Completed Event: Men's Soccer at Rhode Island on September 1, 2025 , Win , 3, to, 1
Men's Soccer
at Rhode Island
Final
3
-
1
Providence College Athletics
Staff Directory
Napolillo, Steve
Steve Napolillo
- Title:
- Vice President / Athletic Director
- Email:
- Phone:
- (401) 865-2677
On January 26, 2022, Providence College President Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard O.P., '78, '82G named Steven Napolillo '98, as the College's next vice president and director of athletics. Napolillo, who began his new position on July 1, 2022, also serves as a member of the President's Cabinet. He replaced long-time Friar Athletics Director Bob Driscoll, who announced his retirement in January 2022 after serving the College for 21 years.Â
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"Steve has demonstrated that he possesses the key qualities that drive success," said Father Sicard. "I have witnessed firsthand Steve's evolution as a leader over the past 18 years and I am confident that he will continue to build and expand upon the legacy Bob Driscoll created and nurtured at Providence College during the past two decades. Before being elected president in 2020, I was blessed to have served as executive vice president to PC President Father Brian J. Shanley from 2005-2020. I learned a great deal from him and when I assumed my new role, was able to continue and build upon the legacy he left behind. I recognize the similarity that exists between Bob and Steve's relationship. Such continuity of leadership allows for a seamless transition that ensures the ongoing success we have enjoyed under Bob's leadership and encourages new opportunities. I am completely confident that Steve will oversee the PC athletic program with integrity, commitment and genuine passion for excellence."Â
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Napolillo began his career at PC in 2004 as an assistant athletic director, where he rose through the ranks to director of athletic development, then to associate athletic director for external relations and finally senior associate athletic director/assistant vice president for external relations, a position he held from 2014-22. He also has held the position of men's basketball administrator for three seasons.
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His leadership efforts in revenue generation, which includes ticket sales and operations, licensing/branding/gear sales, have been monumental for the Friar Athletic Department. In 2024-25, Napolillo led the Friars to new heights as the athletic department had another record year, raising an impressive $12.7 million in donations. This exceeds the previous record of $10.8 million generated in 2023-24. Providence College Athletics achieved a standout year, generating $9.3 million in ticket revenue from men's and women's basketball, men's ice hockey and the signature Late Night Madness event—surpassing last year's record of $8.5 million. Men's basketball once again sold out its season ticket allotment (four consecutive years) at the Amica Mutual Pavilion and secured a strong 95-percent renewal rate for the 2025–26 season, with the waiting list now exceeding 1,800 seats. The women's basketball program saw a 48-percent rise in fan attendance and hosted a game at the Amica Mutual Pavilion for the first time since 2010. Men's ice hockey heads into the upcoming season boasting its largest season ticket holder base since 2016–17. Napolillo has been able to accomplish this with the integration of the athletic departmental business intelligence efforts, that has included budget analysis, and streamlining departmental workflows.Â
The Providence College ticket team was awarded the 2025 Ticket Team of the Year by the National Association of Athletic Ticket Sales & Operations (NAATSO). This honor recognizes institutions who have driven exceptional revenue growth, sparked innovation and championed collaboration in their departments setting an example across collegiate athletics.
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Another area that Napolillo has embraced is name, image and likeness. He has ensured that Friar Athletics has been at the forefront of NIL and revenue sharing since its inception. He oversaw the athletic department partnering with Opendorse – an industry leader in solutions to help athletes and their supporters understand, build, protect and monetize their brand value. He was instrumental in creating an avenue for Providence College student-athletes in assisting them to make positive contributions to businesses and our local communities, while receiving compensation and growing their respective brands.
