ELSAH, IL – Following a competitive national search, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Ramiro "Coach Ro" Dominguez as Principia College's new Athletics Director.
With more than three decades of experience, Coach Ro is a nationally recognized coach and educator. He founded and led the Players First Basketball Organization for 32 years, guiding teams to national titles and mentoring countless student-athletes.
Since joining Principia College in 2020 as head women's basketball coach, he has taken the program to historic heights, including their first-ever SLIAC Championship and a 2025 NCAA Tournament appearance. Building on that success, he advanced into administrative leadership – first as Assistant Athletics Director in 2023 and then as Senior Associate Athletics Director – where he strengthened program management, enhanced student support, and guided key facility upgrades. His coaching achievements have been recognized nationally through such honors as 2025 Division III Women's Coach of the Year from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association and SLIAC Coach of the Year in 2023.
Since stepping into the Interim Athletics Director role in August, Coach Ro has shown exceptional leadership, combining strategic vision with genuine care for students and staff. His approach reflects Principia's mission, emphasizing the development of the whole student—intellectually, socially, morally, spiritually, and physically. During his tenure as Interim Athletics Director, he earned widespread praise for listening, engaging stakeholders, and building consensus around the future of athletics at the College.
As Athletics Director, Coach Ro will continue building a vibrant, inclusive, and spiritually grounded athletics culture. His priorities include growing each program to its full potential, enhancing the student-athlete experience, and deepening alumni and community engagement. He is committed to mentoring coaches, recruiting values-aligned student-
athletes, and ensuring that athletics remain a powerful avenue for character development and leadership at Principia College.
College President, Dr. Meggan Madden, says "Coach Ro is a passionate, visionary leader who understands that sports provide opportunities to develop spiritual growth, character, excellence, leadership, and resilience. Under his leadership, Principia Athletics is poised to build on a foundation of teamwork, discipline, and character, fostering a community where every student-athlete can reach their highest potential both on and off the field."
