MSMA’s athletic director retires after 40 years of making a difference

Sometimes it takes a broken-down bus at just the right time and place to change the course of your life’s direction. Denise Materia, who this spring will retire from a 40-year career as Mount Saint Mary Academy Athletic Director, recalled her first introduction to the Catholic girls’ preparatory school set high on a hill in the Watchung Mountains.

“I have always thought that I was guided to the Mount,” recalled Materia, who had been raised Catholic and attended public schools. “I was coaching for a public school when the bus broke down right in front of the Mount. We got off the bus and I saw the sign ‘Sisters of Mercy Mount Saint Mary Academy.’ It was the first time I realized it was a school even though I had seen it many times before. Three weeks later, I heard from a friend there was an opening for a P.E. teacher, and the rest is history.”

And what a remarkable history it was – the physical education teacher and head coach amassed numerous wins in basketball (11 years, overall record 146 and 78) and softball (23 years, overall record 256 and 170.) 

Materia, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Kean University, also served as the Mount’s Health and Physical Education Department Chair; taught Physical Education, Health, and Driver Education, and currently serves as Assistant Directress for Student Life.

Promoted in 1985 to the slot of school athletic director, Materia’s leadership prompted the addition of 16 new programs, five junior varsity teams and two freshman teams as well as establishing the sports of soccer, swimming, spring track, indoor track, volleyball, lacrosse and golf at the Mount. 

Materia’s list of accomplishments also includes two NJSIAA finals, four Skyland Conference championships, two county finals, two area coach of the year honors, the 2024 Skyland Conference Service Award, and induction into the 2013 Mount Saint Mary Academy Hall of Honor and the 2016 New Jersey Scholastic Coaches Association (NJSCA) Hall of Fame.

Materia recalled, “The athletic department at the Mount was so small when I arrived. Being an all-girls school, Title IX had not had the impact it had in coed schools. I was blessed by supportive Directresses that allowed me to add sports, programs, facilities: everything to make our athletic department respected.”

Materia readily admitted her Catholic faith and sports career dovetailed perfectly, stating, “This was a great fit for me. I was able to live my faith. Athletics presents many opportunities to live our values in real time and model them for our students. As the A.D., I tried to surround myself with coaches and staff that would do just that far beyond the X’s and O’s and the win-loss record.”

Mount Saint Mary Academy directress Mercy Sister Lisa Gambacorto offered high praise for Materia’s four decades of service to the Catholic preparatory school. Sister Lisa declared, “Denise has been the guiding light of our athletic department for almost 40 years. Her leadership and dedication, not only to athletics, but all things Mount, has been instrumental in the success of our athletic and activities’ program. 

“She has modeled for our students – women’s leadership, sportsmanship, and what it means to play fair – making them better athletes and women. She has been, and continues to create, a positive, can-do attitude, and goes the extra mile … It is very rare in this day and age to have anyone stay at one place and build a legacy, but Denise has done just that.”

Jacqueline Conti Muratore, assistant directress for faculty, curriculum and planning, recalled many memorable experiences with Materia, saying, “I feel like I have been learning from Denise for a very long time! She actually taught me how to drive – she was my Health and Driver Education teacher when I was a student at the Mount, and I did my six hours of driving practice with her. 

“Then, throughout my time as a faculty member, I saw her in action as the AD and was continually impressed by how well she understands the mission of our school and the culture of our community. And now, as a fellow administrator, I can say that she is the absolute best teammate. She is incredibly supportive and always has your back.”

“She makes a difference at the Mount,” continued Sister Lisa, “and will leave a lasting impact on the athletic program and the school. Teacher, coach, mentor, NJ Hall of Fame Coaches’ Honoree, Athletic Director, Sisters of Mercy Associate, Assistant Directress, Disciplinarian, and the person we go to – to ensure that fun never dies at the Mount – a central galvanizing force at the Mount with many talents – never afraid to say ‘Yes!’ We thank you for your incredible contributions to the Mount and for your fidelity and friendship, and we are grateful for all of her work on behalf of Lion Nation.” 

The long-time female athletic director sent a message to others contemplating such a career. “There are many amazing women filling this role across the state but still far fewer than men,” Materia said. “I encourage young women to pursue this field as it can be very fulfilling and girls need role models and to hear our voice.”

Materia’s retirement plans include travelling and a move to Florida, but one thing is certain. “I know my heart will always be with the school on the top of the hill.”