2004 Stonehill graduate returns to alma mater after 13 years at Providence
EASTON, Mass. (May 18, 2023) – Stonehill College has named 2004 graduate and former student-athlete Kaitlyn O'Malley as its Deputy Director of Athletics. The announcement was made today by Dean O'Keefe, '94, Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics at the College. O'Malley will begin her duties at Stonehill on June 1.
"I am excited to have Kaitlyn O'Malley return to Stonehill as Deputy Director of Athletics," said O'Keefe. "Kaitlyn's genuine passion for supporting and mentoring student-athletes, deep understanding of the NCAA Division I landscape and strong ability to develop partnerships campus-wide will undoubtedly serve Stonehill and our student-athletes well."
O'Malley returns to her alma mater after 13 years at Providence College, a Division I member of The Big East Conference, the last year as Associate Dean for Student Academic Success/Director of Academic Support Services. She collaborated with athletic department leadership to ensure the equitable support of all student-athletes in line with NCAA and College policy and served as a member of the NCAA Division I Initial Eligibility Committee/Education Impacting Disability subcommittee. O'Malley oversaw five independent support units that comprised Academic Support for Student-Athlete Services, Student-Athlete Success and Retention, Multicultural Student Success and Retention, Accessibility Services and Tutorial Support. She served as liaison with the Student Affairs Division, to coordinate student support programs and collaborated with the Office of the Registrar and the Associate Athletics Director for Compliance to ensure the ethical and transparent implementation of a comprehensive academic certification plan.
As Associate Director of Student-Athlete services, O'Malley oversaw the daily operations for student-athlete support services for Providence's approximately 350 student-athletes. She led the certification of student-athletes in accordance with NCAA Compliance standards and developed and executed the Friar Success Program – a risk assessment and intervention program for all first-year student-athletes. O'Malley co-chaired the Student-Athlete Development Committee and served as a member of the Athletics Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. She supported the submission of NCAA eligibility waivers and appeals, monitored the College's Graduation Success Rate (GSR) and Academic Progress Rate (APR), oversaw the implementation of faculty engagement initiatives for all varsity sports and coordinated tutoring and academic advisement for six sports.
Since taking the helm of Student-Athlete Services in 2012, Providence student-athletes achieved unprecedented success in the classroom, breaking institutional records for grade point average (GPA) and posting consistently strong GSR and APR numbers. She oversaw the launch of a comprehensive student-athlete development program, streamlined the NCAA certification process and created a proactive intake process for all first-year student-athletes. Additionally, O'Malley is director of the Friar Foundations Summer Bridge Program, and got her start in athletic administration as Academic and Life Skills Coordinator at Providence from 2010-12.
"I am thrilled to return to my alma mater as Deputy Director of Athletics," said O'Malley. "It is an honor to join Stonehill's talented and dedicated team of coaches and staff as we continue to embark on a new era of success in Division I athletics. Stonehill has always prioritized creating an environment that not only prepares our student-athletes to excel in their respective sports, but also equips them with the skills and mindset necessary to succeed in life. I am proud to have a chance to continue this important legacy.
"I would like to thank Dean O'Keefe, Pauline Dobrowski and Fr. John Denning for the opportunity to return to Stonehill. This is a dream come true and I am excited to get to work on behalf of our tremendous student-athletes."
O'Malley earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Stonehill in sociology in 2004. She was a four-year member of the women's basketball program, helping the Skyhawks to a pair of 20-win seasons and NCAA Tournament appearances – reaching the regional championship game in 2003. She earned her Master of Education from the University of Massachusetts-Boston in 2010.
What They Are Saying:
Bob Driscoll, Vice President/Director of Athletics Emeritus, Providence College:
"Kaitlyn O'Malley is one of the bright young stars in college athletics. I had the privilege to be her teammate as VP/Athletic Director and was always impressed with her vision, work ethic and the close personal relationships she had with all our student-athletes. She is a passionate, courageous leader, who always put the health and well-being of our student-athletes first. I am very happy for her and her new teammates at Stonehill."
Jill LaPoint, Associate Vice President/Deputy Athletic Director/SWA, Providence College:
"This is a tremendous hire for Stonehill College. Kaitlyn is a strong and proven leader, she loves Stonehill, and she's passionate about the role that athletics plays in the growth and development of students. She has been a valuable member of our team here at Providence College and I am abundantly confident that she will have an equally impressive and impactful tenure with the Skyhawks."
Stonehill offers 23 varsity intercollegiate athletic programs competing at the NCAA Division I level as members of the Northeast Conference, New England Women's Hockey Alliance and Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. The Skyhawks are in their first year of a four-year transition period to full Division I status.
For the latest on Stonehill Athletics, follow the Skyhawks via social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Fans can also download the Stonehill Skyhawks "Front Row" mobile app, powered by PrestoSports, on iTunes and the Android Market.
