By Andrew Petropulos
Dr. Craig Poisson has been the Executive Director of Athletics for Springfield College since 2015. Poisson has served as a commissioner for the Pilgrim League, consultant for the NEWMAC and Professor of Physical Education for Springfield College. Since taking the position, Poisson has led Springfield College to three NADIIIAA Community Service Awards, a partnership with Under Armour and partnered with Team IMPACT, an organization that pairs children with serious disabilities with collegiate sports teams.
The Student sat down with Poisson to hear more about his decision-making and updates on the fall sports Season.
The Student: What is your leadership philosophy and core values when it comes to managing coaches and athletes?
Poisson: What I do daily is I try to create an environment where our student-athletes can thrive in the classroom, in the community and in competition. We do that through the resources that we provide through our coaches, and we do it humanically. That’s the approach that we take. Our athletics mission statement is built on humanics. That’s the approach we use, I hope, through the recruitment process, through the student-athletes’ four years here. The value is built on leadership and service to others.
The Student: How do you stay connected to student athletes to best understand their needs?
Poisson: You know, Michelle L. Scecina and our compliance officers cleared over 800 student-athletes and one of my [tasks] is the identifying of face-to-name of student-athletes. I’m sure there’s some people on the planet that can do it for all 800. I’m not in that category. So I treasure the small moments like this one where I’m being interviewed by a student-athlete that I got to know a little bit deeper when I asked you about your backstory. So I treasure those one-on-one interactions, and they are the best part of my day quite often, and I’m also pretty intentional in trying to seek them out.
The Student: What is your reaction to the addition of Men’s Volleyball as a sponsored NEWMAC Event?
Poisson: Great leadership in the NEWMAC to add another sport. We took a gamble in 2010-2011 to be independent in the sport of men’s volleyball. It’s hard to weigh whether the gamble paid off or not, but when you look at results, and it’s not only about results, but Coach Sullivan and our men’s volleyball program has had success – certainly at the national level, as being an independent. So we’re looking forward to it. The NEWMAC is a very strong conference in all aspects, from the way that it’s run, from its academic focus, and certainly in competition. So next year is the first year of competition and we’ll be ready.
The Student: Are there any plans for upcoming facility projects on the horizon?
Poisson: The broad answer to that question is yes. The specifics get a little bit more convoluted. But yes, there’s a few projects that we’re looking at. I’ve always felt the college should have a golf simulator. Of course, they would use the simulator to help them train when the golf courses aren’t open in the New England area. But this campus is vibrant with its approach to health and lifetime activity and movement. And I just think a golf simulator from a recreational standpoint would have a lot of use on this campus whether it be through an intramural program, or just a group of student friends getting together and having a little fun with the simulator. So we’re trying to raise some money for a simulator. There’s major projects involving our pool area and our gymnastics area that we’re working with our friends in advancement and development. Upgrades to Stagg Field are a potential and also some sort of structure that can be used on another part of campus that might benefit baseball, softball, and the two soccer teams. So there’s a lot that’s in the long-term planning stage and fundraising will be a major part of all of it.
(Photo courtesy of Springfield College)