SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts – American International College Director of Athletics Rob Kearney announced the hiring of Samantha Marchand to the role of Director of Student-Athlete Success on Friday, September 12.

In this role, Marchand will connect with student-athletes, coaches, other administrators, and main campus personnel to improve student-athlete programming. These areas include academic programs such as AIC's Academic Camp, data collection to improve retention and academic success, developing community service and engagement opportunities, and supporting the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

"With a background in education and collegiate coaching, Sammy is the perfect fit to be our Director of Student Athlete Success. As the bridge between academics and athletics at the college, Sammy will ensure our students are staying on track towards degree completion, assisting with retention initiatives to help coaches retain rosters and be a positive influence in our students lives to enrich them both on the field and in the classroom," Kearney said.

"I am truly honored to step into the role of Director of Student-Athlete Success. This position provides such an incredible opportunity to support our student-athletes not only in their athletic pursuits but also in their academic journeys and personal growth. I look forward to collaborating with coaches, faculty, and campus partners to strengthen academic programming, enhance community engagement, and empower our Student-Athletes," Marchand said.

Marchand has a deep education and athletics background. She has spent the past five years as the Athletic Coordinator of Adapted Physical Education Services for the Springfield Public School system. She oversaw the development, implementation, and management of inclusive athletic programs across the Springfield school district, provided adapted physical education services to students with IEPs, and worked with athletics and other staff in budget and logistical management as well as facilitating professional development strategies. In addition, she coordinated family and community engagement with the programs.

She additionally was Springfield's Extended School Year Coordinator, providing oversight to multiple sites to ensure effective programming and student support, managed both day-to-day operations and longer-term operations such as attendance, payroll, curriculum resources, and IEP documentation. Additionally, she coordinated staff recognition and culture-building programs within the program.

Prior to working directly for the Springfield Public School system, Marchand was a physical education and special education teacher at Baystate Academy Charter in Springfield, developing and overseeing its Unified Sports program and integrating it into the school's general athletic program, and serving as the liaison between the school and the local chapter of the Special Olympics. She also recruited athletes to participate and utilized a wide range of promotional strategies for the program.

Marchand earned a bachelor's degree in special education and athletic coaching from Elms College in May 2019, and followed with a master's degree in adapted and physical education from Springfield College in December 2020. While at Elms, she served for two years as an assistant cross country and track and field coach.

She carries several certifications and licensures, including a Massachusetts DESE Teaching License with an SEI Endorsement. She is adult and pediatric first aid/CPR/AED certified, and has a USA Track & Field Level 1 Certification as well as the National Federation of High School's certifications on Implicit Bias in Sports and Concussions in Sports.