The College of the Holy Cross named Marcus Blossom its new director of intercollegiate athletics, as announced by Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., president of the College. Blossom, currently the senior associate athletics director for business and finance at Boston College, will assume his new role July 1.
"Marcus distinguished himself from an impressive pool of candidates with his strategic vision, demonstrated leadership and commitment to the development of a successful athletics program that values academic excellence and integrity," said Fr. Boroughs. "Marcus' demonstrated experience in engaging students, faculty, staff and alumni, combined with his positive energy, business management expertise and commitment to Jesuit education made him a perfect fit."
The announcement brings to a conclusion the national search for the successor of Nathan Pine, who stepped down in December 2018, and Brendan Sullivan, who served as interim athletics director.
"I want to thank Fr. Boroughs, John Mahoney and the entire search committee for their trust in me. I am honored to be named director of athletics at the College of the Holy Cross," Blossom said. "Holy Cross is one of the nation's leading academic institutions and has a rich history and tradition of athletics success. It is my goal to work alongside our exceptional student-athletes, coaches, faculty and administrative staff to build on that tradition and expand our winning culture grounded in Jesuit values."
"My vision for Holy Cross athletics I simple," Blossom shared during a press conference held on May 15 at Holy Cross. "It's to raise the level of athletics to match the level of esteem and recognition attained by the college as a whole. We will do so by ensuring academic success and reinforcing our Jesuit values, providing student athletes with a distinctive experience highlighted by competitive success, and being a campus partner committed to Athletics' alignment to the College's mission and strategic priorities."
"To the entire Holy Cross family, thank you for trusting me to lead a program with such rich history and tradition," he added. "I won't disappoint you."
In 2014, Blossom, 39, joined Boston College, where he has been responsible for all budget and financial operations, and served as a member of the department of athletics executive team assisting with all aspects of strategic planning and vision execution. He was also the sport administrator for men's basketball and had oversight of technology, interactive media and broadcast services.
Prior to his time in Chestnut Hill, Blossom spent two years as the associate athletics director, business operations at Providence College, and two years at Brown University as the associate athletics director, finance. He also previously worked with the NCAA as an assistant director of championships and at Central Michigan as the athletics business manager before being promoted to assistant athletics director, business operations.
Blossom earned his bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in finance at Northeastern University, where he was a three-time GTE District I Academic All-American and three-time all-conference selection for the Huskies' men's basketball team. He also has a master's degree in sport management from West Virginia University and an MBA from the University of Rhode Island.
"I am happy for Marcus and his family for this tremendous opportunity at Holy Cross," said Martin Jarmond, William V. Campbell Director of Athletics at Boston College. "His leadership skills are exceptional. I've enjoyed working alongside Marcus at BC, and it was clear he had all the attributes to become a successful athletics director. He is a rising star in our industry and he will be missed."
Blossom takes over a Holy Cross athletics program which features 27 NCAA Division I teams as members of the Patriot League, the Atlantic Hockey Association and the Women's Hockey East Association. This year, 18 of those teams received Division I Academic Progress Rate public recognition awards from the NCAA, tied for best in the nation.
View an archive of the press conference on the Patriot League Network.
What are they saying about Marcus Blossom:
"Holy Cross has hired an exceptional person and outstanding administrator in Marcus Blossom to lead its athletic department. In his five years at Boston College, I've been thoroughly impressed with his knowledge of college athletics, leadership qualities and charismatic personality." – Jerry York, head men's hockey coach, Boston College
"Kudos to Holy Cross for this sensational hire. Marcus Blossom is a rising star in intercollegiate athletics and every stop along his brilliant career has prepared him for this moment. His commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes and values-based leadership aligns perfectly with the mission of the college. I look forward to watching him propel Holy Cross athletics to new heights!" – Lee Reed, director of athletics, Georgetown University
"Marcus is one of the most talented young athletics leaders in the nation. Holy Cross is getting a great AD and better man." – Bob Driscoll, vice president for athletics, Providence College
"I am so excited for Marcus, his family and the entire Holy Cross community. Marcus's character, passion and commitment to excellence were evident the first time I met him over 20 years ago as a high school basketball player outside of Chicago. Those values have never changed in his journey to this moment. There is no one more ready to lead than Marcus." – Jay Young, head men's basketball coach, Fairfield University
"Congratulations to Marcus Blossom on his new position as athletics director at Holy Cross. I had the opportunity to mentor Marcus through the NCAA's Pathway Program this past year and I have witnessed firsthand his hard work and dedication to supporting college athletes. I'm proud to have supported his development as he moves on to do great things at Holy Cross." – Stan Wilcox, NCAA executive vice president of regulatory affairs
Media Coverage
Telegram & Gazette: "Holy Cross hopes for growth under new athletic director Marcus Blossom"
Worcester Magazine: "Marcus Blossom named athletics director for Holy Cross in Worcester"
GoLocal Worcester: "Holy Cross Names Blossom Athletics Director"
