By Dante Iafrate
@danteiafrate
Craig Poisson is the Executive Director of Athletics at Springfield College. His passion for the school goes deeper than just attending nearly every game on campus, as he attained his Master’s and Doctorate in Physical Education on Alden Street in the 1990s. Poisson has nearly 30 years of athletics administration experience, joining Springfield’s athletic staff in 1996 and serving as the Senior Associate Director of Athletics at Springfield from 2007 until taking over as Executive Director in 2015.
The Student sat down with Poisson to learn more about his favorite part of his job and what goes into being named to the Springfield College Athletic Hall of Fame.
The Student: What was the main reason you took the Executive Director position?
Poisson: I pursued my current position because I have a passion for, and a strong belief in, the educational value of intercollegiate athletics.
The Student: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Poisson: Observing the growth and development and budding leadership qualities of young men and women through their athletic pursuits.
The Student: With the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame class coming up, what are you most looking forward to?
Poisson: Annually, this salient event reinforces the transformation that occurs with former student-athletes during their time on Alden Street. It is so refreshing to hear about the impact their teachers, coaches and other members of the faculty had on their journey, to the life lessons learned while wearing the jersey.
The Student: What goes into the selection process for choosing who is eligible for the Athletic Hall of Fame class?
Poisson: A nominated candidate must have displayed extraordinary ability while participating in athletics or sport, or demonstrated outstanding contributions to the field of athletics or sport.
The Student: Is there a sport you weren’t familiar with before your Executive Director of Athletics job, but have grown to like over the years?
Poisson: Based on my lived experiences and having served as an athletics administrator at Springfield College prior to assuming my current role, I was familiar with all twenty-six sports offerings. I have often stated that I know a little bit about each sport, but not a lot about any sport. And, for the record, I love them all.
Photo courtesy of Springfield College Athletics