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Napolillo is highly respected among his peers nationally and within the BIG EAST. In the spring of 2024, he was named the chair of the BIG EAST Athletic Directors for 2024-25. Â
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Continuing to raise the bar for Friar Athletics, Napolillo announced in August of 2024 that the College would be adding men’s and women’s golf teams. The two golf teams began play in September 2025. The Department now sponsors 21 varsity teams. Â
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During his tenure at PC, Napolillo has overseen many facets of athletics. He played an integral role in coaching searches resulting in the hiring of Head Women's Soccer Coach Sam Lopes and Head Men's Ice Hockey Coach Nate Leaman. In his first two years as athletic director he was tasked with hiring Men's Basketball Head Coach Kim English, Women's Basketball Head Coach Erin Batth, Lacrosse Head Coach Bobby Benson and Softball Head Coach Kelsey Christensen.Â
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As a fundraiser, he played a decisive part in securing more than $75 million in gifts while supporting strategic decision making for additional capital projects on campus including the renovation of Schneider Arena and Alumni Hall, Anderson Stadium's new soccer and lacrosse complex, the Ray Treacy Track and Field Complex and much more. He also worked closely with major gift donors as lead solicitor to secure a $10 million gift for the $30 million renovation of the Ruane Friar Development Center. The Friars Forever Athletic Fund, which was established to support 19 teams, was developed and led by Napolillo. He has overseen the PC Athletic marketing, ticketing and development office for the last decade during which time sales doubled to reach over $5.3 million dollars in ticket sale revenue.Â
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During the pandemic, Napolillo worked with senior staff and college teammates to help navigate PC Athletics through the COVID-19 pandemic.Â
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Prior to joining Providence College Athletics, Napolillo was director of merchandising and corporate sales for the Pawtucket Red Sox. He was a member of longtime Pawtucket Red Sox General Manager, the late Lou Schwechheimer's, personal advisory board for his mission to bring baseball back to Cuba and AAA baseball to Wichita.Â
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Napolillo credits Schwechheimer as being his first mentor. Commenting on Napolillo's appointment, Lou's widow Jane said, "Lou encouraged people to find their passion. Given Steve's commitment and love of Providence College and sports, Lou would be overjoyed but not surprised that Steve has been given this great opportunity. I have no doubt that Lou is beaming knowing Steve will continue to be an asset and a leader to the Friar community for years to come."
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Napolillo earned his bachelor's degree in political science in 1998 from Providence College and he completed a master's degree program in sports management at Georgetown University in 2023. A 1994 graduate of Bishop Hendricken High School, he has been a member of A Wish Come True in Rhode Island for the past 22 years and a board member for the last four. Napolillo and his wife Bethany reside in North Kingstown, R.I. with their son, Drew, and daughter, Avery.Â
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"Steve has demonstrated that he possesses the key qualities that drive success," said Father Sicard. "I have witnessed firsthand Steve's evolution as a leader over the past 18 years and I am confident that he will continue to build and expand upon the legacy Bob Driscoll created and nurtured at Providence College during the past two decades. Before being elected president in 2020, I was blessed to have served as executive vice president to PC President Father Brian J. Shanley from 2005-2020. I learned a great deal from him and when I assumed my new role, was able to continue and build upon the legacy he left behind. I recognize the similarity that exists between Bob and Steve's relationship. Such continuity of leadership allows for a seamless transition that ensures the ongoing success we have enjoyed under Bob's leadership and encourages new opportunities. I am completely confident that Steve will oversee the PC athletic program with integrity, commitment and genuine passion for excellence."Â
 Â
Napolillo began his career at PC in 2004 as an assistant athletic director, where he rose through the ranks to director of athletic development, then to associate athletic director for external relations and finally senior associate athletic director/assistant vice president for external relations, a position he held from 2014-22. He also has held the position of men's basketball administrator for three seasons.
Â
His leadership efforts in revenue generation, which includes ticket sales and operations, licensing/branding/gear sales, have been monumental for the Friar Athletic Department. In 2024-25, Napolillo led the Friars to new heights as the athletic department had another record year, raising an impressive $12.7 million in donations. This exceeds the previous record of $10.8 million generated in 2023-24. Providence College Athletics achieved a standout year, generating $9.3 million in ticket revenue from men's and women's basketball, men's ice hockey and the signature Late Night Madness event—surpassing last year's record of $8.5 million. Men's basketball once again sold out its season ticket allotment (four consecutive years) at the Amica Mutual Pavilion and secured a strong 95-percent renewal rate for the 2025–26 season, with the waiting list now exceeding 1,800 seats. The women's basketball program saw a 48-percent rise in fan attendance and hosted a game at the Amica Mutual Pavilion for the first time since 2010. Men's ice hockey heads into the upcoming season boasting its largest season ticket holder base since 2016–17. Napolillo has been able to accomplish this with the integration of the athletic departmental business intelligence efforts, that has included budget analysis, and streamlining departmental workflows.Â
The Providence College ticket team was awarded the 2025 Ticket Team of the Year by the National Association of Athletic Ticket Sales & Operations (NAATSO). This honor recognizes institutions who have driven exceptional revenue growth, sparked innovation and championed collaboration in their departments setting an example across collegiate athletics.
