NORTHFIELD – The Carleton College athletic department announced the hiring of Gabriella "Ella" Lofton as the Knights' new Director of Events and Athletic IDE Initiatives. The position is made possible in part through the two-year NCAA Ethnic Minority and Women's grant program.
 
"We're thrilled Ella agreed to join the Knights family," said Gerald Young, athletic director at Carleton. "Her youthful enthusiasm and recent athletic experience make Ella a perfect fit for this new position."
 
Lofton graduated in May with a degree in criminal justice from Oklahoma City University (OCU), where she was named to the All-Region team following her final collegiate campaign. She ranks among the top-five in OCU history with 1,119 career kills to go with 694 digs, 125 blocks, and 45 aces. A four-time All-Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) selection and three-time Academic All-SAC recipient, Lofton helped the Stars to four SAC regular-season and tournament championships, four NAIA Championships appearances, and a pair of 30-win seasons. She also spent time coaching with the Oklahoma Charge volleyball club.
 
At Carleton, Lofton will have oversight of athletic event management and will collaborate on inclusion, diversity, and equity initiatives for the Physical Education, Athletics, and Recreation (PEAR) Department.
 
"I'm honored and extremely excited to have the opportunity to represent Carleton College and PEAR Athletics," said Lofton. "I'm thrilled to be back home in Minnesota at such a prestigious school and even more excited to begin my career here with Carleton Athletics. I want to thank Athletic Director Gerald Young and Associate Athletic Director Heidi Jaynes for this amazing opportunity to inspire others and champion diversity.
 
"The combination of elite academics and athletics sets this college apart. I look forward to working and implementing IDE initiatives and event coordinating with the top student-athletes, faculty and staff here at Carleton."
 
This is the first time that Carleton received the NCAA Division III Ethnic Minorities and Women's Internship Grant.