With the fall 2026 semester set to begin next week, athletics at St. Joseph’s University, New York are already in full swing. As players, coaches and trainers for the Long Island Golden Eagles and the Brooklyn Bears all settle in for the season, SJNY is happy to welcome some new members to its athletics staff.
Dionne Dodson
Director of Athletics and Recreation
Hometown: Butler, PA
Campus: Brooklyn
What are some things you are hoping to accomplish at St. Joseph’s University?
“I want to provide a positive and caring environment for our student-athletes, so they can find success in the classroom and on the court, field and the pitch. I want to work to increase roster sizes and make our teams more competitive in the Skyline Conference.”
What defines “good coaching” to you?
“Providing a positive environment to teach the fundamentals of sport while honing their character to elevate their transition in post SJNY life.”
Favorite Professional Sports Team
New York Liberty
What is a fun fact about yourself?
“I was named after Dionne Warwick.”
Mark Jenson
Men’s Head Volleyball Coach
Hometown: Bay Shore, NY
Campus: Long Island
What are some things you are hoping to accomplish at St. Joseph’s University?
“I’m hoping to continue the success that has already been established at St. Joseph’s while helping push the program to new heights. I want us to compete for championships, but also create an experience that our players will look back on and be proud to have been a part of.”
What defines “good coaching” to you?
“To me, good coaching is about getting the best out of your players while building genuine relationships with them. It means holding players accountable, pushing them to improve and creating an environment where they know you care about them beyond just what they can do on the court. I also think a good coach is always willing to learn, adapt and find different ways to connect with each player.”
Favorite Professional Sports Team
New York Giants
What is a fun fact about yourself?
“A fun fact about me is that my connection with Coach Bill Kropp has really come full circle — I played against him in high school when he coached at Sachem East, then played for him at St. Joseph’s, and now having the opportunity to take over after him is a huge honor.”
Erin Hadnagy
Women’s Head Lacrosse Coach
Hometown: West Islip, NY
Campus: Long Island
What are some things you are hoping to accomplish at St. Joseph’s University?
“I’m excited to build a competitive and positive culture where our student-athletes can grow both on and off the field. My goal is to continue elevating the women’s lacrosse program, compete for championships, and create an experience that our players are proud to be a part of.”
What defines “good coaching” to you?
“Good coaching is about building relationships, creating a culture of trust and accountability, and getting the best out of each individual athlete. I believe great coaches help their players grow not only as athletes, but as confident teammates, leaders and people.”
Favorite Professional Sports Team
New York Rangers
What is a fun fact about yourself?
“I played Division I lacrosse at the University of Maryland and was fortunate enough to be part of two National Championship teams!”
James Pyatsky
Men’s Head Soccer Coach
Hometown: Stewart Manor, NY
Campus: Long Island
What are some things you are hoping to accomplish at St. Joseph’s University?
“I hope to build a soccer program that our players, alumni and community are proud of. I aim to create a strong culture within the team that is centered around hard work, accountability and support from one another. We want to represent the university at the highest levels on the field as well as off the field.”
What defines “good coaching” to you?
“Good coaching is having student athletes reach their fullest potential both on and off the field.”
Favorite Professional Sports Team
Athletic Bilboa
What is a fun fact about yourself?
“I once lived in Aruba for a couple months.”
Michael McCullough
Women’s Head Volleyball Coach
Hometown: Southborough, MA
Campus: Brooklyn
What are some things you are hoping to accomplish at St. Joseph’s University?
“My goal is to help the program reach the Skyline Playoffs and to win the conference. The ultimate goal is to get into the NCAA tournament. I want to establish a strong program that is well known both for our team chemistry and academic excellence.”
What defines “good coaching” to you?
“Tough love, but an emphasis on guiding student-athletes both in game and in life.”
Favorite Professional Sports Team
Japan’s Men’s National Volleyball Team
All Blacks – New Zealand’s Rugby Team
What is a fun fact about yourself?
“I was born in the Philippines.”
