MOHAWK'S FERREIRA NAMED OCAA ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

TORONTO - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is proud to announce that Matthew Ferreira of Mohawk College has been named its 2024-25 Athletic Administrator of the Year.

Ferreira has been Mohawk's Director of Athletics & Recreation for six years, cultivating an environment where student-athletes thrive academically while pursuing excellence in their respective sports. Ferreira's leadership has expanded opportunities for athletes to engage in intercollegiate programs, broadening their experiences and enhancing their education beyond the classroom.

Under Ferreira's direction, Mohawk has implemented an integrated student-athlete experience that supports academic achievement alongside athletic performance. Ferreira has spearheaded a robust succession plan that includes career and professional development services, strengthening athletes' futures beyond their collegiate years. This initiative features an enhanced internship program, connecting student-athletes with local, provincial and international employers, ensuring a smooth transition from student life to professional careers.

Recognizing the unique challenges student-athletes face, Ferreira has invested significantly in academic support programs. These programs offer tutoring, study halls and dedicated academic advising tailored to their schedules, including assistance with course selection and time management strategies. Ferreira's unwavering commitment to education is reflected in the department's goal of achieving a 90 per cent retention and graduation rate for student-athletes.

Ferreira has fostered a culture that emphasizes teamwork, respect and sportsmanship, setting the foundation for excellence within the athletic department. Ferreira has been instrumental in promoting a positive team dynamic where athletes support one another, align with shared goals and work collectively toward success both on and off the field.

To ensure continued growth, Ferreira prioritizes coaching excellence by providing professional development opportunities, such as coaching workshops, leadership training and technical skills development. By investing in Mohawk's coaching staffs, Ferreira has established a culture of continuous improvement, elevating the department's overall standards of performance.

Mohawk had one of its most successful athletic years in history during the 2024-25 varsity season. The department achieved three OCAA gold medals, the most since 1986-87. Overall, the Mountaineers won five OCAA team medals and one individual medal in cross country. Mohawk also won three Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) medals, the most in department history, with men's curling gold, women's cross-country running bronze and mixed cross-country running bronze.

Ferreira has played a pivotal role in shaping Mohawk College's reputation within the community through athlete-led service initiatives. Under Ferreira's leadership, student-athletes engage in volunteer work, mentorship programs and youth sports clinics, serving as role models for aspiring athletes in underserved communities.

Beyond Mohawk College, Ferreira has demonstrated leadership at multiple levels, advocating for student-athletes and contributing to the broader athletic community. Ferreira is the Vice President of Finance and Awards on the OCAA Senior Leadership Council; Chair of the Athletic Financial Awards Committee; member of the OCAA Audit Committee; member of the All-Star Committees for Men's & Women's Volleyball and Men's Basketball and previously served on the OCAA COVID-19 Task Force. Ferreira is also an active member of the CCAA Awards and Finance Committees.

Ferreira's leadership continues to shape the future of Mohawk College athletics, leaving a lasting impact on both the institution and the broader collegiate sports community.

2024-25 OCAA MAJOR AWARDS

Apr. 8 - Matthew Ferreira, Athletic Administrator of the Year
Apr. 9 - Coach of the Year
Apr. 10 - Rookies of the Year
Apr. 11 - Athletes of the Year

- OCAA -

ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

For over 50 years, the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association has been a dedicated leader in amateur athletics through the provision of quality varsity and recreational athletic opportunities at the collegiate level.

For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com