NORTH ANDOVER – The Merrimack College athletic department has welcomed several accomplished coaches to oversee the institution’s Division I men’s and women’s athletic programs.
The most recent hire by the Merrimack athletic department, Jeffrey Mejia, was named the head coach of the Warrior baseball program in June. Mejia previously served as the head baseball coach at Northern Essex Community College for 14 seasons (2012-2026). Mejia was recognized as the NJCAA New England Region XI Coach of the Year 11 times and NJCAA Northeast District Coach of the Year 10 times during his tenure.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to be named the next head baseball coach at Merrimack College,” Mejia said during an introductory press conference. “I want to thank athletic director Joe Foley, athletic administration and the leadership team for trusting me with the future of this program. Merrimack has a fantastic tradition of athletic and academic excellence, and I am eager to build upon that foundation.”
Christina Hathaway was promoted to head coach of the women’s field hockey team in May. A first-time head coach, Hathaway served as an assistant during the 2025 season following a successful playing career at the University of New Hampshire.
“I couldn’t be more excited to step into this role at Merrimack,” Hathaway said. “This is a special group of student-athletes, and I’m so energized about what’s ahead for our program. I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to see what we achieve together.”
Melissa “Missy” Traversi was named the head coach of the women’s basketball program in April. A Massachusetts native, Traversi arrived at Merrimack with more than a dozen years of coaching experience including four seasons as the head coach at Army (2021-25).
“Something special is happening at Merrimack College and within the surrounding community,” Traversi said. “It is both a privilege and an honor to be named the next head coach of the women’s basketball program.”
Courtney Kennedy was named the head coach of the Merrimack women’s ice hockey team in March. Kennedy arrived at Merrimack with two decades of coaching experience, including 17 seasons in Hockey East as an assistant at Boston College. In addition to her time in Hockey East, Kennedy led the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team to a gold medal at the 2026 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship in Nova Scotia and will return as the head coach of the 2027 team, which heads to Czechia in January.
“Courtney rose to the top of a very talented and competitive pool of candidates as the ideal coach to lead our program at this time,” Merrimack athletic director Joe Foley said. “She is globally recognized as an elite recruiter, player developer and leader of young women. I believe Merrimack women’s ice hockey has the potential to compete for Hockey East and NCAA championships, and I am excited for Courtney’s leadership in our pursuit of excellence.”
Jill Gagnon ’09, an all-conference pitcher for the Warriors, was named head coach of the softball team in November. During 12 seasons at Saint Anselm College, Gagnon won a program-record 316 games and led the Hawks to seven NCAA Division II tournament appearances and three conference championships. She was named the Northeast-10 Conference Coach of the Year twice during her tenure (2018, 2021).
“Jill’s resume speaks for itself, she has had tremendous success as a head coach,” Foley said. “Her leadership and deep understanding of the Merrimack culture make her uniquely qualified to guide our program.”
Ralph “RJ” Montez was named the Director of Golf at Merrimack College in August 2025. Montez serves as the head coach for both the men’s and women’s golf teams, bringing with him a diverse background in collegiate and professional golf leadership.
“RJ’s track record in recruiting, player development and competitive excellence speaks volumes, and I am confident he will elevate our men’s and women’s golf programs to new levels of success,” athletic director Joe Foley said.
Hayden West-Mather was named the head coach of the Merrimack men’s volleyball program in July 2025. West-Mather, who was recognized as the youngest head coach in NCAA history to win a tournament game, became the second head coach in program history.
“I am extremely thankful to be selected to lead such a great group of young men and to represent such a prestigious institution,” West-Mather said. “With the amazing support system in place, as well as the ambitions of the athletic department, there is no telling where this program can go.”
