Marymount University has announced that Jill McCabe will become the Saints’ new Athletics Director and Assistant Vice President (AVP), overseeing 20 NCAA Division III sports teams and holding a position on the President’s cabinet.
She will officially begin her duties at Marymount on Wednesday, April 7, and will replace Dr. Michael Vienna, who has held the position of Interim Athletic Director since December 2020.
McCabe has served as the Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, N.Y. since 2000. During this period of significant growth and success, she provided administrative support and instrumental leadership for department growth from 13 to 25 varsity athletic programs, and an increase from 350 to nearly 700 student-athletes. She was also the College’s Head Women’s Soccer Coach from 2000 to 2019.
“I embrace the D-III philosophy, where the highest priority is on the quality of the student-athletes’ educational experience and successful degree completion,” McCabe said. “My mission is to support and develop the student-athletes to reach their full potential and prepare them to be tomorrow’s leaders.”
At Marymount, McCabe will provide strategic and administrative direction and oversight for all intercollegiate staff, programs, facilities and activities. She will collaborate with other University administrative offices in the recruitment and retention of student-athletes, fundraising and other resource development activities, as well as ensure compliance with all state, federal, NCAA, Atlantic East Athletic Conference, divisional and University regulations.
“We see Jill as a perfect fit and a talented addition to our leadership group at Marymount,” said Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University. “Her past experiences exemplify the success you can bring to a higher educational institution when you exhibit a growth mindset, and we’re looking forward to seeing her take our Athletic department to new heights.”
“During the search and interview process, we were incredibly impressed with Jill’s optimistic and positive attitude and her ability to inspire others,” added Dr. William Bisset, Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs and the Chair of the search committee. “The four years that our Saints athletes are here at Marymount are so important for their development and serve as the foundation for their futures. We believe Jill will represent the spirit and vision of our institution as she mentors these student-athletes as well as coaches and athletic staff for years to come.”
McCabe’s achievements include membership in three Hall of Fames (United Soccer League, University of Rochester Athletics and Smithtown High School West). During her collegiate career, she led the Rochester Yellowjackets women’s soccer team to two NCAA Division III championships during her final two seasons. She was also a two-time inductee for the Frontier Field Walk of Fame through her title-winning experience as well as monumental community impact as a sports administrator.
In 1997, McCabe received the University of Rochester’s Babe Didrikson Zaharias Sports Institute Women of Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to women’s sports.
“I was the youngest of five children, and my siblings and parents were my strongest mentors growing up,” McCabe reflected. “They challenged me to be successful and to always put in the work necessary to achieve success.”
McCabe holds a bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering from the University of Rochester and attended Rochester Institute of Technology for a master’s degree in Imaging Science. Outside of work, she enjoys running, paddle boarding and spending time with family, friends and her two dogs, Daisy and Jeter.
