Providence College Athletics
Jill LaPoint Retires After 26 Years In Friartown
6/30/2026 3:00:00 PM | General
LaPoint has served as the senior woman administrator while at Providence College.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - It was announced today (June 30) that Jill LaPoint has retired after serving in Friar Athletics for 26 years. LaPoint began her career with the Friars in November of 2000. Most recently, she served as senior associate vice president/deputy athletic director and SWA. Â
"Jill LaPoint's service to Providence College Athletics has left an enduring mark on our community," said College President Fr. Kenneth Sicard, O.P. "Her leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the student-athlete experience reflect the very best of our mission. Jill's influence has extended well beyond our campus through her work at the NCAA and BIG EAST levels, elevating both our institution and the broader athletics community. We are deeply grateful for her dedication and wish her every blessing in her well-earned retirement—she will be greatly missed."
LaPoint was hired at Providence College in 2000 by then Athletic Director John Marinatto. She also worked under former Athletic Director Bob Driscoll and current Athletic Director Steve Napolillo during her time at Providence.
"As I reflect on my 26 incredible years at Providence College, I am filled with gratitude for the people and experiences that made this journey so meaningful," LaPoint said. "I extend my sincere thanks to Athletic Directors Bob Driscoll and Steve Napolillo and Presidents Fr. Brian Shanley and Fr. Ken Sicard, for their leadership, trust, and support. It has been a privilege to work with so many outstanding Providence College student-athletes, coaches, colleagues, and friends, and to build lasting and meaningful relationships throughout the BIG EAST Conference. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this remarkable chapter of my life. I will forever cherish the memories, the friendships and the opportunity to be part of the Friar family."
LaPoint served as Assistant Athletic Director at Brown University for two years prior to her arrival at Providence. While at Brown, she was the primary administrator for four intercollegiate athletic programs. She also was the director of the club sports and intramural programs, as well as the director of physical education and university recreation programs.Â
"Jill's impact on Providence College Athletics over the years has been both significant and lasting," Napolillo said. "Her leadership, institutional knowledge, and steady presence have helped the department through periods of growth and change, always with a commitment to the success of our student-athletes at the forefront. Her impact at Providence has been immeasurable. I am especially grateful for Jill's counsel and support since I became Athletic Director. She has been an invaluable and thoughtful partner, generously sharing her expertise and helping colleagues navigate complex issues to make informed decisions. While we are certainly sad to see her go, we are equally excited for this well-earned next chapter in her life. Friartown will always remember Jill as a passionate champion of Friar Athletics and her legacy will continue to inspire future student athletes for years to come.
She began her career in athletics as the head field hockey coach at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania in 1992. While at Juniata, she was promoted to the post of assistant athletic director/senior woman administrator. LaPoint worked in those positions until 1998 when she assumed the role of Assistant Athletic Director at Brown. Â
In 1989, LaPoint graduated from Lock Haven University with a Bachelor's Degree in health and physical education. While at LHU, LaPoint was a four-year member of the field hockey team and spent one season on the track and field team. LaPoint earned a Master's Degree in exercise and sports science from Smith College in 1992. Â
LaPoint also has served on a number of committees. She served as the NCAA Division I Field Hockey committee chair and is currently the BIG EAST conference field hockey committee chair. In addition, LaPoint served on the BIG EAST Conference diversity, equity and inclusion committee, the BIG EAST conference awards committee and the Providence College Athletics Hall of Fame Committee. Â
LaPoint was inducted into the Wayne Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. She was involved in multiple professional development groups including, NACWAA/HERS Institute for Administrative Advancement, Rhode Island Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, and the NCAA Fellows Leadership Program. Â
LaPoint is originally from Honesdale, Pa.
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