stayed at Washington State as long as I have is that feeling of community partnership, and whether the community is, you know, within the campus, or within the community, or beyond, you know, really being a place that people can come together, or good natured office conversations between, you know, the Huskies and the Cougars of the world, or families that have had generations come here, but yet they all come back for homecoming, or whatever it might be. I just think it's a great way, to your point, of really helping foster and build a community that's really special.

Larry Clark  08:05

Yeah, I agree. And speaking of Huskies and Cougars, I could see some future rivalries building too.

Anne McCoy  08:13

Very true. I mean, the amazing number of Cougars that we saw down at the Boise State game, you know, a couple weeks ago, I just think it's really important to develop those new rivalries and relationships with other schools, which is good.

Larry Clark  08:27

Yeah, absolutely, and even Gonzaga now.

Anne McCoy  08:31

Very much so. That has been one of the really exciting parts for me about having many of our sports be affiliate members in the WCC this year, is really to be able to play Gonzaga and other schools that maybe perhaps we would only play in one sport here or there. But I just think for the entirety of the eastern side of the state of Washington, I think it's really great to have those rivalries develop more, you know, and to be competing against each other on a more consistent basis. I think will be really great, because I think we have fans that really may live in Spokane and, you know, or have family that went to Gonzaga, or family that go here. And I think it's exciting,

Larry Clark  09:08

So kind of looking ahead a little bit, what do you see? What's your vision for the Pac-12 and for maybe specifically, WSU athletics in the next couple of years? 

Anne McCoy  09:18

I think one of the things that always has been really important to me, and I think is really important to Washington State, to Oregon State and the Pac-12, is really continuing to recognize the educational nature of what we do, even though we do, you know, education through sport. And just really working on student athletes as and valuing them as entire people that are here as students, but also individuals that will go back into their communities or go into the, you know, workforce, or whatever they're going to do kind of in their, you know, quote, unquote adult life for the rest of time. We really continue to focus on student athlete well-being and everything, certainly from compassion. Competitive nature is important because it's what we do relative to athletics, but not losing sight of the student athletes as, you know, entire people. And I think that's one thing the Pac-12 has always been amazing at, is really including student leadership in kind of the governance structure, or really looking at things where we can continue to grow student athletes into just people that feel like they have had an amazing, well rounded experience at their universities. And I think that's one thing the Pac-12 does really well, and I'm afraid could be falling by the wayside a little with a lot of the other changes that are happening. So I think for the Pac-12 to be able to both adapt and roll in those new changes and opportunities for students without losing sight of the fact that student athletes should be, you know, seen as more than just students or athletes, but as well-rounded people. I think that's I'm excited about, that opportunity to continue to have the Pac-12 flourish that way. 

Larry Clark  10:57

That's really great to hear, too, because I think most of us understand that almost all student athletes are going to go out and they're going to be working in banks and in media and dozens and dozens of other professions out there. 

Anne McCoy  11:12

Yes, it's very true. I think you know the saying that was coined a while back, that they're going to go pro in something other than sports. It's true, you know, very, very true. So you want them to be well prepared, but to have as many great experiences, too, I think, while they're in college.

Larry Clark  11:28

Sure, absolutely. And you mentioned some of these changes that are happening, and it feels like it's been a real roller coaster the last few years, especially with COVID, of course, NIL, conference realignment. So how do you personally, but then also Cougar athletics, really keep focused and keep your eye on the ball, so to speak?

