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Date: 4/2/2020
WILBRAHAM – Craig Poisson, athletic director of Springfield College, is passionate that Division III schools are just as likely to attract star athletes as Division I and II schools.
“I would argue that it’s the true student-athletes, with a passion for sport who are driven by their academic goals,” that attend Division III schools. Now, his work at one of those schools has netted him an Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year award from the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA).
The winners are scheduled to be recognized on June 9, during NACDA's 55th Annual Convention at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas.
The awards are presented to athletic directors who exemplify “commitment and positive contributions to student-athletes, campuses and their surrounding communities,” the NADCA said on its website.
Poisson has been the athletic director at Springfield College for five years but worked in different positions there for 19 years prior to that.
When asked by Reminder Publishing what it is he loves about working at Springfield College, Poisson answered “our students. Springfield College is a real special place.”
Of the nearly 450 Division III institutions in the country, Springfield College was one of four to have its director honored, along with Worcester Polytechnic University, North Central College and Pacific Lutheran University.
“I view it as an institutional recognition. I see myself as part of the team,” Poisson said, noting that he was uncomfortable talking about his accolade. Instead, he praised the “dedicated coaches” and his team at Springfield College, whom he said work “tirelessly.”
Poisson plans to continue his career at Springfield College.
“If I have it my way, I'm not going anywhere,” Poisson said.