Ray Funk was named Director of Athletics at Yakima Valley College on May 31, 2005, becoming just the fourth full-time athletic director in the college's history, following Glen Sherar, Bill Faller, and Jerry Ward.
During his tenure, YVC has remained one of the premier programs in the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC), achieving success in competitive excellence, academics, fundraising, facility development, and community engagement.
Under Funk's leadership, YVC teams have won seven championships, including four NWAC titles in men's basketball, baseball, and women's basketball, along with three National Collegiate Wrestling Association women's wrestling championships. The Yaks have also captured 10 NWAC East Region championships and earned 45 postseason appearances, including 39 NWAC Championship Tournament berths, resulting in 20 trophy finishes. Individually, 33 student-athletes have been recognized as NWAC MVPs, Players of the Year, or All-Americans, while 307 have earned All-NWAC honors. Additionally, 11 of Funk's head coaching hires have received Coach of the Year recognition.
Academic achievement has remained central to the department's mission. Funk implemented structured study table programs that have contributed to 183 NWAC All-Academic selections, while more than 850 student-athletes have earned placement on Yakima Valley College's President's or Dean's List. The athletic department has also been recognized multiple times by the Associated Students of Yakima Valley College as the institution's "Program of the Year."
Funk has overseen significant financial growth within the department, more than doubling the athletic operating budget while expanding fundraising efforts that have increased scholarship support and enhanced opportunities for student-athletes. Through partnerships with college leadership, alumni, donors, and community supporters, YVC Athletics has continued to enhance the student-athlete experience.
Facility improvements have transformed every athletic venue on campus. More than $6 million has been invested in athletic facilities, including major renovations to Sherar Gymnasium, Dunbar Field, Parker Faller Field, the YVC Soccer Field, and the Fitness Center. Upgrades have included improvements to seating, lighting, scoreboards, sound systems, locker rooms, batting cages, grandstands, playing surfaces, and other infrastructure, significantly enhancing the experience for student-athletes, coaches, and fans.
Funk also led the development of YVC Athletics' Visual Identity Guide, creating a consistent brand across logos, uniforms, facilities, and promotional materials. He directed the development and ongoing enhancement of the department's website, GoYaks.com, improving communication with prospective student-athletes, alumni, and supporters while strengthening the program's visibility.
Beyond campus, Funk has served as a leader throughout the NWAC, contributing on numerous conference committees, including the Executive Board, Men's Basketball Committee, East Region Commissioners, and Softball Committee, while chairing several of those groups. His community involvement includes service with the Parker Youth and Sports Foundation and the Yakima Valley Sports Commission, promoting youth athletics and regional sports development.
Prior to focusing exclusively on athletic administration, Funk enjoyed a successful 30-year basketball coaching career at both the collegiate and high school levels. As a head and assistant coach, his teams won two NWAC championships, qualified for 16 conference or state tournaments, reached five semifinal appearances, captured six league championships and three district titles, and recorded 440 victories, including 322 as a head coach. During that time, 58 players earned all-conference, all-region, or all-state honors, six were named conference or region MVPs, 81 advanced to four-year institutions, six played professionally, and eight former assistant coaches became head coaches.
Funk’s professional background includes experience with the NBA's Miami Heat in sales, marketing, and promotions while earning a Master of Science in Sports Administration from St. Thomas University. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Social Studies and Secondary Education, graduating summa cum laude from Washington State University after completing his Associate’s degree at Yakima Valley College. He holds a Washington State Teaching Certificate and is a Certified Athletic Administrator through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.
A Yakima Valley native, Funk and his wife, Lonni, have been married for more than 25 years. They have one son, Trey, who earned his Master's degree in Health and Physical Education from Central Washington University.
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