WICHITA, Kan. - On Tuesday, December 10, former Newman Athletics Director and Hall of Fame member Sister Diane Leary passed away. Sr. Leary served as Newman's Volleyball Coach from 1992-1996, Newman's Athletic Director from 1999-2002 and taught History for Newman from 1992-2002. Sr. Leary played a major role in the development and expansion of women's athletics on campus.

Dan Friend, one of Sr. Leary's first hires as Newman's Athletics Director, was hired in the spring of 2001 to take over the women's volleyball program and start a men's volleyball program. During his time under Sr. Diane, Friend's volleyball teams saw plenty of success. In the first three season's of the men's volleyball program, Friend saw three top ten finishes at the national tournament with a second place finish in his final season in 2004. When asked about Sr. Leary, Friend ran out of words to describe his former boss. He said, "She not only inspired me, but everyone around her. She gave me my first head coaching job at Newman University for the men's and women's volleyball programs." Friend also talked a little about how much Sr. Leary meant to him and how she still influenced him after his departure from Newman. "I was young, naive and a little edgy for sure," Friend said, "Sr. Diane guided me, taught me, nurtured me, and became an inspirational figure in my life... I continued dialogue with her after my departure and will always think highly of those great conversations. Thoughts, prayers and love to all during this time, but we are truly blessed to have been impacted by Sr. Diane Leary. "

Former men's basketball coach, Mark Potter, was also at Newman along with Sr. Leary. When asked about his time spent with Sr. Diane Potter said, "I was always amazed that Sr. Diane was able to teach, coach and serve God all at the same time. She was a big time competitor!" Potter also touched on how much Sr. Leary meant to Newman Athletics, he said, "During Sr. Diane's short stint as AD, she was extremely supportive of all coaches and would do anything in her power to help each program. She continued support as a fan up until just recently. She will be missed!!!" Potter's time at Newman coincided with Sr. Diane's early in his young coaching career and late in her tenure. 

Sr. Diane Leary's Home Coming will be Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. With a vigil service starting at 6:30 p.m. followed by a reception in the dining room at the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Sr. Diane's funeral liturgy will be Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a dinner in the dining room. The address for the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph is 3700 E Lincoln Wichita, KS.