Release thanks to Mercy University Athletic Communications
DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – Mercy University Assistant Vice President of Athletics Matt Kilcullen, Jr. has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2026, after leading Mercy for 12 years.
"After 48 years in Intercollegiate Athletics, including 12 terrific years here at Mercy, I have decided to retire on June 30, 2026. Thank you to all that have been a part of this terrific journey, my family, friends, administrators, alums, boosters/supporters, but especially the coaches and student athletes! The memories you have given me will last a lifetime! What a lucky guy I am to be a part of all that you have accomplished academically, athletically, and in community service! Looking forward to finishing strong this spring, Go Mavs!!" said Matt Kilcullen.
"Over the past 12 years, Matt Kilcullen has been an outstanding leader for Mercy University Athletics, guiding the department through one of its most successful periods in its history. His vision and steady leadership elevated our programs at the conference and national levels while keeping the student-athlete experience at the forefront. We are deeply grateful for his service to the University and wish him continued success and fulfillment in his retirement," said Susan L. Parish, Ph.D., M.S.W., president of Mercy University.
Kilcullen has overseen one of the most successful eras of Mercy Athletics with the department winning 16 ECC Championships and Mercy teams qualifying for the NCAA Tournament 25 times. Men's Lacrosse became the first program in Mercy history to reach the National Championship Game in 2022 and Women's Soccer advanced to the Final Four in 2017.
The department has also seen its most successful stretch in the classroom during Kilcullen's 12 years, highlighted by the Mavericks posting above a 3.0 GPA cumulative GPA for 24 straight semesters, including a 3.57 GPA during the most recent fall 2025 semester. Mercy has also earned the NCAA Division II Presidents' Award for Academic Excellence for four straight years and the ECC Academic Success Rate Award for three consecutive years.
"Under Matt's leadership, Mercy has become a premier NCAA Division II athletic program in the region. The combination of successes on the fields, courts, and in classrooms our student athletes have had is amongst the best in the nation. I thank Matt for his leadership and the amazing foundation he has helped build here," said Adam Castro, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success.
Kilcullen has stressed community service during his 12 years at the helm of the Mavericks. Mercy earned the 2021 and 2025 ECC Community Cup and has been among the Division II leaders in community service hours over the last 12 years.
All of Kilcullen's successes leading the Mavericks culminated with him being named 2022-23 NACDA Athletic Director of the Year.