Notre Dame of Maryland Athletics Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Staff Additions for 2026-27

By Brian Hradsky | Maryland Sports Blog

BALTIMORE — Notre Dame of Maryland University is investing in the future of its athletic department.

Director of Athletics and Wellness Dr. Ashley Wagner announced several key personnel moves ahead of the 2026-27 academic year, promoting experienced leaders while adding a veteran athletic communications professional to help continue the growth of the Gators’ athletic programs. The changes reinforce Notre Dame’s commitment to student-athlete success, competitive excellence, and continued growth across all varsity sports.

The announcements include the promotion of Samantha Whiting to Associate Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Welfare and Athletics Advancement, the hiring of Nick Rackley as Director of Athletic Communications, and full-time appointments for women’s soccer head coach Nathan Rauscher and softball head coach Billy Wilkens.

Samantha Whiting Continues to Rise Through the Gators Ranks

Few people know Notre Dame athletics better than Samantha Whiting.

A former standout Gators student-athlete and former softball coach, Whiting has steadily become one of the department’s most influential administrators. In her expanded role as Associate Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Welfare and Athletics Advancement, she will oversee student-athlete leadership development, academic support initiatives, fundraising efforts, and will serve as the department’s Senior Woman Administrator (SWA).

Whiting has helped strengthen the student-athlete experience by emphasizing leadership, academic achievement, and community involvement. Her promotion reflects both her institutional knowledge and the trust she has earned throughout the department.

Nick Rackley Brings NCAA Division II Experience

The biggest outside addition comes in athletic communications.

Notre Dame hired Nick Rackley as its new Director of Athletic Communications after he spent the past two seasons directing media relations at Angelo State University, one of the nation’s premier NCAA Division II athletic programs.

Rackley previously served as Angelo State’s Assistant Director of Athletic Communications before being promoted, where he managed media coverage, statistics, social media, live streaming, and championship communications for numerous nationally ranked programs.

His experience covering nationally competitive athletic programs should help increase exposure for Notre Dame’s student-athletes through improved storytelling, digital media, and social media engagement.

Nathan Rauscher Earns Full-Time Appointment

The university also rewarded one of its rising coaches.

Nathan Rauscher has been elevated to a full-time position while remaining the head coach of the women’s soccer program.

Rauscher took over the Gators in 2023 and has steadily improved the program. During the 2025 season, Notre Dame qualified for the United East Conference Tournament, advancing to the conference quarterfinals and continuing the program’s upward trajectory.

His promotion demonstrates the university’s confidence in the direction of the women’s soccer program and its belief that continued stability will produce even greater success.

Billy Wilkens Rewarded After Playoff Season

The softball program also received recognition.

After having the interim label removed prior to last season, Billy Wilkens completed his first full year as Notre Dame’s head softball coach.

Wilkens guided the Gators back to the United East Conference Tournament, finishing 6-9 in conference play while helping establish a foundation for future success. The postseason appearance represented another positive step for a program looking to become a consistent conference contender.

His leadership, player development, and ability to keep the Gators competitive earned him the opportunity to continue building the program.

Dr. Ashley Wagner Continues Building the Department

Since taking over the athletic department, Dr. Ashley Wagner has focused on strengthening every aspect of Notre Dame athletics.

These latest staffing moves continue that philosophy by rewarding proven leaders from within while bringing experienced professionals to Baltimore who can help elevate the department academically, competitively, and administratively.

The combination of promotions and strategic hiring reflects a long-term vision centered around student-athlete development.

Looking Ahead

As Notre Dame prepares for the 2026-27 academic year, these personnel moves position the department for continued growth.

Whiting’s promotion strengthens student-athlete support services. Rackley’s addition enhances the department’s communications efforts. Rauscher and Wilkens provide continuity for two programs trending upward.

Together, the four appointments represent another important step in Notre Dame of Maryland University’s commitment to building one of the premier NCAA Division III athletic departments in the region.

Sources

1. Notre Dame of Maryland Athletics – Notre Dame Athletics Announces New Hires for 2026-27 Academic Year
2. Notre Dame of Maryland University News – Staff announcement and athletics update.
3. Angelo State University Athletics – Nick Rackley athletic communications background.
4. Notre Dame of Maryland Athletics Staff Directory.
5. United East Conference women’s soccer records and postseason information.
6. United East Conference softball standings and postseason information.
7. Notre Dame of Maryland University Athletics official website.