Saint Joseph’s Hires Ash Puri Away From La Salle

One athletic director position opening closed in the City of Brotherly Love on Monday, May 4… and another opened.

Saint Joseph’s University has its new vice president and director of athletics, with the Hawks announcing the hiring of Ashwin “Ash” Puri in that role. Puri will assume the position on Tuesday, May 26, taking the baton from former Hawks’ athletic director Jill Bodensteiner, who departed to lead the Horizon League in April.

Formerly of La Salle, where he served as vice president and director of athletics beginning in July 2023, Puri’s resume includes stints with Villanova, Cal and the Oakland Athletics. He graduated from UMass Amherst in 2001, earning a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management. Saint Joseph’s will introduce Puri in a May 18 press conference at Hagan Arena.

“I have long admired Saint Joseph’s – its mission, its values, the way it develops student-athletes both in competition and in life. So, when this opportunity arose, it felt like a natural fit,” Puri said in the Hawks’ official press release. “I’m excited to bring energy, passion and a deep commitment to this role. There is a strong foundation here, and I look forward to building on it alongside St. Joe’s student-athletes and staff.”

Longtime Philadelphia Big 5 head coach Fran Dunphy, who coached the Explorers under Puri and spent three decades between the University of Pennsylvania and Temple, gave Puri a ringing endorsement.

“I enjoyed working with Ash as the head coach at La Salle and in my role as Special Assistant to the President,” Dunphy said. “Ash is a great partner, leader and friend. I am happy for him and his family as he continues his journey in Philadelphia at St. Joe’s.”