Catherine Raiche’s resignation from Alouettes was personal

Catherine Raiche left the Montreal Alouettes organization under her own volition.

“I don’t feel (the Als) are the best option for me right now,” she told Montreal Gazette reporter Herb Zurkosky. “I don’t want to say anything bad and I want to remain respectful. They gave me my chance. The Wetenhalls (owners Robert and Andrew) approved my hiring or I wouldn’t be here.”

“For my own personal growth, I believe this is the best thing.”

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Raiche was hired in December 2015 when Jim Popp was general manager. She was elevated to the role of assistant general manager last January.

“Professionally, this just wasn’t for me anymore. We had different visions on certain things, not to say one’s better than the other. Sometimes you have to be aligned to be able to work well and feel fulfilled professionally. That wasn’t the case.”

“Obviously, it was a difficult season. Everybody saw it. It was a tough season. There were challenges. But facing adversity kind of helps you develop your character. I won’t lie and say it was so easy and an amazing year. But (the resignation) isn’t because of the performance of the team. It’s personal.”

Montreal lost 11 straight games to finish the 2017 season at 3-15, the worst record in the league. But Raiche reiterated that was not the reason for leaving the Alouettes.

“I don’t think we should see my resignation as a confirmation of anything. I did it for personal reasons. It had nothing to do with the performance of the team, the players or the coaches. These are things that are normal and occur in pro sports.”