COLONIA, N.J. – The Mercy University Department of Athletics has been named the recipient of the East Coast Conference (ECC) Cares Award after raising the highest amount of money per student-athlete for collective causes. The Mavericks raised $7,700 while averaging $28.73 raised per student-athlete, with 268 student-athletes participating in fundraising efforts.
 
“Everyone at Mercy is thrilled to have won the ECC Cares Award,” said Mercy University Assistant Athletic Director for Student Services Jack Nicholson. “Over the past few years, our community engagement and fundraising efforts have increased significantly, which is a testament to the dedication of our student-athletes and coaches. We are committed to supporting causes that are meaningful to our community and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact.”
 
One of Mercy’s signature fundraising initiatives is its annual cancer awareness efforts. The women’s lacrosse team hosts its highly successful “LaCROSSe Out Cancer” event each year, while other teams across the department also contribute to a variety of charitable causes.
 
“Fundraising is such an important part of Mercy’s athletic department,” said Mercy Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) President and ECC National SAAC Representative Rita-Marie Masi. “Each team finds unique and meaningful ways to support causes that matter to them. One of my favorite initiatives is our women’s lacrosse team’s ‘LaCROSSe Out Cancer’ game. It allows us to support individuals battling cancer while coming together as a community for a cause greater than ourselves. These efforts not only unite us as a team but also allow us to make a lasting impact in our community.”
 
The award includes a $500 grant from the ECC, which will be used to support future community service and fundraising initiatives during the 2026-27 academic year.