Danny McCabe, Adelphi University’s director of athletics and campus recreation, is among this year’s recipients of the NACDA Cushman & Wakefield Athletic Director of the Year Award.
On March 27, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics announced McCabe as one of four 2022–2023 Division II honorees based on the merits of his commitment to the collegiate community.
“It’s wonderful and humbling to be recognized with the NACDA Cushman & Wakefield Division II Athletic Director of the Year Award. This is an honor that all of Adelphi shares—starting with the board of trustees, President Christine Riordan and the executive leadership team,” McCabe reflected. “Most personally satisfying to me is that it recognizes all the great work done by our athletics staff, coaches and student-athletes.”
After McCabe joined Adelphi in July 2013, the Panthers won three NE10 Presidents’ Cups in his first four years at the helm. Overall during his tenure, the Adelphi teams have won 42 conference championships, made 55 appearances in the NCAA Tournament to date and captured four NCAA Division II National Championships.
With his student-athletes graduating at an exceptional rate of 90 percent, McCabe’s Panthers have routinely earned a department grade point average of 3.0 or better and posted the highest percentage of student-athletes named to the NE10 Academic Honor Roll.
“Danny has been an exceptional leader of Adelphi’s student-athletes for the past 10 years, helping them exceed their goals on the field and in the classroom,” said President Riordan. “I’m thrilled to see him recognized on a national stage for creating the welcoming culture and championship reputation that bring our University community together.”
McCabe leads a winning culture on and off the field. His student-athletes have pledged numerous hours to the community, and McCabe established a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Council that furthers his ideals of fostering an environment that is open to all individuals, regardless of age, race, gender and sexual orientation.
“Danny has consistently provided exceptional leadership for Adelphi student-athletes and the Department of Athletics. His leadership goes beyond athletics, as he is a valued and respected member of the President’s Cabinet and across the University,” said R. Sentwali Bakari, PhD, Adelphi vice president for student affairs.
McCabe currently stands on the distinguished NCAA Division II Management Council and the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Board of Directors. He has also previously served terms on the NCAA Division II men’s basketball and men’s lacrosse regional advisory committees.
“On behalf of our entire NE10 membership, we congratulate Danny on this well-deserved recognition,” said NE10 Commissioner Julie Ruppert. “Danny’s leadership and willingness to serve the conference on a national level is greatly appreciated and valued. His voice is our voice on critical issues facing the NCAA and Division II. Adelphi and the Northeast-10 Conference are better because of him.”
McCabe will officially be celebrated by his colleagues at NACDA’s 58th Annual Convention on June 11–14 at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Florida.