Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst University announced on Thursday, August 31st, that Joe Spano has been hired as the new Athletic Director. After spending the last 24 years as the Head Baseball Coach, and serving as Assistant Athletic Director since 2018, Spano takes on a new role for the Lakers, beginning his time as the Athletic Director immediately.
"I am honored and excited to take on this new role. My time as the Head Baseball Coach has been incredibly rewarding and I am eager to contribute to the growth and success of our entire athletic department."
Spano replaces Brad Davis who served as the Athletic Director at Mercyhurst for five years and recently accepted the Athletic Director position at NCAA Division I Mount St. Mary's.
"I would like to acknowledge my predecessor, Brad Davis, for his contributions as Athletic Director. His dedication and leadership have paved the way for our future success, and I am honored to follow in his footsteps."
Spano began his career at Mercyhurst in 2000 as the Head Baseball Coach and is one of the winningest coaches in all of Division II, collecting 742 wins during his time at the helm. Spano led the Lakers to their first ever college World Series in 2015 and back-to-back trips in 2018 and 2019, where they finished 4th overall. The Lakers had 15 seasons in which they won 30 or more games, while winning a career-high 43 games in 2016. Spano has had 15 players selected in the MLB amateur draft with 3 making it into the Major Leagues.
"Joe's success on the field and in the community as well as his Love for Mercyhurst University line up well with the University's comprehensive vision for athletics. Joe is a proven winner," said Vice President for Student Life Laura Zirkle, and"I'm excited to work with Joe in his new role to bring our athletic department to new heights."
The longtime Laker has had a major influence away from the diamond as well, assuming several roles during his time at Mercyhurst. Spano has served as an Assistant Athletic Director since2018 wherehe oversaw Mercyhurst's former branch campus, Mercyhurst Northeast. His personal values and community involvement are equally significant. As an Assistant Athletic Director, Joe showed a dedication to embracing athletics as a core element of Mercyhurst's future growth strategy.
Spano added "The legacy of Mercyhurst Athletics is built on a foundation of hard work, determination, and commitment to excellence. I am excited to work alongside our coaches, staff, and student-athletes as we continue to write the next chapter of our story."
