SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Longtime college administrator Bob De Carolis has announced his retirement after 47 years in the industry. He has been with Santa Clara the last three years after long stints at Oregon State and Michigan.
With the Broncos, De Carolis oversaw internal operations, which include academics, the business office, compliance, sports medicine, sports performance, and student-athlete services.
"To borrow the sentiment of Yankee great Lou Gehrig's 'today I feel like the luckiest man on the face of the earth,' is not something to toss around lightly," De Carolis said. "For a kid out of South Philly who just wanted a job in sports to become associated in the athletics industry for 47 years, and to experience the multitude of events - national championship seasons, Heisman Trophy winners, heartbreaking nail-biting hail mary-type finishes - this journey has been amazing and remarkable. To have a job that never really felt like a job, and to work side by side with world class student-athletes, staff, donors and friends of the program to make life in the athletic world was truly satisfying. Now, to have that story play out you need a special team of great supporters to pull it off. At the top of my list is my spouse, Sandra, who was always there to lend a steady hand, sound advice and an occasional kick in the pants. So I want to give a special shoutout to Sandra and all the support I have received from her and the rest of the team over the years. As I go on in this new journey in life, I wonder if I can mitigate the kicks to feel like take number four."
At Oregon State, De Carolis was the director of athletics for 13 years and spent a total of 17 years in Corvallis. Some of his notable achievements while leading the Beavers included:
• 'Raising Reser' campaign to expand the football stadium which generated $33 million
• Built 35,000-square-foot basketball practice facility
• Collaborated with University leadership to build a 30,000-square-foot academic center
• Increased strength and conditioning facility by 15,000 square feet
• Developed and executed a program to eliminate a $12.5 million deficit in five years
Known by friends and family as 'Bobby D', he started his collegiate journey as a softball coach at Michigan from 1981-84 and remained with the Wolverines until 1998 when he was the senior associate AD.
De Carolis and his wife Sandra (Michigan '83) have three adult daughters: Lyndsay (Michigan '11) and twins Lauren (Wisconsin '15) and Hayley (Cal Poly '15).
Santa Clara Athletics wants to express our sincere gratitude for everything Bob did throughout his tenure with the Broncos. Read on for some comments from some of Bob's Santa Clara colleagues that know him best.
Renee Baumgartner, Director of Athletics
"Santa Clara Athletics has been so fortunate to have Bob De Carolis on our team. His 47 years of experience made us better. Bob has worked tirelessly over the years to enhance the student-athletes, coaches, and staff's experience, and has had a tremendous impact on all of our lives. We wish him only the best in his retirement!"
Gina Carbonatto, Head Softball Coach
"I am beyond lucky to have had Bob in my corner as a first-time head softball coach. His successful career began as a humble softball coach, continued as a dedicated administrator, and although coming to a close this year, his humor, expertise and calming presence will live on forever within the enormous number of coaches and staff he's deeply impacted. I will miss talking softball strategy with him, and also hearing his stories. Bobby D, you're the best!"
Cody Johnson, Associate Athletic Director, Development
"Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I among many others idolized Bob for his leadership at Oregon State and the amazing achievements he stewarded on the biggest stage of college athletics. Santa Clara University is so fortunate to have gained Bob's expertise these past few years, and the lasting impact he has made for our coaches and student-athletes will reverberate on campus for years to come."
Carlos Garcia, Associate Athletic Director, Marketing and Fan Engagement
"Bobby D has made such a tremendous impact on so many individuals in our industry, myself included. What I've always admired about Bob is how genuine he is in everything he does. Bob is 100 percent himself every moment of every day and that makes him so easy to follow. Thank you for being such an amazing role model to me and many others. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement. You have earned it, my friend."
Jessica Everhart, Senior Associate Athletic Director, Academics, Compliance and Student Services
"I personally believe Bob's kindness is one of his biggest contributions to our athletics department when we needed it the most while navigating complex issues surrounding a global pandemic and vast changes to the NCAA and higher education landscape."
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