Xavier removes interim label from athletics boss Kendrick

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana’s Pat Kendrick, interim leader of athletics and recreation since January, will continue in that role in the 2023-24 academic year without the interim designation.

In a Thursday email to athletics staff, XULA Vice President Curtis Wright said that Kendrick “has been promoted to permanent Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation, effective July 1, 2023. Coach Kendrick’s leadership over the last six months has been nothing less than spectacular, and I look forward to working alongside her as we continue to grow our athletic footprint.”

Kendrick also will remain as head coach of women’s volleyball — 2023 will be her seventh with the Gold Nuggets — and that staff will grow this season with the hiring of a second full-time assistant.

Kendrick is 133-39 (.773) as the Gold Nuggets’ coach, and each of her teams earned an automatic bid to NAIA nationals.

Kendrick became interim AD Jan. 20 to replace Nathan Cochran, who resigned to become AD at Walsh University.

“I appreciate the confidence that Curtis Wright showed when he appointed me to this position,” Kendrick said. “I look forward to helping Xavier Athletics continue to win championships and to positively develop our student-athletes.”

XULA is a longtime member of the NAIA and is in its third season as a member of the Red River Athletic Conference. XULA won 103 team championships over the last 17 years.

XULA Directors of Intercollegiate Athletics
(interim appointments not included)
Denny Alexander, 1978-90
Felix “Zoo” James, 1990-97
Todd Keller, 1997-2002
Steve Kalbaugh, 2002-04
Dennis Cousin, 2004-13
Jason Horn, 2014-21
Nathan Cochran, 2021-23
Pat Kendrick, 2023-present