Anne McCoy  11:54

We've talked a lot about all of these new things that are coming in college athletics to your point, or that have come, and I feel like, for us, what's really important, and kind of how I'm wired, I would say, as a person, is just remembering, you know, the core of who you are, at your soul, and what's important. And really staying focused on that and that there have always been things that you know, Washington State is going to have a different path in, I would say, than a lot of other schools. And we just need to remember that that continues to be okay and that we double down on what's important to us, what fits within our value system, what fits within our priorities, and really not get too worried about getting sucked into the fray of everything else that's going on, and again, certainly a ton of great opportunities that, you know, we will want our student athletes and our coaches and staff to be able to really lean into, but that other things may just not really fit with who Washington State really is, or who we want to be, and realizing that it's okay to focus on what makes us strong and special, and not trying to fit ourselves into the same cookie cutter mold of every other school. And so I think that's going to be really important going forward, just remembering, you know, what's important to us: a world class education, a world class student athlete experience, and really helping student athletes excel at all parts of their lives, the competitive parts, the academic parts, but as I mentioned, also  kind of the human parts, and, you know, just really remembering that that's the core of what we do, and everything else should fit into that.

Larry Clark  13:29

So is this something that you and the coaches and other people tell students when they are considering coming here and playing for the Cougs?

Anne McCoy  13:39

I think you're right on. I mean, I think it really is the positive environment that you know, a student can come be part of. And so whether that's maybe one thing that's important to the prospective student athlete, that may be the academic programs, the facilities, the coaching. You know, what does nutrition look like? What does the strength and conditioning look like? All those pieces, you know, so knowing they'll have all the tools they need to be successful as students and athletes. But I think then for the families or the advisors in their lives, whoever that may be, is to understand that they're going to come to a place where it's a positive environment to be part of. And I think that they can feel that they're part of something. They're not just coming to Washington State as a XYZ, you know, sport athlete. They're coming to be members of the Washington State and Pullman community, which I think for a lot of student athletes, at the time, they may not realize that's what really drew them here when they came on a visit. But there's something that they noticed when they left here and they just like, gosh, I can't put my finger on it. It just felt right. It felt good. It felt, you know, welcoming. It felt like there was a lot to offer. I think that's very important, and it's something that our coaches really do talk a lot about to prospective student athletes and their families, because it is something I think that needs to be a priority for people that come here.

Larry Clark  15:04

Well, certainly, as a member of the community, I see the athletes out doing reading in the elementary schools, or marching in the Lentil Festival parade and these other kind of community events, and that's very exciting. I think that's something that we as community members appreciate as well.

Anne McCoy  15:22

Oh, that's great to hear. I mean, it is. And the student athletes love it to be honest. I mean, they love being part of the community and being able to get to know members of the community better.

Larry Clark  15:32

Certainly. Speaking of student athlete experience, we've had some new buildings on campus. Can you talk a little bit about what's happening with the facilities? 

Anne McCoy  15:43

Yeah, absolutely, it's been really an exciting time. And I feel like even though many of these facilities are literally years in the making, relative to planning and fundraising, the timing of them coming online couldn't be any better relative to again, just kind of that continued positive momentum. So the Taylor Sports Complex, the ribbon cutting will be at the homecoming game, and so this fall that will come online for our sports to use, and it replaces the much needed but I feel like much maligned practice facility, which was a great temporary facility that lasted. [the bubble] Exactly. So the Taylor Sports Complex, you know, 100% privately funded through amazingly supportive and generous donors, will be a great space for many of our programs to use. I think a lot of people think of it, oh, you know, for football, but it's football, it's soccer, it's track, it's baseball. I mean, so many of our sports use that facility for a variety of things, you know, whether it be potential air quality considerations in the fall, whether it be, you know, inclement, snowy weather in the winter and spring, it'll be just such an amazing facility. And it is absolutely beautiful. I mean, it looks so much nicer on the outside, certainly, but to walk inside that facility for the first time, even if you'd never been in the bubble, to walk in it for the first time, it just is really it's amazing, like it just has such a great feel, and it's so bright and welcoming and usable that I think the student athletes will really love it. Then the Champion Center will come online in January, and back to our previous conversation about really wanting to care for our student athletes, as you know, whole individuals and people. Really it will help with academic advising and support and mental health services. And we kind of have our student athlete development between that facility and then still some space here in the Bohler Complex, but it's going to be such a great place for all of our athletes to go for really the non-athletic portions of their lives, which will be really terrific and very support based, but also a place that you know, whether it be a computer lab or just spaces, a lounge to go study in. There'll be study rooms and tutor space and the proximity will be terrific, because it's right here, easy access, and we'll bring all of that staff centrally into one space, so that one again, you know, 100% privately funded through really generous supporters. And, yeah, we couldn't be more excited. And I know I feel badly, because I know there are diehard racquetball players out there that were not happy with the racquetball courts coming offline. But I think when people have a chance to see the space and know it is space that is literally going to be used every hour of the day, every day of the week, and really get put to really good use for our student, I think that hopefully people will understand in the end. And just even brightening up that whole corner for campus, I think, with all of the windows and just again, exterior, you know, aesthetics of it, I think it's going to be really exciting all the way around.

