Gretchen LeVan is entering her seventh year as the Director of Athletics at the University of Valley Forge. Prior to becoming the helm of the department, LeVan served as the Senior Associate Athletic Director for five years.
Stepping into her new role in January 2017, LeVan re-branded the department with creating a new mission statement, vision statement, and pillars of stability, as well as developing the Patriot Way, a student-athlete handbook.
Leading the department in the midst of a transition period, LeVan piloted the Patriots in becoming a core member of the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) on July 1, 2020. Prior to earning core member status, Valley Forge was an associate member of the CSAC for baseball only. In the other nine varsity sports, Valley Forge was an active member of the American Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA), and the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). In the fall of 2023, the Colonial States Athletic Conference joined forces with another conference and became the United East.Â
LeVan is credited for the establishment of the athletic recruitment strategy, the Patriot All-Academic Team, and the addition of Men’s Volleyball as a varsity sport in 2021. LeVan also developed the creation of two club sports, Men's and Women's Outdoor Track & Field.
Under her leadership, the importance of the full student-athlete experience has increased. In Fall 2018, the athletic department notched a 3.24 GPA, the highest in department history. Â
In February 2020, LeVan oversaw the redesign of the athletics website.
In 2008, LeVan graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. LeVan continued her education at Bloomsburg University, graduating with a Master of Science in Athletic Training in Spring 2009.
Before her venture to Steel City, LeVan attended the University of Valley Forge (2003-2005), where she received an Associates of Art in Bible. During her time at Valley Forge, LeVan was a two-year starter on the Women’s Soccer team, receiving the Most Valuable Player award both seasons. LeVan holds the most career goals scored in Patriot history with 24 goals. In addition to soccer, LeVan was a member of the Women’s Basketball team, where she led the team in both assists and steals. As a Patriot, LeVan tabbed a spot on the NCCAA All-Conference and All-Region team. LeVan was also awarded Co-Most Valuable Player, as well as being the recipient of the prestigious O.L. Harrup Award in her final year.
See Head Women's Basketball Coach
