Denise E. Materia, M.A.
Denise Materia may have retired as Assistant Directress and Athletic Director in June 2025, but her impactful legacy lives on. Gazing up the hill from the old Sears department store parking lot, back in the early 1980’s, started it all.
She noted, “I was mesmerized by it. I could never have imagined the path that my life would have taken after that day.”
And so, in 1984 she embarked upon the path that she would travel for the next 41 years, first as Physical Education and Health Teacher, Department Chair, then the youngest Athletic Director in the State of New Jersey. Along the way she coached basketball for 11 years and softball for 23 years. In September 2013 Denise added another title, Assistant Directress for Student Life. She wore many hats and wore each with dedication, foresight, enthusiasm, and always, a focus on the mission of the Mount.
She noted, “I was mesmerized by it. I could never have imagined the path that my life would have taken after that day.”
And so, in 1984 she embarked upon the path that she would travel for the next 41 years, first as Physical Education and Health Teacher, Department Chair, then the youngest Athletic Director in the State of New Jersey. Along the way she coached basketball for 11 years and softball for 23 years. In September 2013 Denise added another title, Assistant Directress for Student Life. She wore many hats and wore each with dedication, foresight, enthusiasm, and always, a focus on the mission of the Mount.
There is no “D” in the word athletics, but there would not have been a more well-respected and comprehensive Athletics Program at the Mount without the leadership of “D” (fondly referred to by her friends). Over her 41 years, athletics has risen to new heights as Denise grew the sports team program to 13 varsity sports with 21 teams. “She has modeled women’s leadership, sportsmanship, and what it means to play fair – making students better athletes and women,” Sister Lisa Gambacorto notes.
Expanding the program was not the extent of Denise’s realm. She was constantly supervising the renovation and upgrading of the facilities and mentoring her staff so each court and field were ready for contest play. The dedication of the Angels of Victory Field in 2008 was a dream come true for Sister Lisa and Denise. The Denise E. Materia Softball Field is also a testament to her dynamic presence in Mount athletics.
Denise holds a Bachelor’s degree from Montclair State and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Kean University. She came to the Mount at just 22 years old upon graduation from college and never left.
“It was Divine intervention,” she notes and goes on to say, “I was blessed. It was a perfect place for me . . . an absolute perfect fit.”
It is rare in this day and age to have anyone stay in one place and build a legacy. MSMA has been beyond fortunate as Denise has done just that. Teacher, coach, mentor, NJ Hall of Fame Coaches Honoree, Athletic Director, Sisters of Mercy Associate, Assistant Directress, Facilities Supervisor, Disciplinarian, Fathers Club Moderator . . . she has been able to do it all and make a huge difference at Mount Saint Mary Academy. The legacy of fidelity that Denise Materia left behind will long be honored, cherished, and celebrated. “It’s a community. I think that is what has kept me here so long and kind of made this my home. So that’s the toughest part of retiring.” Just a few of her parting words!
“It was Divine intervention,” she notes and goes on to say, “I was blessed. It was a perfect place for me . . . an absolute perfect fit.”
It is rare in this day and age to have anyone stay in one place and build a legacy. MSMA has been beyond fortunate as Denise has done just that. Teacher, coach, mentor, NJ Hall of Fame Coaches Honoree, Athletic Director, Sisters of Mercy Associate, Assistant Directress, Facilities Supervisor, Disciplinarian, Fathers Club Moderator . . . she has been able to do it all and make a huge difference at Mount Saint Mary Academy. The legacy of fidelity that Denise Materia left behind will long be honored, cherished, and celebrated. “It’s a community. I think that is what has kept me here so long and kind of made this my home. So that’s the toughest part of retiring.” Just a few of her parting words!
© Mount Saint Mary Academy