NGWSD Spotlight - SUNY Cobleskill Director of Athletics Marie Curran-Headley
The North Atlantic Conference (NAC) is proud to recognize and promote the 39th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), a nationwide celebration co-founded and powered by the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) and supported by its team of champion athletes. The event inspires girls and women to participate in sports, stay active, and realize their full potential. The confidence, strength, and character gained through sports are the very tools that empower girls and women to become strong leaders in both athletics and life. The WSF enters 2025 energized after commemorating its 50th anniversary throughout the past year.
As part of this year’s celebration, the NAC will recognize four women serving in prominent roles at their respective conference institutions with “Spotlight” features on the conference website. Our second subject is Marie Curran-Headley, the Director of Athletics at SUNY Cobleskill.
Marie Curran-Headley has been the Director of Athletics at SUNY Cobleskill since August 2017, making significant contributions to the department’s growth and development. Before this role, she served as the Assistant Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) at Buffalo State University, where she implemented innovative programs enhancing student-athlete engagement and performance. With 13 years of NCAA Division I softball coaching experience at several esteemed universities, including the University at Buffalo, Northern Illinois University, and Creighton University, Curran-Headley brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her current position.
In her capacity as Director of Athletics, Curran-Headley oversees a comprehensive athletics program consisting of 19 individual and team NCAA Division III sports, supporting over 350 Fighting Tiger student-athletes. She is recognized as the sixth person to hold this prestigious position since SUNY Cobleskill gained membership in a national governing body in 1946, indicating a legacy of experienced leadership in the department.
Curran-Headley is pursuing a Ph.D. in educational leadership, policy, and society at the University at Buffalo (UB), further enhancing her leadership qualifications and commitment to educational excellence. Her academic credentials include a bachelor's degree in exercise science from The College of New Jersey, a master's in sports administration from Canisius College, and a Master of Science in Information science from UB. She actively engages with the broader athletics community as a National Fastpitch Coaches Association member and the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators. Additionally, she has played a vital role in various NCAA Committees, currently serving on the NCAA Softball Rules Committee, where she contributes to shaping policies that govern the sport.
How old were you when you started playing sports and what sports did you grow up playing?
I played from an early age, as far back as I can remember. My mother was the eldest in a family of nine children; my youngest uncle was five when I was born. I was fourth in all the sporting events with my three youngest uncles. My grandmother made sure to put equipment on me so I wouldn’t get hurt.
Where did you go to college and what sport did you play there?
I attended the College of New Jersey (Trenton State College) and was a member of the softball program.
When did you realize you wanted to have a career in sports?
During my sophomore season, I sustained a significant injury that required shoulder surgery on my throwing arm after the season concluded. This injury raised concerns about my ability to return to competitive play, leading me to dedicate my third season to rehabilitation while also taking on the role of a redshirt student manager for the team. During this time, I developed a deep appreciation for coaching and gained valuable insights by observing our coaching staff from a unique perspective. I was particularly impressed by their unwavering support, their ability to challenge us, and their commitment to pushing each athlete to reach their full potential. This experience opened my eyes to the possibility of pursuing a career in coaching, which I found incredibly exciting! I also explored the option of becoming an athletic trainer, knowing that my path to recovery would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of the training staff who helped me during my rehabilitation journey.
Can you share some insights into your career journey and the path that led you to your current role?
I was hired as a coach at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. The head coach, Brent Vigness, was a former assistant softball coach and a football student-athlete from Central College in Iowa. Our DIII connection helped me transition into Division I. I then worked at Northern Illinois University under Cary Groth, one of the few female athletic directors in the 1990s. Later, I became the Head Coach at the University at Buffalo before returning to Buffalo State, where my roots are in Division III. I worked under an outstanding athletic director who mentored four assistant ADs/SWAs, all now ADs. He significantly influenced me. I had incredible female and male mentors who supported me throughout my career.
What is your favorite sports memory?
During my junior year at Trenton State University, our softball team made history by winning the national championship. In a pivotal moment during the championship game, our freshman pitcher faced a challenging situation when she gave up a hit. However, Lori, our experienced senior second baseman, and I, a junior catcher, known for our strategic thinking and confidence, assured her not to worry. We planned to execute a pick-off play on the very first pitch, and we executed it flawlessly, preventing the opposing team from advancing any further on the bases.
Additionally, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the 1996 Olympic trials for softball, where I competed against some of the top female athletes in the country—those who ultimately represented the United States at the Olympics. It was a thrilling experience to witness firsthand as my close friends triumphed over Team Japan to secure the first Gold Medal in Softball at the Olympics. This achievement was not only a proud moment for them but a significant milestone in the sport's history. Truly an unforgettable experience!
Who was one of your female sport role models growing up and/or who is one of your favorite female athletes to watch?
The pioneering efforts of the 99ers, Abby Wambach, and Megan Rapinoe have decisively shattered the glass ceiling, paving the way for future generations of female athletes to thrive. Their unwavering fearlessness and exceptional athletic prowess have empowered countless individuals to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what's possible in women's sports.
When we talk about greatness, there is simply nothing that compares to the remarkable impact of the WNBA and the inspiring leadership of figures like Dawn Staley and Tara VanDerveer. The legacy they build fortifies the idea that women belong in all aspects of sports, from playing to coaching to leading organizations.
Moreover, we cannot overlook the monumental importance of Title IX. Visionaries like Billie Jean King, Christine Grant, and Joan Joyce not only fought for our rights but created the foundational opportunities that allow us to pursue our passion for sports today. Their relentless dedication has made it possible for me and so many others to lead vibrant lives enriched by athletic achievement.
Together, these trailblazers have not only elevated women's sports but have also inspired a movement that champions equality and inclusion. Let us honor their legacy by amplifying our own voices and striving for excellence on and off the field!
The History of NGWSD
National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) began in 1987 as a special day in our nation’s capital to recognize women’s sports. The day united premiere organizations and elite women athletes to bring national attention to the promise of girls and women in sports.
In the beginning, NGWSD served as a remembrance of Olympic volleyball player, Flo Hyman, for her athletic achievements and dedication to promoting equality for women’s sports; Hyman died of Marfan’s Syndrome in 1986. NGWSD has since evolved into an event to acknowledge the accomplishments of girls and women in sports, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality for women in sports.
Annually, schools and community-serving organizations host over 300 grassroots events across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. with an estimated reach of 200,000 girls and women.