Augusta University has named Melissa Brocato interim athletic director following the resignation of Ryan Erlacher on Dec. 8.
\The reason for Erlacher’s departure has not been made public, and the university does not comment on personnel matters, according to Miguelangelo Hernandez, senior communications & media coordinator for Augusta University. Brocato currently serves as assistant athletic director for Internal Affairs and head softball coach, roles she has held since joining AU in 1998. She previously served as interim AD in 2022 and will continue leading Jaguar softball while overseeing the department, according to information from Augusta University.
A native of King, N.C, Brocato began her career at Campbell University, where she coached junior varsity softball and worked in academic services. She holds both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Campbell.
Her appointment comes as AU Athletics continues to see growth and investment. Recent facility upgrades include improvements to Christenberry Fieldhouse along with enhanced baseball and softball venues. The department has also earned back-to-back recognition as an NCAA Award of Excellence finalist in 2024 and 2025. Last year, AU student-athletes completed more than 2,000 community engagement hours and recorded a department-wide GPA of 3.38 which is the highest in program history.
“Coach Brocato is competitive and has a passion for elevating Augusta University,” said AU President Russell T. Keen, adding that she will have the full support of university leadership.
A search for a permanent athletic director is underway.
