The Haverford College Athletic Department would like to congratulate Bonnie McAllister on her retirement from the College after 38 years. Working as the assistant to the athletic director, Bonnie has played a vital – but often unseen – role in all of the department's athletic success during that time.
Every student-athlete, coach, and administrator who has been associated with the athletic department has relied on Bonnie for assistance. Whenever a question arises in the department, it is never long before an "ask Bonnie" comment can be heard. Her responsibilities were seemingly endless with scheduling, transportation, hotel accommodations, and official assignments among her many duties. She has also been instrumental in organizing Haverford's MacIntosh, Ambler, Senior Awards, and Hall of Achievement banquets.
Notes about Haverford Athletics when Bonnie arrived in April of 1979
- Female athletes were competing with Bryn Mawr, giving Haverford only 10 of the current varsity teams (the 12 women's sports, along with men's squash, all became varsity during her time)
- Tom Donnelly (men's cross country; track & field) and Kamran Khan (cricket) were the only current head coaches employed at that time
- Haverford was competing in the Middle Atlantic Conference as the Centennial Conference would not exist for another 14 years
Numbers at Haverford since Bonnie's arrival in April 1979
- 292: Times a student-athlete was named to an All-America team
- 260: Times Haverford has been represented at national championships
- 133: Conference championships won
- 69: Head coaches who have worked with Bonnie across Haverford's now 23 varsity sports
- 29: NCAA Postgraduate Scholars
- 29: National championships won (2010 men's cross country team, 27 individual, 1 relay)
Asked what stands out most about working in the Haverford athletic department, she said: "All the wonderful people I have met and the lasting friendships I have made over the years. Most of all feeling so lucky to have worked in athletics with Dana Swan, Greg Kannerstein, & Wendy Smith and all our staff who made my job the best place on campus."
Thank you for everything Bonnie! We are going to miss you!