BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Pratt Institute Director of Athletics and Recreation Walter Rickard has announced the appointment of Maureen Zivic as head men's and women's cross country and track & field coach. Zivic brings extensive experience as a Division I athlete, elite masters competitor, coach and business leader to the Cannoneers.
"Maureen brings an extraordinary blend of elite athletic success and executive leadership experience to Pratt," Rickard remarked. "She understands firsthand the transformative power of being a student-athlete and has a proven track record of developing individuals and teams to perform at their absolute best. We are excited to see the impact her energy, standard of excellence, and mentorship will have on our Cannoneer student-athletes."
A former Division I track & field student-athlete at Fordham University, Zivic held school records in the 400 meters, 500 meters and team relays, and collected two Atlantic 10 individual titles. A five-time Academic All-Atlantic 10 honoree, she was inducted into the Fordham Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012.
Zivic continues to compete at the highest level as a Masters athlete, training with the Central Park Track Club alongside professional-development athletes. She is a World Masters Champion in the 400 meters and holds multiple world records as part of several 4x400 and 4x800 relay squads.
"I am incredibly excited to join Pratt and have the opportunity to lead the cross country and track & field programs," Zivic said. "My goal is to build a supportive environment where student-athletes can challenge themselves, develop as athletes and leaders, and reach their full potential."
Zivic also brings more than a decade of professional leadership experience. During her career at a leading technology company, she rose to vice president of customer support, where she built an in-house team from the ground up. Following her departure from the business world, she transitioned her leadership skills and passion for running into coaching. Most recently, she has coached high school athletes at various schools in Brooklyn.
Zivic earned her Bachelor of Science in business administration from Fordham University, where also served as a team captain of the track and field team.
"Being a student-athlete shaped me in so many positive ways, and I'm excited to create that same experience for Pratt's student-athletes," Zivic said. "I'm looking forward to sharing my experience while also learning and growing alongside our athletes."
