License to Thrive

Irma Garcia, Making History

In the 2007-2008 school year, Irma Garcia made history by becoming the first Hispanic woman to run an NCAA Division I athletic program at St. Francis College.  She wasn't even aware of her history-breaking role, finding out by about her accomplishment at an athletic conference.  In her role as Athletic Director, Garcia oversees nine (9) men's teams and ten (10) women's teams, and competes in the Northeast Conference.

From the time she was a little girl, Garcia has always wanted to run a sports program, undeterred by racial or gender barriers.  Garcia  began her run at St. Francis College as a student-athlete, playing women's basketball.  She graduated in 1980 and returned several years later to coach the women's team.  Under her guidance, St. Francis had 5 players inducted into the college's Athletic Hall of Fame and one player who went on to play professional basketball.  Academics was also a strong focus with her teams finishing in the top 10% in combined grade point average out of 300 Division I teams.  After serving as coach, Garcia served as Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator, positions which ultimately led to her appointment as AD.

Garcia realizes the significane of her appointment:  "  If my becoming an AD serves as inspiration to even one other woman, then that makes taking this position even more important to me."