The NCAA Appoints Manhattan College Athletic Director To Men’s Basketball Committee

Manhattan Athletics Director Irma Garcia is only the seventh woman to be appointed to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee. Her five-year term begins immediately and last five years. 

Garcia came to Manhattan College about a year ago and under her leadership the swimming and diving team earned recognition from the CSCAA for academic achievement and the . Before that she spent 35 years at St. Francis in Brooklyn serving in several capacities. She coached the women’s basketball team from 1988-99, then became associate athletics director from 1999-2007 and then she was promoted to athletics director from 2007-23.

While in her various roles she was awarded the Northeast Conference women’s basketball Coach of the Year in 1998, won the FCS Administrator of the Year in 2014-15 from the group now called Women Leaders in Sports, and a year later received Division I-AAA Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year honors. Garcia also held leadership roles with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and the Public Schools Athletic League of New York City.

“I am thrilled to be selected as the MAAC representative on the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee,” Garcia said. “This is without question an opportunity to elevate Manhattan College, our conference and Division I men’s basketball. I’m excited to get started working alongside my fellow committee members. The best is yet to come!” 

Milo Riverso, Ph.D., President of Manhattan College said, “This is an extraordinary achievement for Irma. Everyday she demonstrates what it means to be an exceptional leader through her commitment, her drive, her compassion and competitive spirit. I am excited for Irma and our entire Manhattan College community of Jaspers.”