LONG BRANCH, N.J. – The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) concluded its inaugural MAAC Assistant Coaches Academy on Oct. 14-15, 2025 at Ocean Place Hotel in Long Branch, N.J. Funding for the MAAC Assistant Coaches Academy was made possible through support from the Knight Commission through the 2025-26 C.A.R.E. Champion Conference Grant program, which the MAAC is now a two-time recipient of.
The two-day academy featured guest speakers, panelists of administrators and head coaches, and various presentations.
The academy kicked off on Tuesday with a lunch and welcome session that included opening remarks from MAAC Commissioner Travis Tellitocci. The next speaker was Britt Hunter, Executive Coach with Focal Point Business Coaching, with her program built around the Trust Edge framework, which introduced eight pillars of trust designed to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and expand influence. The final speaker on Tuesday was Kristen Casamento, Associate Athletic Director for Academic Support at Quinnipiac University, who's session titled "Communicating with Gen Z" focused on developing effective communication skills with student-athletes. Tuesday concluded with an etiquette dinner.
Two speakers addressed the group on Wednesday morning following breakfast, which included Shoshanna Engel Lewis, founder of VH Consulting who serves as a consultant with the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, and Doug Fillis, the founder of Accelerate Sports Ventures, who addressed the group on navigating the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Wednesday wrapped up with a pair of panels. The first panel featured a trio of athletic administrators that included Don Harnum, Rider University Director of Athletics, Mark Wheeler, Colgate University Deputy Athletics Director for External Operations, and Bridgette Cahill, America East Conference Senior Associate Commissioner, Regulatory Affairs. The second panel was highlighted by collegiate head coaches, and they included Joe Compagni, MAAC Consultant and former Track and Field Head Coach at Monmouth University, John Olenowski, Drew University Women's Basketball Head Coach, and Davon Ortega, Rider University Softball Head Coach.
All 13 MAAC institutions were represented at the academy with representation of assistant coaches from 16 different sports. Saint Peter's was represented by
Oliva Tucker from women's basketball and
James Herron from track and field.
Olivia Tucker, Assistant Coach (Women's Basketball)
"The MAAC Assistant Coaches Academy was an incredible opportunity to grow, learn, and connect with fellow conference coaches who share the same passion for leadership and development. I was able to expand my knowledge on the evolving landscape in college athletics and how as assistant coaches we can connect and empower our student-athletes. I am extremely grateful to the MAAC for organizing such a meaningful event, and to our sports administration for selecting me to continue my growth as a coach and leader."
James Herron, Assistant Coach (Track and Field)
"The MAAC Assistant Coaches Academy was a great idea! It allowed us to network with coaches of other sports in the conference, while the sessions provided information that we could take away and apply. Hopefully, this won't be the last time it's done."
