American International College Appoints Rob Kearney Director of Athletics
SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has named Rob Kearney to the position of director of Athletics, effective July 7. Kearney brings more than a decade of athletic training and leadership experience to this role and will oversee the college’s portfolio of NCAA Division II athletic programs.
“Rob has already made a significant impact in his time at AIC, and his energy and innovative approach will be invaluable to this role,” AIC President Nicolle Cestero said. “His perspective on athletic administration, strong relationships with coaches, and the trust he has built with our student-athletes will bring both stability and renewed direction to AIC Athletics.”
The appointment follows Kearney’s prior tenure as assistant athletic director for sports medicine and performance, in which he oversaw a transformational restructuring of the department and rebuilt all aspects of the college’s athletic training and strength and conditioning programs.
“I am humbled and honored to be selected as the director of Athletics here at AIC. Over the past year, I have been increasingly amazed at the culture, community, and passion within the department,” he said. “I am eager to begin this journey and lead AIC Athletics with passion, excitement, and a vision of success to continue to grow the legacy of the Yellow Jackets.”
Before arriving at AIC, Kearney served as an athletic trainer at Springfield Central High School and was head athletic trainer for the men’s club ice hockey program at UMass Amherst from 2014 to 2024. He has held roles at a number of local institutions, including the Williston Northampton School, Deerfield Academy, and Palmer Public Schools. Kearney and his husband, Joey, also own and operate CrossFit Iron Legacy in East Longmeadow.
Beyond his experience in athletic training and coaching, Kearney’s record includes a 15-year career of professional competition. In 2023, he finished third in the America’s Strongest Man competition and has a personal record of 961 pounds in the deadlift. He has competed in the World’s Strongest Man competition five times and the Arnold Strongman Classic three times. In 2020, he was awarded the title of Pound for Pound Strongest Man in the World by Official Strongman.
Kearney currently serves on the executive board of the OUT Foundation and previously was the Massachusetts state representative for the National Athletic Trainers’ Assoc. LGBTQ+ advisory committee. He holds a master’s degree in advanced athletic training with a concentration in athletic rehabilitation and a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Springfield College, and is a Massachusetts-licensed athletic trainer.