Riverdale, NY — The University of Mount Saint Vincent has announced the promotion of Christine Friel, M.S., ATC to Director of Athletics, effective February 1. Friel's new position coincides with former AD Phil Stern's ascension to Vice President for University Student Engagement. 

Athletics will shift under Stern's new division moving forward after serving under UMSV's facilities department since 2018.

"It is my pleasure to elevate Christine to the position of Director for Athletics," Stern stated to UMSVAthletics.com. "Since hiring her in 2020, we have been aligned in our vision for our student-athletes here at UMSV. She has always put the positive student-athlete experience and welfare above all else."

"I'm honored to step into the role of Director of Athletics and grateful to Phil Stern and the university's administration for their trust and support," said Friel. 

Friel joined UMSV in July 2020 as Assistant Athletic Trainer while aiding in game operations, quickly establishing herself as a versatile member of the department. She later served as Interim Head Athletic Trainer during the Fall 2021 semester and again in the Spring of 2023 before being promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine in July of that year. Friel advanced to Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine in October 2023, and in 2025 was elevated to Senior Associate Athletic Director and Director of Sports Medicine. 

Since 2022, Friel has also held the role of Senior Woman Administrator, providing department-wide leadership and advocacy. She now assumes the role of Director of Athletics, completing a steady and well-earned rise through the department's leadership structure.

During her tenure at Mount Saint Vincent, Friel worked closely with Stern in managing and supervising daily athletic department operations. Her responsibilities included hiring and supporting coaching and support staff, assisting with performance evaluations, managing game schedules and official contracts, overseeing department credit card expenditures, and helping plan and facilitate all athletic department events. In her sports medicine leadership role, she supervised all athletic training operations, coordinated medical care with NYU Langone, managed student-athlete insurance including international coverage, ensured NCAA compliance documentation, enhanced the University's electronic medical records system, and served as a liaison to campus mental health services.

Friel also played a critical leadership role during the COVID-19 pandemic, co-creating Athletic Department protocols, implementing NCAA resocialization guidelines, and developing tracking systems and guidance to safely navigate the return to play for UMSV's student-athletes.

In addition to her campus leadership, Friel serves on the Skyline Athletic Conference Sports Medicine Executive Board, where she currently holds the position of Chair, reflecting her influence and respect at the conference level.

"Christine has demonstrated exceptional leadership in many different roles during her time at the Mount and quickly rose to the level of Senior Associate Athletic Director through her hard work, dedication and attention to detail," Stern continued. "This promotion ensures a smooth transition for our student-athletes and staff and I am excited for the future of UMSV Athletics under her leadership."

Friel brings an impressive background in collegiate athletics, one that spans across all three NCAA divisions. 

Prior to her arrival at UMSV, she spent more than a decade at Division-I Long Island University, where she served as Associate Head Athletic Trainer, Assistant Athletic Trainer, and Assistant Professor in the Athletic Training Education Program. Her early collegiate experience also includes work and education connected to the United States Military at West Point, as well as Division-II institutions Dominican College and St. Thomas Aquinas College, providing her with a full-spectrum understanding of collegiate athletics administration and student-athlete care.

"I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place, continuing the focus on student-athlete experience and working with our coaches, staff, and our campus resources to elevate our programs with integrity and pride."