Â
Another area that Napolillo has embraced is name, image and likeness. He has ensured that Friar Athletics has been at the forefront of NIL and revenue sharing since its inception. He oversaw the athletic department partnering with Opendorse – an industry leader in solutions to help athletes and their supporters understand, build, protect and monetize their brand value. He was instrumental in creating an avenue for Providence College student-athletes in assisting them to make positive contributions to businesses and our local communities, while receiving compensation and growing their respective brands.
Â
Napolillo is highly respected among his peers nationally and within the BIG EAST. In the spring of 2024, he was named the chair of the BIG EAST Athletic Directors for 2024-25. Â
Â
Continuing to raise the bar for Friar Athletics, Napolillo announced in August of 2024 that the College would be adding men’s and women’s golf teams. The two golf teams began play in September 2025. The Department now sponsors 21 varsity teams. Â
Â
During his tenure at PC, Napolillo has overseen many facets of athletics. He played an integral role in coaching searches resulting in the hiring of Head Women's Soccer Coach Sam Lopes and Head Men's Ice Hockey Coach Nate Leaman. In his first two years as athletic director he was tasked with hiring Men's Basketball Head Coach Kim English, Women's Basketball Head Coach Erin Batth, Lacrosse Head Coach Bobby Benson and Softball Head Coach Kelsey Christensen.Â
Â
As a fundraiser, he played a decisive part in securing more than $75 million in gifts while supporting strategic decision making for additional capital projects on campus including the renovation of Schneider Arena and Alumni Hall, Anderson Stadium's new soccer and lacrosse complex, the Ray Treacy Track and Field Complex and much more. He also worked closely with major gift donors as lead solicitor to secure a $10 million gift for the $30 million renovation of the Ruane Friar Development Center. The Friars Forever Athletic Fund, which was established to support 19 teams, was developed and led by Napolillo. He has overseen the PC Athletic marketing, ticketing and development office for the last decade during which time sales doubled to reach over $5.3 million dollars in ticket sale revenue.Â
Â
During the pandemic, Napolillo worked with senior staff and college teammates to help navigate PC Athletics through the COVID-19 pandemic.Â
Â
Prior to joining Providence College Athletics, Napolillo was director of merchandising and corporate sales for the Pawtucket Red Sox. He was a member of longtime Pawtucket Red Sox General Manager, the late Lou Schwechheimer's, personal advisory board for his mission to bring baseball back to Cuba and AAA baseball to Wichita.Â
Â
Napolillo credits Schwechheimer as being his first mentor. Commenting on Napolillo's appointment, Lou's widow Jane said, "Lou encouraged people to find their passion. Given Steve's commitment and love of Providence College and sports, Lou would be overjoyed but not surprised that Steve has been given this great opportunity. I have no doubt that Lou is beaming knowing Steve will continue to be an asset and a leader to the Friar community for years to come."
Â
Napolillo earned his bachelor's degree in political science in 1998 from Providence College and he completed a master's degree program in sports management at Georgetown University in 2023. A 1994 graduate of Bishop Hendricken High School, he has been a member of A Wish Come True in Rhode Island for the past 22 years and a board member for the last four. Napolillo and his wife Bethany reside in North Kingstown, R.I. with their son, Drew, and daughter, Avery.Â
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Men's Soccer vs Harvard
Friday, September 05
Providence vs. Rhode Island
Friday, September 05
Women's Soccer vs Sacred Heart
Wednesday, September 03
Men's Soccer vs Boston College
Friday, August 29
