Mohawk College's Director of Athletics and Recreation, Matthew Ferreira, has been named the 2024-25 OCAA Athletic Administrator of the Year.
This marks the third year the OCAA has presented this prestigious award, and it is the first time Ferreira has received the honour.
Now in his sixth year as athletic director at Mohawk, Ferreira has fostered an environment in which student-athletes excel academically while striving for athletic excellence. His leadership has increased opportunities for athletes to engage in intercollegiate programs, broadening their experiences and enhancing their education beyond the classroom.
Under Ferreira's guidance, the 2024-25 season has been a historic one for the Mountaineers. Mohawk claimed three OCAA Championships, a feat not achieved since 1986-87, and earned five provincial team medals. The Mountaineers also secured three CCAA medals, a first for the department.
Ferreira has also prioritized academic support for student-athletes, with investments in tutoring, study halls, and tailored academic advising that works around student schedules. As a result, Mohawk has ranked second for the most CCAA Academic All-Canadians in the OCAA for three consecutive years.
In addition, Ferreira has worked diligently to invest in both his coaching and department staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, raising overall performance standards, and providing professional development opportunities.
"Matt's passion, energy, and unwavering commitment to the Mountaineer Athletics program have been instrumental to its success," said Mohawk College President Paul Armstrong. "His leadership has inspired student-athletes, coaches, and staff to exceed expectations and pursue excellence. This year, Mohawk Athletics enjoyed its most successful season to date, a clear testament to the effectiveness of his dedication."
Ferreira has also played a key role in enhancing Mohawk's reputation in the community through athlete-led service initiatives. These initiatives include annual campaigns addressing local needs, hosting all-star games in collaboration with local school boards, and mentoring programs for athletes.
This year, Ferreira spearheaded the launch of the Mountaineers Lacrosse Sixes program. Not only has this new sport expanded the Athletic Department, but it has also provided additional opportunities for Mohawk students to explore and appreciate Indigenous culture and traditions. Lacrosse has strong ties to the Haudenosaunee community, serving as both a ceremony and medicine for many generations, aligning with Mohawk's Six Nations Polytechnic campus.
Ferreira has also built a strong partnership with Mohawk's Foundation Department, leading a fundraising campaign to support athletics. The campaign has secured critical resources for student-athletes while expanding youth engagement and local programming, fundamentally transforming Mohawk Athletics.
"Receiving this award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication from our student-athletes, coaches, department staff, and the support from Mohawk's administration," said Ferreira. "This recognition highlights the growth of Mohawk Athletics in recent years - our success on the podium, academic achievements, and positive impact in the community."
Throughout the year, Ferreira served on numerous committees both at Mohawk and within the OCAA and CCAA:
- Health, Wellness, and Fitness Advisory Committee at Mohawk
- Vice President, Finance, and Award on the OCAA Senior Leadership Council
- Chair of the OCAA Athletic Financial Awards Committee
- Member of the OCAA Audit Committee
- Member of the OCAA All-Star Committees for men's and women's volleyball, and men's basketball
- One of five Senior Leadership Council members representing the OCAA at the CCAA level
- Active member of the CCAA Awards and Finance Committees
