American International College (AIC) is proud to share two exciting leadership updates that will shape the future of Yellow Jacket Athletics.

Rob Kearney Named Director of Athletics

Rob will officially step into the role of director of athletics on July 7, 2025. He brings more than a decade of experience in athletic training and leadership, and he’s no stranger to AIC—he currently serves as Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine and Performance. In that role, Rob led a transformative restructuring of the department, rebuilding the College’s Athletic Training and Strength and Conditioning programs.

“Rob has already made a significant impact in his time at AIC, and his energy and innovative approach will be invaluable to this role,” said AIC President Nicolle Cestero. “His perspective on athletic administration, strong relationships with coaches, and the trust he has built with our student-athletes will bring both stability and renewed direction to AIC Athletics.”

“I am humbled and honored to be selected as the Director of Athletics here at AIC,” Rob said. “Over the past year, I have been increasingly amazed at the culture, community, and passion within the department. I am eager to begin this journey and lead AIC Athletics with passion, excitement, and a vision of success to continue to grow the legacy of the Yellow Jackets.”

Rob’s career includes service as an athletic trainer at Springfield Central High School and as head athletic trainer for the men’s club ice hockey program at UMass Amherst. He’s also worked with the Williston Northampton School, Deerfield Academy, and Palmer Public Schools. Rob is a Massachusetts-licensed athletic trainer and holds a Master of Science in Advanced Athletic Training and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Springfield College.

In addition to his professional credentials, Rob is a world-class strongman competitor. He’s participated in the World’s Strongest Man competition five times, appeared in three Arnold Strongman Classics, and placed third in the 2023 America’s Strongest Man competition. In 2020, he was named “Pound for Pound Strongest Man in the World” by Official Strongman. Rob and his husband, Joey, also own and operate CrossFit Iron Legacy in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts.

He currently serves on the Executive Board of the OUT Foundation and is the former Massachusetts State Representative for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee.

 Pat Tabb ’03 Named Head Coach of Men’s Ice Hockey

On another exciting note, AIC has hired Pat Tabb ’03 as the ninth head coach in the history of the men’s ice hockey program. The announcement was made on June 10 by Interim Director of Athletics Scott Foulis.

“We're thrilled to welcome Pat as the new head men’s ice hockey coach at AIC,” said Foulis. “Throughout the search process, Pat stood out with his clear and exciting vision for the future of our hockey program and his unbridled enthusiasm for AIC. His previous coaching experience, including with AIC, along with his deep ties to the hockey community in western Massachusetts and beyond, will undoubtedly have a positive impact.”

Pat is deeply rooted in AIC hockey. He played under longtime head coach Gary Wright from 1999 to 2003, appearing in 115 games as a four-year letterwinner. He later returned to serve as an assistant coach during two key periods—first from 2004 to 2007, then again beginning in 2018 under Eric Lang. Pat was an integral part of the team’s run of four straight Atlantic Hockey Association Championships from 2019 to 2022 and helped develop standout players, including AHA Tournament Most Outstanding Player Zackarias Skog ’20.

“I would like to thank President Nicolle Cestero and the entire athletics staff for this opportunity,” Pat said. “AIC is an institution that provides opportunities, and over the course of the history of our hockey program, countless players and coaches have taken advantage of that opportunity. The standard here is set high, and our alumni want to see that standard remain. The 413 has a strong presence in the hockey community, and the Yellow Jackets will continue to be a pillar in our community.”

Pat also brings a wealth of experience in junior hockey. Since 2007, he has led the Springfield Pics as head coach and general manager. Under his leadership, the Pics won a USPHL Elite Division title in 2013–14 and reached the national semifinals. The program has since expanded to multiple levels of competition and will debut a team in the USPHL’s National Collegiate Development Conference in the 2025–26 season.

Through his work with the Olympia Hockey Academy, Pat has helped develop several elite athletes—including NHL All-Star Frank Vatrano and Western Massachusetts natives John and Ryan Leonard, both of whom have made it to the NHL.

“I have had the privilege over the last 21 years to coach alongside some amazing people and outstanding student-athletes,” Pat added. “That wouldn’t have been possible without strong family support. Thank you to my wife, Jennifer, and our children, Camden and Hailey, for not just supporting me but embracing the great game of hockey.”

Please join us in congratulating Rob and Pat on their new roles and in welcoming this next chapter for AIC Athletics.