Mitch Capelle

  • M.S., Sports Management, Southern New Hampshire University
  • B.A., Political Science, Wisconsin Lutheran College

Mitch Capelle joined Lenoir-Rhyne as senior associate athletic director in June 2025, bringing more than two decades of experience in collegiate athletics administration, external relations and strategic leadership to the Bears’ senior administrative team.

Capelle provides leadership and support for the athletic department’s internal and external operations, with a focus on strategic communications, revenue generation, sport supervision, facilities and special projects.

Before coming to Hickory, Capelle served as director of athletics at Colby-Sawyer College from 2020 to 2023. He led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic and guided six teams to Great Northeast Athletic Conference championships. During his tenure, the department achieved historic competitive success and significant external growth, including securing the college’s first NCAA Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant, establishing a department-wide apparel agreement with BSN SPORTS and Under Armour and developing a comprehensive video streaming partnership with Hudl and BlueFrame Technology.

Capelle later served as associate athletic director at Saint Anselm College, where he held senior leadership responsibilities for external relations, branding and strategic initiatives supporting the Hawks’ NCAA Division II programs. His accomplishments included leading record-breaking fundraising campaigns, reestablishing the college’s Athletic Hall of Fame and launching a licensing program and online merchandise platform.

His background also includes eight years leading athletic communications at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Throughout his career, Capelle has managed apparel and licensing partnerships, donor engagement programs and conference and NCAA leadership initiatives. He also helped establish the New England Women’s Hockey Alliance, serving as associate commissioner and director of communications.

A native of Medford, Wisconsin, Capelle is a member of College Sports Communicators, formerly known as the College Sports Information Directors of America, and has served on several NCAA and conference committees.

He and his wife, Danielle, have two daughters, Evelyn and Eleanor.