USD Magazine Spring 2017

TORERO  ATHLETICS

Ky Snyder was recently promoted to vice president for operations and chief operations officer.

IT’S ABOUT THE PEOPLE [ c o n n e c t i o n s ] Ky Snyder looks back on 13 years as USD athlet ic director

Q :

Can you specify a relationship that was particularly meaningful?

A:

Of a high profile, one would be Josh Johnson.

[Johnson was a USD record- setting quarterback, who this season played for the New York Giants, his seventh NFL team.] Here was a scrawny young man who came from a rough background. His speech at his final football banquet had everybody crying. He was talking to his mother and he said, “I could never figure out why you would fall asleep at traffic lights. And now it’s dawned on me: It’s because you worked three jobs to help put me through USD.” He said, “Mom, it was worth it.” Josh and his cousin [former Seahawks running back Mar- shawn Lynch] built a youth foundation in Oakland. Our campus talks about Changemakers? Well, there’s a Changemaker.

DONALD CARLTON

There was a surfboard hanging from the wall behind Ky Snyder’s desk, a Vince Lombardi poster adorning another wall, a hard hat to wear when touring campus construction. But after nearly two decades in the USD athletic department, the past 13 years as athletic director, Snyder will be donning a different hat. Late last summer, Snyder was promoted: He is now USD’s vice president for operations and chief operating officer. Before starting the next chapter, Snyder looked back at his tenure as athletic director.

Q:

On the flip side, what are some of your

disappointments?

A:

Just not getting things done that we wanted

Q:

A:

First, I would just go to relationships. That’s

I don’t remember the scores of games, not even this season. I feel sorry for people who judge success by a moment in time. It’s the arc of learning where the success really stems from.

USD won 36 conference championships and ad-

to accomplish. There are facili- ties that still need to be built, operating budgets that need to be improved. There are more championships to be won.

what this business is all about. Relationships with the student- athletes. And now, relationships with them as alumni. Games?

vanced to the NCAA playoffs 62 times under your watch. What accomplishments make you most proud?

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