Arlington, VA – Marymount University has appointed Jill McCabe as its new athletic director, bringing her decades of leadership and experience in collegiate sports to the Division III institution. McCabe officially steps into her role on April 7, succeeding Michael Vienna, who had served as interim athletic director since December.
A Leader with a Vision for Student-Athletes
With a career dedicated to the development of student-athletes, McCabe embraces the NCAA Division III philosophy, which prioritizes a well-rounded educational experience and academic success.
“My mission is to support and develop student-athletes to reach their full potential and prepare them to be tomorrow’s leaders,” McCabe stated.
Her appointment reflects Marymount University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, competitive, and academically driven athletic culture.
Before joining Marymount, McCabe spent over two decades at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, N.Y., where she served as:
- Associate Athletic Director
- Senior Woman Administrator
- Head Coach of the Women’s Soccer Team (2000–2019)
During her coaching tenure, she led her teams to multiple successful seasons, earning widespread recognition in the collegiate sports community.
A Vision for Growth at Marymount
As athletic director, McCabe will oversee Marymount’s intercollegiate programs, staff, and facilities, ensuring the department continues to grow and thrive. Her leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of Marymount athletics.
Marymount University President Irma Becerra praised McCabe’s vision and experience, stating:
“We see Jill as a perfect fit and a talented addition to our leadership group at Marymount. 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.”
McCabe’s contributions to athletics have earned her induction into three Hall of Fames:
- United Soccer League Hall of Fame
- University of Rochester Athletic Hall of Fame
- Smithtown High School West Athletic Hall of Fame
As a former collegiate soccer player, McCabe played a pivotal role in leading the University of Rochester’s women’s soccer team to two NCAA Division III championships. Her excellence in sports was recognized in 1997 when she received the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Sports Institute Women of Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to women’s athletics.
A Strong Foundation in Academics and Leadership
Beyond her athletic career, McCabe holds a bachelor’s degree in optical engineering from the University of Rochester and pursued a master’s degree in imaging science at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Reflecting on her personal and professional journey, McCabe credits her family’s support and mentorship as key influences in shaping her dedication to success.
“I was the youngest of five children, and my siblings and parents were my strongest mentors growing up. They challenged me to be successful and to always put in the work necessary to achieve success,” she shared.
As McCabe steps into her new leadership role, Marymount University anticipates an exciting new chapter for its athletic department. With her extensive experience, strategic vision, and passion for student-athlete success, McCabe is well-positioned to elevate Marymount athletics to new heights.