Taryn Sheehan Named New NEICAAA Commissioner at Annual Convention

Taryn Sheenan - NEICAAA Commissioner

Worcester, MA — September 9, 2025 — The New England Intercollegiate Amateur Athletic Association (NEICAAA) held its annual convention on September 9, gathering representatives from across the region to review the past year, vote on key measures, and chart the course for upcoming championships. The convention also marked a historic leadership transition as Taryn Sheehan of Bethany, Connecticut, was unanimously selected as the new NEICAAA Commissioner, succeeding Shawn Green, who accepted a new role with the City University of New York athletic conference.

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A New Era of Leadership

Sheehan brings a wealth of experience to the role, having coached at the Division I level at Louisville, Western Michigan, and Yale. Beyond coaching, she has served on the NCAA Division I Cross Country Coaches Executive Committee and participated in the USTFCCCA’s Female Coaching Mentorship Program. She currently teaches as an Adjunct Professor of Exercise Science at Sacred Heart University.

“It is with great excitement and humility that I introduce myself as your new commissioner. Thank you for your support and for the trust you have placed in me to lead this incredible organization,” Sheehan wrote in an email to the coaches. “The landscape of college athletics is constantly evolving, and my goal is to work collaboratively with all of you to support and respect the tradition of the NEICAAA’s 130+ year institution while also moving forward with innovation and progress.”

Sheehan highlighted two immediate priorities: finding a host site for the 2025 Outdoor Track & Field Championships, scheduled for May 9–10, and forming a committee to update the Association’s constitution. She also extended a warm welcome to new coaches joining the Association and invited institutions to become more involved in shaping its future.

Convention Highlights

The convention featured updates from president Rich Hart and treasurer Ruben Sança, who reported that the Association closed the year with $85,809 in revenues, $76,476 in expenses, and a net income of $9,333, leaving a cash balance of $10,717

Membership dues were increased from $500 to $600 to strengthen reserves and support higher-quality championship meets. Coaches are encouraged to pay 2025-2026 membership dues online.

Key Votes Included

Approval of Officers: Alongside Sheehan’s confirmation, officers elected included Steve Vaitones (Assistant/Associate Commissioner), Rich Hart (President), Ruben Sança (Treasurer and First Vice President), Katie Moulton (Second Vice President), and Executive Committee members John Copeland, Kristen Morwick, Carolyn Martin, and Mark Connolly. All votes were unanimous.

Championship Planning

• Cross Country: Scheduled for October 10 at Hopkinton Fairgrounds, NH, hosted with the Hopkinton Running Association.

• Indoor Track & Field: March 6–7 at the Reggie Lewis Center, and to be locked in for the next three years despite some facility challenges.

• Outdoor Track & Field: Set for May 9–10, with final host site still to be determined.

The body also voted to hold future conventions via Zoom, making participation more accessible across divisions.

Looking Ahead

With Sheehan at the helm, the NEICAAA enters a new chapter. Her commitment to balancing tradition with innovation resonated strongly with member schools. “We’d be thrilled for you to be a part of this event and help us continue this legacy,” she wrote in her email to coaches, underscoring her focus on collaboration and inclusion.

As the Association approaches the 112th Men’s and 50th Women’s Cross Country Championships in October, coaches and athletes alike will begin to see Sheehan’s leadership in action, setting the tone for the future of New England’s oldest combined intercollegiate championships.