The Cabrini Cavaliers have without a doubt historically been one of the top division-three athletic programs in the nation. Cabrini has been known to consistently dominate in CSAC conference competition as well as having teams that frequently make NCAA tournament appearances.
Over the years, Cabrini has been known to have strong women’s athletic programs.
The women’s lacrosse team and women’s field hockey team are two Cabrini teams that are known for having a great tradition of winning. Jackie Neary, the coach of both teams is an individual who has been really instrumental in building up the success of Cabrini’s athletic programs.
Jackie Neary began her career at Temple University. As a student- athlete Neary lead her team to a national championship title in 1984.
Following her success at Temple she then served as Temple’s women’s lacrosse assistant coach from 1991-1994.
Neary was a key figure in establishing a women’s lacrosse team at Cabrini College. In 1997 she began her legendary coaching career at Cabrini. She has led the Blue and White to 13 CSAC titles and 11 NCAA tournament appearances.
Neary has also been honored with numerous Coach of the Year honors during her tenure as Cabrini’s lacrosse coach.
Jackie Neary is also a key figure as the head coach of the women’s field hockey team. She had led the Cavs to consecutive CSAC titles in 2009 and 2010.
Additionally, she was also honored with the Conference Coach of the Year award three times as Cabrini’s field hockey coach.
In addition to being both the head women’s field hockey and lacrosse coach at Cabrini she also serves as the student-athlete wellness coordinator. With this position Neary oversees the well being of all student athletes at Cabrini.
When asked about her time at Cabrini, Neary said, “Being at Cabrini 20 years is not something I do, it is who I am. It is hard to express in words how much I enjoy being at Cabrini College.”
Neary’s children are no strangers to Cabrini. Her son Jake is Cabrini alum. At Cabrini Jake played soccer and tennis.
Jackie’s other son Sean is a senior this year and a member of the men’s soccer team and men’s tennis team.
With reference to his mother’s success at Cabrini Sean Neary said, “It means a lot going to the same school that my mom works at and that my family members attended.”
Cabrini has always felt like a second home to me, I have grown up here all my life and I could not have imagined going to another school.”
Neary’s daughter Jackie is a freshman at Cabrini and a member of the field hockey team. When asked about what it’s like to play for her mother she said, “Growing up on the sidelines I have watched my mom’s success as a coach and wanted to be a part of her team.”
