Baseball coaching endowment celebrates longtime staff member

With a gift from an anonymous donor family, a newly endowed assistant coach position will pay tribute to a longtime staff member and help the program retain and recruit the best coaching staff.  

The position is named in honor of Kathy Wolff, an administrative associate for more than two decades to Stanford’s baseball and women’s volleyball programs. Thomas Eager will be the inaugural Kathy Wolff Assistant Baseball Coach.

Often considered the “heart and soul” of the baseball program, Wolff was hired as an administrative assistant in the marketing department in 1985. The native of Palo Alto began working with the baseball program in 1987, later adding administrative duties with the women's volleyball program.

“Kathy was at the center of Stanford Baseball for decades and influenced both the program and the department at large with her warmth and enthusiasm,” said Bernard Muir, the Jaquish & Kenninger Director of Athletics. “We are grateful to the donors for supporting the baseball program and recognizing Kathy's contributions.”

One of the anonymous donors added, “Kathy impacted the lives of everyone associated with Stanford Baseball for many years. I am glad to honor someone who is and was an integral part of the program with this gift.”

Wolff, who saw the Cardinal win two national championships during her first two seasons with the program, helped coordinate 11 trips to the College World Series in Omaha. The beloved member of the Stanford Baseball family was busy coordinating another College World Series trip when she passed away on June 11, 2008. The Cardinal honored Wolff that year by wearing “KW” patches on its sleeves throughout the College World Series run.

“Kathy Wolff means so much to me and the Stanford Baseball family,” said David Esquer, ’87, the Clarke and Elizabeth Nelson Director of Baseball. “What a tribute to her memory to have a coaching position endowed in her name. Her love, loyalty and service to Stanford Baseball were immeasurable, and I am looking forward to hearing our assistant coach introduced at each home game with Kathy's name as part of the title.”

In addition to helping the program recruit and retain the best coaching staff, the endowed assistant coaching position recognizes the influence that Wolff still has on the athletics department today. Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER) annually recognizes a staff member with the Kathy Wolff Award for best exemplifying her spirit—a passion for Stanford and an ongoing desire to help and support his/her colleagues. In the week leading up to baseball season every year, the athletics department celebrates Cake Week—a time when staff members are encouraged to continue Wolff's tradition of bringing in baked goods to enjoy together.

“Words cannot fully express what Kathy meant to Stanford Baseball,” said former head baseball coach Mark Marquess.  “Over her years with the program, her love for the Cardinal and dedication to the team were evident every day.  Having the assistant coaching position endowed in her honor is a wonderful celebration of her contributions and ensures that her memory will remain alive forever at Stanford.”

This story originally appeared on Go Stanford.