The Untold Story of... Lori Anctil

1. This summer, I checked a big item off my bucket list by attending the Olympic Games in France. We witnessed thrilling soccer, basketball, and beach volleyball events while visiting five incredible countries: Spain, France, Monaco, Belgium, and England.
2. My first job out of college was at Siena, where I wore many hats: academic athletic advisor, assistant women's soccer coach, compliance assistant, and SAAC advisor. Even after nearly 25 years, I still keep in touch with many of the student-athletes, coaches, and administrators I met during my first few years at the college.
3. I always envisioned myself as an attorney. I was accepted into two law programs in south Florida, where I dreamt of always being warm while surrounded by palm trees and beaches. I was trying to choose my law school based on potential opportunities to work within their athletic departments. I soon realized that wasn't making much sense. During my senior year of college, I attended a luncheon where I serendipitously sat next to one of the college vice presidents. After hearing about my goals and passion for athletics, he recommended a graduate program that perfectly aligned with my love for college sports. From that moment, my journey in athletics administration took off. I've been on a college campus since I was 18 years old.
4. As a student-athlete and athletic administrator, I've had the privilege of visiting 26 states and two countries. I competed against powerhouse programs like Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, and Boston College as a Division I soccer player at the University of Buffalo. One of my proudest moments was winning a national championship with the Long Island Lady Riders in the USL W-League, a semi-professional women's soccer league.
5. A significant milestone in my career came in August 2019, when I achieved my goal of becoming a college athletic director. As the last athletic director at The College of Saint Rose, I proudly served our Golden Knight student-athletes, coaches, and fellow administrators until March of this year, always prioritizing their needs and striving to create a positive and supportive environment.
6. Nate proposed to me on top of Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Thankfully, I said yes without slipping into the crater! We've been happily married for 13 years. Our wedding, officiated by former Siena College President Fr. Kevin Mullen, took place on July 9, 2011-the same day Derek Jeter went five-for-five and hit a home run for his 3,000th hit. It was an unforgettable day in more ways than one!
7. I am a devoted wife and mom. My husband Nate and I live in Delmar with our two wonderful children-11-year-old Madilyn and 8-year-old Jacob. Family is everything to me, and I cherish the love and adventure we share.
8. I have a sarcastic sense of humor, which can sometimes get the better of me-depending on the company! I enjoy making people laugh and can find humor in many simple ways. Life's experiences have taught me to appreciate every blessing and live with gratitude.
9. In June of 2020, after enduring the long months of Covid shutdowns, we decided to welcome Luna Bella Rosalina into our family-a fun-loving, always joyful cat who brings endless happiness to our lives. She even enjoys dressing up and going for walks with us! We specifically wanted a unique-looking, grumpy-faced cat and found our perfect match in Luna.
10. One of the most humbling and rewarding moments of my life was delivering the eulogy at the funeral of my dear friend, Louis Orr, on December 30, 2022, in Cincinnati. Louis, who coached our Siena's men's basketball team in 2000-2001, became not only my boss when he brought me to Seton Hall University as director of basketball operations, but also one of my closest friends. Louis had an eight-year career in the NBA, with six of those years spent with the New York Knicks, and his jersey was retired at Syracuse alongside current Siena Head Coach Gerry McNamara. Louis was a devoted husband, father, coach and friend to many. His kindness, humility, and devotion to God and family set the perfect example and left a lasting legacy for us all.

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