One Year Down: Joe Foley Reflects On Growth Of Merrimack Athletic Department

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — It turns out momentum can be built and a standard can be set in just one year's time.

Merrimack College athletic director Joe Foley, who officially started his role on May 14, 2025, celebrated his first year at the helm of the department on Thursday.

It's a period that, while obviously not extensive, has coincided with success across men's and women's sports with an NCAA Tournament appearance in men's hockey, conference championships in men's hockey and men's basketball as well as postseason runs in women's basketball, men's lacrosse and more. The on-campus environment was noticeably elevated, as well, with new traditions established and an enhanced game day atmosphere. 

During a recent sit-down interview, which initially appeared on the "Jacked Up Podcast," Foley reflected on his first year at the helm both professionally and personally. 

"It's been a blast," Foley said. "We've really enjoyed being here."

Foley noted how his three sons, who attend St. Augustine's Catholic School nearby, have enjoyed riding their bikes around campus and watching all of Merrimack's sporting events. Spending some time on the sideline at recreational sports games also has allowed Foley the opportunity to meet others in the community and learn more about the external perception. 

"What's been kind of fun for us, and eye-opening to me, has been to see how many people, like at my kids' sporting events and whatnot, have said to me, 'Oh, we have a Division I program right here in town? I had no idea,'" Foley said. "To be able to invite people to come to our games and check it out and to educate them, and then they're telling their friends. -- and as we're seeing these crowds grow, it's fun to see more people we know in the community coming out and being supportive."

In addition to the success on the playing surface, community outreach has been a key part of Foley's first year. Merrimack hosted youth groups at men's and women's basketball games, women's lacrosse contests, and many more. Those home games entertained, too, with basketball halftime shows including international sensation "Red Panda," the "Air Elite Dunkers" and well-known America's Got Talent act "Christian & Scooby." 

Meanwhile, students who attended home games at Lawler Arena walked away with giveaways including X-boxes and TVs. Those giveaways went a long way in establishing "Gallo's Gang," a rowdy bunch of students who set the tone for the fan base in the future.

Those are all things Foley strives to further develop when the football season kicks off at Duane Stadium this fall. He wants to make Merrimack athletic events something those in the community and those on campus want to attend. 

"We need to continue to do more of that," Foley said. "Our whole department, get out in the community, build relationships, get to know people, and invite them to come be a part of all the great things that are happening here, because it is a lot of fun."

"We need to continue to do more of that. Our whole department, get out in the community, build relationships, get to know people, and invite them to come be a part of all the great things that are happening here, because it is a lot of fun."

The athletic department has made an obvious effort to support Merrimack's student-athletes both with the aforementioned fan attendance and in other ways. Multiple teams on campus including football, men's basketball, women's basketball and men's volleyball have newly-renovated locker rooms. 

There's a handful of new faces in the athletic department, too. 

New coaches including women's hockey coach Courtney Kennedy, women's basketball coach Missy Traversi, field hockey coach Christina Hathaway, softball coach Jill Gagnon, director of golf RJ Montez and men's volleyball coach Hayden West-Mather all have been hired during the past year. Foley also revamped the athletic administration with a newly-implemented athletic development office, which helped ignite a record-setting Day of Giving for Merrimack athletics earlier in the spring.

Additionally, Foley and company have helped start partnerships across Merrimack's campus with athletic training and human performance, sports management and athletic communications. Merrimack recently partnered with Playfly Sports/Aspire Group to assist in revenue generation through ticket sales, too. 

"We're creating championship culture here," Foley said. "We're going to strive for excellence in everything we do."

The early results have reinforced what Foley initially believed when he took over the Merrimack athletic department.

"I think we're just getting started," Foley said. "We have a long way to go. I think we have enormous potential."

And all it took was one year to prove it.