Athletic Director Kirby Garry to receive national award

The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics has named Cal State Monterey Bay’s Kirby Garry as a 2024 Athletic Director of the Year. 

Garry is one of 28 winners across seven collegiate divisions that include both four-year universities and two-year colleges. The awards will be presented June 11 at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas as part of the NACDA annual convention. 

“I’m thankful to be recognized by my peers,” Garry said. “I also think it’s a team award for Otter Athletics. It’s a reflection of the support we’ve had and the dedication of our staff. I just happen to be the athletic director.”

Pat Manak is chief executive officer for  NACDA.

“We are proud to play a small role in growing the pipeline of athletics directors making an impact throughout the industry,” Manak said. “As an association, it is part of our mission to develop tomorrow’s leaders led by today’s decision-makers, which is why it is so fitting that 21 of the 28 recipients of the ADOY award this year are first-time winners.”

CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones said Garry’s award was an acknowledgment of his dedication.

"During his time at Cal State Monterey Bay, Kirby has built up our athletics programs, supported our coaches and created an atmosphere where our student-athletes excel, with some of the highest graduation rates of any cohort on campus,” Quiñones said. “His leadership has created an atmosphere that propels all our teams to excel, and we look forward to many more achievements with Kirby at the helm of our athletics department. 

“This recognition from the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics is well deserved,” she added, “and emphasizes how lucky we are to have Kirby leading our teams."

Garry said he has been involved with the NACDA his entire career. He was elected president of the Division II Athletic Directors Association last year. The ADA is a part of the NACDA. 

He said he’s seen many friends and colleagues he has admired be given this award in the past. 

“To be with those people is humbling,” he said. “It means a lot to me. I owe a lot of my career progress to those folks.”

He said he hopes the award helps spotlight Otter Athletics.

“I’ve always thought of my involvement with NACDA as a way to bring more attention to CSUMB,” he said. “This brings attention to our special part of the world.”