DELHI, N.Y. (June 18, 2021) – The SUNY Delhi Athletics Department thanks and wishes Cathy Foto a heartfelt happy and healthy retirement following four memorable years as the college's first Associate Director of Athletics. A college coach and administrator for over 30 years, Foto has served as the Broncos' Associate AD and Senior Woman Administrator since 2017, helping guide the institution through its NCAA Division III transition, which is expected to be completed in time for the 2021-22 year.
Along the way, Foto helped usher in the Broncos' new and exciting era that began with the program's successful NCAA exploratory year in 2017-18, leading to an invitation for NCAA provisional membership. SUNY Delhi established its new conference home in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC), while most of the college's 19 athletics programs captured conference championships or playoff appearances. But perhaps most memorably from Foto's run at SUNY Delhi was the relationships she harbored in the campus community. You'd be hard-pressed to find a face on campus that isn't familiar with Cathy Foto, nor ever turned down the opportunity to work with her.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time at SUNY Delhi and the professional opportunities that it provided," said Foto. "I had the chance to work with a group of amazing people inside the athletic department who have a tremendous work ethic and are dedicated to providing the best student-athlete experience possible. The people I got to know beyond athletics could not have been more supportive of the vision our department had as it elevated to NCAA Division III membership. I have always hoped that I would retire loving what I do and SUNY Delhi has allowed me to do that."
"On behalf of SUNY Delhi and the entire Athletics Department, we want to wish Cathy the very best in well-deserved retirement after her lengthy successful career in collegiate athletics and most recently her four years of administrative service to SUNY Delhi Athletics," said Director of Athletics Bob Backus. "Her dedication to our student-athletes and their overall experience and her collegiate background and athletics knowledge helped SUNY Delhi successfully transition to full NCAA Division III active membership set to begin in September. Go Broncos!"
Foto came to SUNY Delhi in 2017 following a 28-year run as the Head Field Hockey Coach at Colgate University. She spent her first ten years also serving as the Head Women's Lacrosse Coach, then joining the administrative staff for her last ten, first as Assistant AD and finally Associate AD. Foto began many initiatives and programs in preparation for SUNY Delhi's move to NCAA Division III. She oversaw the development of the Athletic Training office that has grown to include two full-time trainers and integrating the college's Health and Wellness Center to include a NCAA Health Care Administrator. Foto took the lead on student internship programs to create more athletics work opportunities for SUNY Delhi students. She started the Junior Bronco Club, inviting youth from the community to SUNY Delhi athletics contests throughout the year. Foto was instrumental in the creation of the Faculty Liaison Program, assigning faculty members to serve as mentors and academic advisors to select athletic programs.
A longtime resident of Morris, N.Y., Foto was a field hockey student-athlete at Ithaca College. A two-time All-American, she led the Bombers to the 1982 NCAA championship and remains the school record holder in career points (220), goals (75), and assists (70). Foto was inducted into the Ithaca College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989. After graduating from Ithaca with her degree in Physical Education, Foto taught and coached high school at Waterville Central and Newark Valley before entering the college ranks as a graduate assistant coach at SUNY Cortland, where she earned her Master's in Education. Foto then spent one season on the coaching staff at Ohio State.
Foto's retirement plans include spending time with her partner Anna Meyer, a fellow recently-retired field hockey coach from Hartwick College, and taking their boat out near their waterfront home in Connecticut.
Messages of Thanks!
