STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Wagner College has named Ariel “AP” Pesante as its next Director of Athletics.
Pesante comes to Wagner from Georgetown University, where he served as Senior Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations. As a member of the athletics executive staff, he provided leadership for compliance, academic support, sports medicine and sports performance, served as the sport administrator for football, baseball and women's squash, co-chaired the institution's Name, Image and Likeness working group and helped guide departmental strategy and operations.
“We are happy to welcome AP to Wagner College,” said President Jeffrey Doggett. “He brings extensive Division I leadership experience, a collaborative approach and an unwavering commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience. As Wagner continues its bold transformation, AP’s passion and ethos will benefit not only our students but our strategy for growth and success. I also want to thank Collegiate Consulting for its guidance and partnership throughout our national search.”
Prior to Georgetown, Pesante served as Associate Athletics Director for Governance and Compliance at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he oversaw the operation of the Minutemen's compliance program, including rules education, Name, Image and Likeness initiatives, financial aid, NCAA governance and legislative matters. He also served as UMass's sport administrator for football, men's basketball and men's and women's soccer.
Prior to his time in Amherst, Pesante spent three years at Hofstra University as Associate Athletics Director for NCAA Education and Compliance Services. There, he led the department's compliance efforts while providing sport oversight for the baseball and wrestling programs.
Pesante also served as Assistant Athletics Director for Administration and Compliance at the University of Hartford and held compliance positions at Manhattan College and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. He began his collegiate athletics career as a graduate assistant at Delaware State University.
“I am honored to join Wagner College at this promising time, and I want to thank President Doggett and Executive Vice President Clarke-Glover for this incredible opportunity, said Pesante. “Wagner’s mission and values immediately spoke to me and I’m proud to join the Seahawk family. I look forward to partnering with our coaches, student-athletes, alumni and supporters as we continue advancing a culture of excellence — and providing an outstanding experience for our student-athletes and the entire campus community.”
Executive Vice President Jazzmine Clarke-Glover, who oversees athletics, said Pesante emerged as the clear choice during the national search.
“AP is an experienced, collaborative leader who understands that successful athletics programs are built around students. His commitment to excellence, integrity and developing the whole student-athlete makes him an outstanding fit for Wagner College.”
Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and former Interim Director of Athletics Walt Hameline said Pesante is well positioned to continue the department's success.
“AP has the experience, energy and perspective to lead Wagner Athletics into its next chapter. His background across every aspect of Division I athletics and his commitment to supporting coaches and student-athletes make him an outstanding addition to Wagner."
A native of the Bronx, New York, Pesante earned his bachelor's degree from Binghamton University and a master's degree in sport administration from Delaware State University.
