New AD Tim Kneip replaces Michael Tenette, who succeeded long-time director Brad Clifford in September 2023
Yavapai Community College announced that effective April 21 Mr. Tim Kneip will become its new Athletic Director. Kneip replaces Michael Tenette, who was hired in September 2023. Tenette replaced Brad Clifford. Clifford announced his resignation in June 2023 after dedicating over 35 years to the institution. Tenette was hired in September of that year.
Outgoing Athletic Director Tenette had served as the department’s assistant director for two years before he was hired. He was described at the time of his hiring as bringing decades of experience in coaching and leadership. He was involved in working closely with school districts and community programs to increase engagement and participation in athletics across all levels in Yavapai County.
The Community College says that Kneip will oversee the College’s seven NJCAA Division I programs. These programs include men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball.
Kneip is a native of central Texas and competed in varsity football, basketball, baseball, track and field, and tennis. He is a 3-time BMX (Bicycle Motocross) national champion and competed as a sponsored professional athlete for almost two decades. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas. He also has a Master of Science in Sports Business Management from Columbia University in New York.
Kneip is currently the Director of Operations for Volo Sports in New York City, managing 15 adult sports programs and over 3,000 athletic events in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Before joining Volo Sports, Kneip worked for 17 years in global supply chain logistics and project management. He held senior leadership positions at several Fortune 500 companies in the fitness, high-tech, manufacturing, and automotive sectors.