An Eagle Steps Up

Monica Jaenicke, athlete, alumna and sports communicator, will lead EWU Athletics’ outreach.

Over the course of his 31-year career at Eastern, Sports Information Director Dave Cook became the omnipresent go-to for all-things Eagles. After Cook announced his retirement earlier this year, his long-time assistant, Monica Jaenicke ’14, stepped up to fill the void. This October she was named Cook’s permanent successor.

Jaenicke’s new job will come with a new title, assistant athletic director for communications. In the role she will work under Todd McGann, who was recently elevated to interim deputy athletic director for external operations, in directing media and public outreach for all 14 of Eastern Washington’s athletics programs. Jaenicke has served as the assistant director for communications for the past four-and-a-half years.

“Monica is a very talented writer with a solid grasp on the various and ever-changing media platforms that intercollegiate athletics must address,” says EWU Athletic Director Lynn Hickey. 

“She has established relationships with our local and Big Sky media partners, and as an EWU alum and former Eagle student-athlete, she will be a great asset as we continue to build our communications office.” 

Before joining Eastern’s professional staff, Jaenicke — who, like Cook, is a talented distance runner — worked as an undergraduate student assistant in the sports information office. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in communications, and was a Big Sky Conference All-Academic honoree in each of the four years in which she competed with Eastern’s cross country, and track and field teams. Jaenicke also holds a master’s degree in sports management from Western Illinois University. 

“I am looking forward to continuing to give back and publicize what our student-athletes and department are accomplishing in and out of competition,” Jaenicke said after accepting her new gig. “I would not be in this position today without my friend and mentor, Dave Cook. I am thankful for all he taught me and am committed to continuing his efforts.”