ST. PAUL, Minn. – The St. Catherine University athletic department is proud to announce several staff promotions and department shifts for the 2025-26 academic year. These changes reflect St. Kate's ongoing commitment to supporting student-athletes through the changing demands of the collegiate athletic landscape and to ensure the department is in a strong position for future growth.
Athletic Director Eric Stacey added, "I am excited for these important structural changes and well deserved promotions. We are very lucky to have a strong group of staff and coaches, and I know these shifts will put our department in a great position moving forward"
Madge Makowske has been promoted to Deputy Athletic Director. In this role, Makowske will oversee all head coaches and each program's day-to-day operations. Makowske will continue to manage corporate sponsors, maintain department operations with NCAA compliance, and serve on university leadership teams.
"I am excited for this new opportunity, and I have been fortunate to work with colleagues who are collaborative yet also challenge me to grow", said Makowske. It has been rewarding to watch all the success and progress, knowing that I have had an impact and get to help in what comes next."
Makowske's role has spanned a wide spectrum of responsibilities throughout her tenure, serving in multiple capacities within the university, the MIAC conference, and nationally. She is helping shape the next generation of athletic administrators as she is currently serving as a mentor for the MIAC intern. She also serves on the NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship Committee, advocating for student-athlete academic excellence at the national level. Makowske's promotion is a testament to her nearly three decades of service to St. Kate's. Entering her 29th year with the athletic department, she has been the cornerstone of the university's athletic and academic mission.
Abby Edgar will now join the department's leadership team, where she will spearhead the department's travel and work with the university's operations to maintain the on-site facilities. Edgar will remain the department's medical advisor and the main ATC contact for basketball, volleyball, dance, swimming & diving, and softball.
Lauren Vouk has also taken on a larger role within the athletic training department, working full-time with the cross country, golf, soccer, hockey, track & field, and tennis teams while advancing the partnership with Twin Cities Orthopedic (TCO).
Geno Bullard moves into a new role within the department, focusing on equity and belonging as the athletics diversity and inclusion designee while continuing his work with the basketball team.
Todd Nelson will now serve as the department's admissions liaison, working with the student-athlete tour guides and assisting admissions with prospective student-athletes.
The changes come at a good time as Wildcat Athletics prepares for the upcoming academic year. The department remains committed to fostering excellence both on and off the field, ensuring that student-athletes receive the support they need to succeed academically, athletically, and personally.
