Athletic department under new leadership

Hunter Wallace
Staff Writer

Former Assistant Athletic Director Justin Hoyt has succeeded Kristan Pelletier as the new interim athletic director.

Hoyt became interim director of athletics in September when Kristan stepped down due to personal reasons. Pelletier was not available for a comment on why she left the position.

Hoyt had served previously as assistant director of athletics and sports information director for over five years overseeing media relations, compiling game statistics and marketing Hudson Valley’s 16 NJCAA programs. He currently oversees more than 300 student-athletes and all the NJCAA Region III sports he formerly marketed.

Hoyt also administers the athletic program’s annual budget and supervises all components of the athletic department, including all coaches and staff members.

“Our coaches are the driving force in our student athlete’s overall experience, so it is important to have strong coaches in place that are committed to developing our student athletes as people in the classroom, and in athletics,” said Hoyt in an email interview.

Hoyt realizes the responsibilities that this position entails, and feels he is capable of handling them.

“Luckily, Ms. Pelletier had given me responsibilities to prepare me for this moment. I had taken over as acting director of athletics three years ago when she was on maternity leave, so I was well prepared for all aspects of the position,” said Hoyt.

Hoyt is also confident in his ability to represent the college as interim athletic director.

“It is very important to me to represent [Hudson Valley] and the athletic department in a positive manner. I believe leadership is one of the most important aspects of success and I look forward to leading the athletic department to academic and athletic success,” said Hoyt.

According to Hoyt, he will be making minor changes to the athletic department.

“I won’t be making any major changes to the athletic department, but I have a vision of where I’d like the department to be. We had great success under Ms. Pelletier’s leadership, and I hope to continue to build off of that,” said Hoyt.