The following article appeared in the Centennial Newsletter on June 30th, 2025.
Athletics at Albertus Magnus College
While Albertus Magnus College has been an active member of the NCAA and the Division III ranks since 1990, the reality is that athletics has deep roots going back to the founding year of 1925. Early archived materials note tennis being played by Albertus students in that first year.
In the decades that followed, various recreational and physical educational offerings were prominent. The distinguished tenures of longtime athletic administrator Mary Benevento (1952-80), and then Marilyn Mather, helped to set the stage for the College’s full foray into NCAA intercollegiate athletics beginning with the 1990-91 academic year.
There is no question that now more than ever, athletics plays a pivotal role at Albertus Magnus College. Today, student-athletes from as close as New Haven and as far as Canada, Mexico and Europe don the Albertus blue and white.
The reality is that whether it’s viewed through a lens of intercollegiate competition, physical well-being, social and emotional connections, or a gathering place to showcase school spirit, athletics has long been part of the Albertus fabric.
Most importantly, there is one core element that hasn’t changed.
Over the course of the 2024-25 academic year, I have been fortunate enough to meet with well over 100 former student-athletes, coaches and staff members spanning from the late 1980’s to the present day. Even stretching across parts of five decades, the themes and stories have been remarkably consistent – our former Falcons unanimously speak to the fact that Albertus Magnus College is a place that shaped them as individuals and shaped the path that they ultimately embarked on.
As we prepare to celebrate our Centennial and embark on the second 100 years of the College, I am confident that we will continue to positively impact the journey of our students. Furthermore, I expect athletics to continue to play a central role in the College’s success stories. I am excited to be a part of the upcoming year and to see the chapters that will be written in the years ahead.
Contributed by: Michael Kobylanski, Athletic Director
