While shopping at the old Sears department store across Route 22 in Scotch Plains, a 22-year-old Denise Materia stared up at Mount Saint Mary Academy in wonderment, her eyes full of admiration and curiosity. The building seemed to be a beacon of something new, something promising, a place full of hope. “I was mesmerized by it,” said Denise. “I could have never imagined the path that my life would have taken after that day.”
In 1984, Denise was hired as the Academy’s new Physical Education and Health Teacher and only one year later, she became the youngest Athletic Director in the state of New Jersey. Her belief in the Mount, and the community that welcomed her, gave her the determination to make the Academy top-of-mind in the world of high school athletics. Building the athletic department became her mission: Adding new sports, fixing and developing facilities, and being able to watch athletes compete under the MSMA title are just a few of her accomplishments. But it was bringing the Angels of Victory Field to fruition, together with Sister Lisa Gambacorto, RSM, Ed.S., Directress, that was a dream come true. “Denise has been the guiding light of our athletic department for almost 40 years. Her leadership and dedication, not only to athletics, but all things Mount, has been instrumental in the success of our athletic and activities program. She has modeled for our students – women’s leadership, sportsmanship, and what it means to play fair – making them better athletes and women," says Sister Lisa. "She leaves behind a legacy of impact on the athletic program and the school".