Dan Lufkin Biography
GateWay sports without athletic director Dan Lufkin would be like a young team without its dynamic coach—lost and confused.
Since the program’s inaugural season in 2001, the Glen Falls, NY native has enthusiastically shaped the growth and development of both the department and its student-athletes.
“We’re working on building a tradition and a signature program recognized locally and nationally. We want a sound reputation for instilling in student-athletes a responsibility to succeed in all areas of their life.”
GateWay athletics began with 44 student-athletes in six sports (men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s cross country and men’s and women’s tennis). The program grew to include softball in 2004 and baseball in 2005, with over 100 student-athletes collectively. Currently, the addition of men’s and women’s soccer is in the works.
The former student-athlete’s background helps him to implement his program strategies with a particular understanding of the skills, perseverance and commitment needed to do well. He unhesitatingly works with young adults to help them find their paths to success.
Lufkin started as GateWay’s assistant athletic director to Susie Pulido in 2001. He laid the department foundations by overseeing the eligibility process, tracking student athletes and helping with travel plans and arrangements. The following year, Lufkin became the head athletic director.
His promotion to Director of Student Life / Leadership, Athletics and Wellness in 2004 has allowed him to perform at GateWay from a wider viewpoint. Lufkin helps students achieve their full potential by providing them with additional learning resources to improve leadership and time management skills.
Working for the advancement of students is what Lufkin is all about. The former Roosevelt and Gilbert School District educator taught at the K-8 level for six years before coming to GateWay.
Lufkin still values and performs an active role in the classroom. He is a third-year volunteer for Career Concepts for Youth, an organization that focuses on inner-city schools and teaches about perseverance, self-motivation and moral values for success in life.
Lufkin was also a former president of the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference and currently serves on the executive committee.
He received his sociology and elementary education bachelor’s degrees in 1997 from SUNY Potsdam, where he played basketball with the Bears from 1994-1996.
Lufkin earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University in 2002. Currently, he is pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership with an emphasis in higher education from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Lufkin resides in Phoenix with his wife Catey and daughter Lily. He enjoys playing basketball, mountain biking, working out and staying healthy.