Omaha, NE, October 4, 2025

Creighton University has made significant promotions in its athletics department, appointing Lisa Johnson as the head of operations and Mark Reynolds as deputy director. These changes aim to enhance the overall performance of the Bluejays across popular sports such as basketball, baseball, and burgeoning esports. The leadership transitions are focused on improving student-athlete development and community engagement, reflecting the university’s commitment to fostering excellence both on and off the field.

Creighton University Announces Key Leadership Promotions in Athletics

Omaha, NE – Creighton University’s athletics department has promoted two key figures to strengthen its administrative structure. Associate Athletic Director Lisa Johnson now oversees all operations, while veteran coach Mark Reynolds steps into the role of deputy director. These changes, announced recently, aim to enhance the Bluejays’ performance in major sports programs including basketball, baseball, and the growing esports division.

The promotions come at a pivotal time for Creighton athletics, which competes in the BIG EAST Conference. With these new roles, Johnson and Reynolds will focus on improving student-athlete development, recruitment efforts, and community engagement in Omaha. Their leadership is expected to support ongoing facility enhancements at CHI Health Center, home to many Bluejays events.

Under the guidance of Athletic Director Kurt Knapton, the department highlighted the pair’s dedication to fostering success both on and off the field. This includes building stronger ties between the university, local community, and alumni networks. Recent achievements, such as a robust soccer season that earned conference recognition, provide a solid foundation for future growth.

Roles and Responsibilities

Lisa Johnson, previously serving as Associate AD, brings extensive experience in managing day-to-day athletics operations. Her new position allows her to streamline processes across all sports programs. This oversight will cover everything from event coordination to compliance with NCAA regulations, ensuring smooth functionality for teams like men’s and women’s basketball.

Mark Reynolds, a long-time coach within the department, transitions to deputy director. His background in coaching equips him to support strategic initiatives, particularly in competitive sports. Reynolds will contribute to program development, focusing on baseball and emerging areas like esports, which are gaining traction among college athletics nationwide.

Impact on Creighton’s Athletic Programs

These promotions are designed to elevate Creighton’s standing in the BIG EAST Conference. The conference has seen competitive seasons across multiple sports, and Creighton aims to capitalize on this momentum. Basketball remains a flagship program, with both men’s and women’s teams drawing strong crowds at CHI Health Center. Baseball has also shown promise, while esports introduces innovative opportunities for student-athletes interested in digital competitions.

Enhanced recruitment strategies under the new leadership could attract top talent from the Midwest region. Omaha’s central location and the university’s academic reputation make it an appealing destination for prospective athletes. Facility upgrades at CHI Health Center, including modern training spaces, will further support these efforts.

Community and Alumni Response

Alumni and fans in the Omaha area have expressed support for the changes. Many see Johnson and Reynolds as key to sustaining Creighton’s recent successes. The soccer team’s strong performance last season, which included notable conference accolades, has set high expectations. Community ties are a priority, with plans to increase outreach through events and partnerships.

The athletics department’s focus on student-athlete welfare aligns with broader trends in college sports. This includes mental health resources, academic support, and career development programs. By prioritizing these areas, Creighton hopes to retain talent and build a winning culture.

Background on Creighton Athletics

Creighton University, located in Omaha, fields 14 varsity sports as a member of the BIG EAST Conference for most programs. The Bluejays have a rich history of competitive play, particularly in basketball, where they have reached multiple NCAA tournaments. Baseball competes in the Missouri Valley Conference, adding to the department’s diverse portfolio.

The introduction of esports reflects evolving trends in university athletics. This program allows Creighton to engage a new generation of students while expanding its competitive footprint. With these promotions, the department positions itself for long-term success amid increasing demands from conference rivals and national competitions.

The timing of the announcements aligns with the start of several fall sports seasons. As teams prepare for upcoming matches, the leadership changes signal a commitment to excellence. Stakeholders anticipate that these moves will contribute to more victories and stronger community presence in Omaha.

FAQ

Key Features Chart

Feature	Description
Promoted Leaders	Lisa Johnson (Operations Oversight) and Mark Reynolds (Deputy Director)
Aim of Changes	Bolster competitive edge in basketball, baseball, and esports
Focus Areas	Student-athlete success and community ties in Omaha
Recent Success	Building on BIG EAST accolades, including strong soccer season
Facility Plans	Enhanced recruitment and upgrades at CHI Health Center

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