Bio

Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) President Zulma R. Toro announced today (Jan. 14, 2022) that long-time Blue Devil administrator Tom Pincince has been named CCSU's next Director of Athletics.

Pincince had served as the CCSU interim Director of Athletics since December 2019 and spent the 17 prior seasons leading the department's communications efforts and serving as Athletics spokesperson.

"Tom's performance as interim Athletics Director over the last two years illustrated his capability to lead our coaches and staff. He also demonstrated his dedication and sincere investment in our student-athletes. I am confident that Tom will continue that level of commitment while elevating the profile of our Blue Devils and athletic programs," Toro said.

Pincince joined the department as Assistant Director of Athletics and Sports Information Director in August 2002. He went on to become Assistant Director of Athletics for Communication and Media Services, charged with managing the communications efforts for the entire department, including the evolution of the Blue Devils' online presence. He also served as program administrator for the men's basketball and baseball teams.

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, under Pincince's leadership CCSU Athletics has grown and collected many accolades over the last two seasons. Nine of its 16 athletic programs achieved perfect Academic Progress Rate scores, and 11 programs earned a team GPA above 3.0. Five student-athletes were selected Northeast Conference Scholar-Athletes, and a school record of 230 student-athletes were named to the league's Academic Honor Roll with 3.2 or higher GPA. The Blue Devils also won six team conference championships, 19 individual conference crowns, posted more than 100 All-Conference selections, as well as 13 NEC Player of the Year and six NEC Rookie of the Year awards.

Pincince also helped to reestablish the Athletics Department's Wellness Room to provide student-athletes a safe space to focus on their mental health.

"I'm honored and thankful to President Toro for the opportunity to lead our department and our student-athletes, and I'm truly grateful to be a Blue Devil," Pincince said. "The last two years have been some of the most trying times we have ever experienced. Together, we have continued to hold true to our belief that we will make decisions based on what's best for our student-athletes and to provide them with the best experience possible during their time in New Britain."

A native of Woonsocket, R.I., Pincince's collegiate athletic career began with a four-year stint as a member of the Stonehill College football program. After graduating in 1997, Pincince moved into administrative roles at Fairfield University, the University of New Haven, and the University of Hartford.

“CCSU is a special place. It’s been home for me for 20 years," Pincince said. "I’m honored to lead our department and our student-athletes, thankful for the opportunity and truly grateful to be a Blue Devil. As I’ve said for the last two years, we will do this together, as we always do!”

Pincince, and his wife, Kyle, reside in West Hartford and have three daughters: Isabella, Sophia, and Lucy.