Apr 16, 2014 08:58 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Mollie Marcoux, a 1991 graduate of Princeton University, has been selected as the new Athletic Director, effective Aug.4.

During her college days, Marcoux was two-sport standout (soccer and ice hockey) at Princeton. For the past 19 years, the Princeton graduate served as the executive vice president and executive director with Chelsea Piers. She will be the first woman AD in the school's history.

"I have to say it is such a pleasure to be back on campus," Marcoux said. "This is just the most special honor that has ever been given to me. Thank you for affording me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "Re-engaging with the Princeton community throughout this process has been both motivating and humbling," New Jersey reports.

Princeton University president Christopher L. Eisgruber is confident of Marcoux to lead the school's athletic department.

"Princeton has a proud and distinguished history of excellence in athletics and a deep respect for the powerful impact that athletics can have on the education and character of the students who participate," Eisgruber said in a statement. "I am confident that Millie Marcoux will build on these traditions and values and provide strong leadership for all of our varsity, club and recreational programs."

Bob Surace, 1990 graduate of Princeton and head football coach, said that as a student athlete, Marcoux was known as the Tasmanian Devil and had the potential to beat any guys in golf. The university could not have hired a more qualified person than her, he said.

Mitch Henderson, a 1998 Princeton grad and the head men's basketball, said that Marcoux emerged as the right candidate for the job during the search process. She exemplifies principles important to the University. "We're really happy to have her."

Marcoux, an undergraduate History major, was named Ivy League Rookie of the Year in 1988 and earned a place in the Ivy League's Silver Anniversary ice hockey team 1999.

Following graduation, Marcoux served in a variety of roles including assistant AD, assistant dean of admissions and coach of soccer and ice hockey at The Lawrenceville School.

Marcoux succeeds AD Gary Walters, who decided to retire after serving for 20 years.

 "I'm truly awed by the quality of coaches that Gary has hired," Marcoux said. "I'm not alone in believing that Princeton has the best coaches in the Ivy League, and I would argue in (all of) college sports.

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