"'I don't ever say a final goodbye. I always just say, "I'll see you down the road." And I do.' - Bob (Nomadland). Hasta pronto (see you soon)" – Dr. Tomás Aguirre
"I want to wish Cathy Foto a Happy Retirement! She brought so many valuable aspects of her personality to the campus. She always had a smile on her face which would make anyone smile. Thank you for your dedication to the athletic department and SUNY Delhi. Congratulations and Best Wishes!" – George Spielman
"It is going to be very difficult to replace Cathy. Her energy and enthusiasm for everything she does made her the perfect candidate for the job. She was an instrumental part of getting SUNY Delhi into the NCAA and she never let the roadblocks that appeared get in the way. Cathy is a genuine caring person who brought out the best in everyone she met. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her as the FAR, a role that she helped me develop. I will certainly miss her as a colleague and as a friend. Enjoy that lake!" – Barbara Sturdevant
"The college and athletic staff have been fortunate to have your influence and professionalism during an exciting transition into NCAA athletics. Personally, I am appreciative of your guidance, insight, and most especially your friendship. Wishing you the best!" – Dave Arehart
"Cathy was such an incredible asset to the college over the last four years. She was a relentless advocate for our coaching staff and student-athletes with a complete focus on improving the experience for all involved. Her energy and enthusiasm every day was contagious. I would like to thank Cathy for all she did, but above all for making sure everyone felt total support as we all worked towards our common goals!" – Robb Munro
"There are truly no words that could explain how much of an impact Cathy has on everything and everyone she encounters. Her dedication, resourcefulness and guidance has been inimitable within the department. We are all truly going to miss you! Thank you for everything Cathy and congratulations!" – Aiden McRoberts
"Coach Bracchy and the Lady Broncos Volleyball program would like to thank Cathy Foto for her amazing devotion, support, and love during her time at SUNY Delhi!" – Beau Bracchy
"Cathy! Thank you for being an awesome mentor! I'm so incredibly thankful that I was able to work alongside you and get to know you. Enjoy retirement!" – Jake Robinson '21
"Congratulations Cathy! SUNY Delhi is appreciative and grateful for all the hard work you have put in to elevating the Athletics Department with your electric energy, family-oriented style, and unwavering Bronco pride! We are a better institution, and division because of your tremendous efforts to see us thrive. Forever a Bronco!" – Elizabeth Hoyt
"Congratulations Cathy. Thank you for all the hard work and support over the years. I wish you and Anna the very best life has to offer!" – Michael Del Rosario
"On behalf of Residence Life, best wishes in retirement. Thank you for all that you have done in advancing Delhi's athletics program is NCAA." – Jason Fishner
"Cathy, thank you so much for the impact you made on our campus. It was a pleasure working with you. I will never forget how we 'closed the loop.' Enjoy the next chapter." – Lou Reyes
"Cathy - To one of the best people who've worked in Athletics. You embodied hard work and optimism - thank you for bringing such joy to the office. You'll be missed, but not forgotten. Happy Retirement!" – Lynn Oles
"Thanks for always being Considerate, Attentive, Thoughtful, Helpful, and Youthful!! Enjoy every moment of your retirement. You deserve it." – Christina Viafore
"Not only a storybook career but more importantly a legendary person at heart! It takes a tremendous amount of sacrifice and grace to do what you have done for so long with such unwavering passion. The precedent you have set is one that we as Broncos will continue to follow. Thank you for all that you do and now it is time to enjoy the retirement life!" – EJ Reutemann
"Congratulations on your retirement, Cathy! We always appreciated your enthusiasm for SUNY Delhi and we loved when you would bring Blaze to come play with us! �� We wish you all the best, enjoy retirement!" ❤️ Julia Lang & Nick Preston
"Cathy, on your retirement for the dedication and hard work, you deserve the best retirement ever. Enjoy your new journey of your life. Cherish every moment and have fun. Best of luck in life's journey." – John Kolodziej
"Cathy, it has been a distinct pleasure working with you over the past few years. Your energy and enthusiasm is contagious and working on projects with you is always fun. Thanks for being such a hard worker and being willing to partner up on some cool events. I wish you the very best for your retirement. Enjoy, have fun, and relax. You have earned it for sure. You will be missed!" – Larry Mannolini
"To an energetic, motivating and simply amazing women who has kept the athletic department working together as a super team. When you first arrived it was truly like a breath of fresh air sweeping through campus. The seemingly instant positive transformation brought to the athletic department clearly did not go unnoticed. Your presence was just what the department needed to survive during the challenging years that followed. The fact that you were always willing to solve problems by closely listing, being supportive and offering words of encouragement to colleagues to do their very best work definitely stands out. So a huge THANK YOU, Cathy, for being an excellent example of a great leader. You have set a high foundational standard for the department and as well as for future women leaders across campus. Your presence has made SUNY Delhi a better place to work! It has been a pleasure and honor to have known and worked with you. Sincere congratulations and best wishes in your well-deserved retirement." – Naomi Benjamin
"Congratulations Cathy! I have enjoyed working with you and will miss you and your cheer!" – Tracey Stefanelli
