COLONIA, NJ – After logging 1,231 hours of community service, good for 5.6 hours per student-athlete, the Mercy University athletics department has been awarded the ECC Community Cup. The honor is presented to the institution that tallies the greatest number of community service and community engagement hours per student-athlete.
"Over the last couple of years, we have really tried to enhance our community engagement activities, so to win the ECC Community Cup is an absolute honor for us," said Jack Nicholson, Mercy Assistant Athletic Director for Student Services and SAAC Advisor. "Through the support of SAAC, our student-athletes have really jumped into our events, and everyone has played a huge part in helping us to continue to play a huge part within our community. Our student-athletes really run the show here, and supporting them in their ideas and initiatives is a great thing to be a part of."
All 10 of Mercy's athletic teams took part in the September 11 Walk, Veterans Day Walk, Thanksgiving Food Drive, Holiday Toy Drive, Making Strides Versus Cancer Pink Games, and Dobbs Ferry Holiday Hustle.
"Our involvement in the Dobbs Ferry Holiday Hustle was a particular standout for me this year," added Nicholson. "This started at our Holiday Toy Drive, held at basketball games where we collected donations from spectators. We received a lot of toy donations, but we were also able to provide gift cards to the Dobbs Ferry Police Department to distribute through their holiday outreach program. At the Holiday Hustle, we had our student-athletes out on the course providing support to the runners at intersections and hydration stations. It was a great event that we were thrilled to be a part of. Our student athletes went above and beyond this year and are very deserving of this award."
The women's lacrosse program also participated in the Abbott House and Dobbs Ferry Halloween Celebration and was joined by the men's lacrosse program for Morgan's Message Games and the Moonball Fundraiser for Sanfilippo Syndrome and the softball program for First Responders Day Games.
“I am beyond proud to have worked with so many student-athletes that were dedicated to making a difference in our community this year," said Rita-Marie Masi, Mercy SAAC President and junior on the Mavs' women's soccer and women's lacrosse teams. "Winning the ECC Community Cup is such an honor, but giving back to those around us was beyond rewarding, as well. Together, Mercy SAAC was able to contribute to multiple events. A standout moment for me this year was being able to visit a children’s hospital and spend time with the children there. We had some pretty intense Uno players! Being able to spend time with them and see their faces light up with laughs and smiles made my entire month. It was beautiful to get to know them for the small time we were there. Our SAAC Advisor, Jack Nicholson, made all of these events possible, and we can’t thank him enough. We will continue to participate more and more within our community and give back to those who give to us.”
The award comes with a $500 grant from the ECC to be used towards community efforts during the 2025-26 season.