Larry Clark  18:56

Those are some exciting changes. What message do you want to get out to Cougar Nation?

Anne McCoy  19:02

Oh boy, you know, first of all, thank you. Honestly, Cougar Nation is amazing. And I feel like through some dark times and just some unknown times, a lot of folks have really just stayed the course and continue to buy season tickets or individual game tickets and continue to donate and just generally continue to be supportive. So my first thought or reaction that comes to mind is, thank you. But then honestly, too, like we need everybody more than ever, because I also realize there's some folks that are waiting to see kind of what happens or where things land, or are disillusioned with college athletics generally, or want to wait and see you know who's going to be in the conference, or some of these sorts of things. And what we've been trying to tell people is, is the best way we can really ensure a bright future for Washington State athletics is to be involved now when that foundation is going to continue to be laid, and you know, it's to be able to tune into the broadcast so we get great viewership numbers, which helps our media value later and to continue to support not only athletics, but any programs at Washington State that people feel passionate about. But I mean, just really, to not be on the proverbial sidelines. That right now, more than ever, we feel like people left us kind of behind in the Pac-12, but the worst thing that can happen is for us to leave ourselves behind. I feel like a little bit and so that's what I want to be sure people continue to be invested, involved, and excited, because a lot of people are still working really hard, I think, for all the things that make being a Cougar great. 

Larry Clark  20:34

Well, thank you for that. Yeah, I totally agree. We don't want to be on the sidelines. Feels like we have some really good momentum going in this year. 

Anne McCoy  20:43

I agree. I mean, I feel like people feel kind of a renewed sense of like, this is the next chapter. Like this is really again, kind of a tumultuous year, a lot of uncertainty, but boy, now we know, and the fall has started. And you know, we got to look forward to this fall, unlike last fall, and we really got to do what we love to do, and, you know, around athletics, which is, you know, celebrate our fall sports and get ready for the winter sports and look forward to the spring sports and just see people come together. And it's exciting. I feel like there really is a good excitement and energy, which makes my heart happy. 

Larry Clark  21:16

I agree. You know, it does feel like there's, you know, a lot going on. Is there anything else that you're really excited about in the next year, two years?

Anne McCoy  21:27

Boy, that's a good question. More than anything, I think I'm just excited to continue building on the momentum that you know we're seeing right now. And so I think that there's not one particular thing necessarily. I think it's just, honestly, it's a little like persevering and in two years, maybe having some people go, “Wow, like, look at Washington State go, you know.” So I think for me, as maybe nebulous as that sounds, that's what would I would look forward to or be excited about, as opposed to people talking about all the two schools left behind, or we're working on this new conference, or whatever. I think, at the end of the day, for people to go, wow, Washington State, really, you know, stuck to who they were and leaned in on everything that was great, and have something amazing to show for it.

Larry Clark  22:16

Thanks so much for your time today and for talking to me. 

Anne McCoy  22:21

Of course. I'm happy to happy to anytime and Go Cougs. 

Larry Clark  22:25

Go Cougs!

[music]

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The press conference audio at the beginning is courtesy of WSU Athletics. 

Our podcast music is by WSU emeritus professor and composer Greg Yasinitsky.