New Leadership Lineup at Athletics Helm

February 06, 2024

With recent retirements and departures across Anoka-Ramsey athletics, new leadership is blazing a trail forward for the Golden Ram student-athletes across the eight collegiate athletics. At the front of the herd is Jessica Pelzel, who accepted the promotion to Director of Athletics and Health and Wellness Center in fall 2022. Pelzel is well-known across the Golden Ram community since she previously served as assistant and head coach of Women’s Basketball and Interim Athletic Coordinator as well as an instructor in the Health, Physical Education and Exercise Science Department. “It’s an exciting time for our athletic programs,” Pelzel says.

“As a department we strive to create an environment that encourages the pursuit of excellence in the classroom and on the field/court, empowering our student-athletes to become well-rounded individuals.”

Fundraising events and sponsorships that support athletics are part of the new approach Pelzel has initiated. She often places student-athletes at the forefront of organizing these activities which provide leadership opportunities for student-athletes outside of their role is sports. The newly formed Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is the student led group in charge of these initiatives.

“I am working with our coaching staff to help them to provide comprehensive support, mentoring and guidance to our student-athletes.”

Fundraising events and sponsorships that support athletics are part of the new approach Pelzel has initiated. She often places student-athletes at the forefront of organizing these activities which provide leadership opportunities for student-athletes outside of their role in sports. The newly-formed Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is the student led group in charge of these initiatives.

“We prioritize our student-athletes’ physical well-being, skill development and mental resilience by fostering an atmosphere conducive to growth and achievement,” Pelzel says. “Ultimately, our aim is to prepare our student-athletes for success beyond their time at our institution, equipping them with the skills, values and experiences that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

“Our goal is to produce not only successful athletes but also responsible citizens who positively contribute to their communities. I think that philosophy will help both our staff and student-athletes understand our goals and know we are committed to making this the best experience possible.”

New Collegiate Sport – Clay Target

The first Clay Target team will begin competing in fall 2024. “This sport will offer our Cambridge-area students an opportunity to have a collegiate sport on the Cambridge campus,” Pelzel says. “Clay target is a co-ed sport and will attract many athletes from the surrounding communities. We are excited to offer a sport solely on the Cambridge campus and hoping it supports enrollment growth.”

Athletic Coaches

Several new coaches are part of Anoka-Ramsey’s successful collegiate athletic teams. They bring extensive amateur and professional experience, familiarity with college’s athletics programs and, in at least one case, legendary status in Minnesota athletics.

• Basketball (Women’s): Samantha Doucette
• Basketball (Men’s): Khalid El-Amin
• Baseball: Jason Saulsbury
• Clay Target: Chris Johnson
• Soccer (Women’s): Ben Harrison
• Soccer (Men’s): TBA
• Softball: Jen Zidar
• Volleyball: Ryan Doolittle

For rosters, schedules and updated news about Anoka-Ramsey Athletics, visit arccgoldenrams.com or follow @ARCC_athletics on social media. 

Anoka-Ramsey Athletics Hall of Fame

The Athletics Hall of Fame celebrates outstanding achievements and contributions. The 2024 Hall of Fame celebration took place in February and honorees include:

• Lisa Boxwell: Athletic Department
• Linda “Klug” Coleman: Women’s Basketball
• Trey Scott: Men’s Basketball
• 1985 Baseball Team

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This feature appeared in the 2024 Anoka-Ramsey Community Newsletter. View a full PDF version of this story and additional pieces.