COLONIA, N.J. – The Mercy University Athletic Department has been named the recipient of the 2026 ECC Cares Award, which is presented to the institution that raises the most money per student-athlete for collective causes. Mercy raised $28.73 per student-athlete, collecting a total of $7,700.

"Everyone at Mercy is thrilled to have won the ECC Cares Award," said Mercy University Assistant Athletic Director for Student Services Jack Nicholson. "Over the past few years, our community engagement and fundraising efforts have increased significantly, which is a testament to the dedication of our student-athletes and coaches. We are committed to supporting causes that are meaningful to our community and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact."

The bulk of the Mavericks' funds raised were from women's lacrosse's LaCROSSe Out Cancer Game against Pace on April 2nd, totaling $5,000.

"Fundraising is such an important part of Mercy's athletic department," said Mercy Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) President and ECC National SAAC Representative Rita-Marie Masi. "Each team finds unique and meaningful ways to support causes that matter to them. One of my favorite initiatives is our women's lacrosse team's 'LaCROSSe Out Cancer' game. It allows us to support individuals battling cancer while coming together as a community for a cause greater than ourselves. These efforts not only unite us as a team but also allow us to make a lasting impact in our community."

The department also raised $2,700 for the American Cancer Society through each team's Making Strides Versus Cancer Pink Games.

The award comes with a $500 grant from the ECC to be used towards community efforts during the 2026-27 season.