JM Caparro was named the 15th Director of Athletics and Recreation at American University on April 2, 2024, and has led the Eagles through a period of significant competitive success, record-setting philanthropy, and transformational facility growth.
During Caparro's first two years, American captured Patriot League championships in men's basketball and volleyball. Men's basketball won its fourth Patriot League title in March 2025 and its first in 11 years, hosting and winning the championship game against Navy in front of a sold-out Bender Arena crowd before advancing to the NCAA Tournament. Following the season, Caparro signed head coach Duane Simpkins to a contract extension through the 2029-30 season. Volleyball added another conference crown in November 2025, capturing the program's 17th Patriot League Tournament championship since 2001.
Caparro also oversaw the opening of the Alan and Amy Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance, the first new athletics facility at American in more than 30 years. The state-of-the-art facility provides expanded resources for AU student-athletes in strength and conditioning, sports medicine, nutrition and overall performance and wellness.
American's student-athletes have continued to excel academically under Caparro's leadership, posting a department-wide 3.52 GPA during the 2025-26 academic year.
Athletics has also reached new heights in philanthropy. In fiscal year 2026, the department secured $4.375 million in commitments, the second-highest total on record and one of only three years in program history to surpass $4 million. More than 2,400 donors supported AU Athletics during the year, while the Champions Fund increased 86 percent and several sport-specific programs saw significant growth. Athletics also set a Giving Day record for the fourth consecutive year, generating approximately $450,000 over the two-day campaign and once again leading the University in participation. Since 2022, Athletics has secured more than $7.6 million in new commitments.
Caparro made his first head coaching hire at American in April 2025, appointing longtime University of Pennsylvania assistant Kelly Killion as the 15th head coach of the women's basketball program. He followed with the hiring of Phil Casella to lead women's soccer in December 2025 and Jenny Glenn to take over the defending Patriot League champion volleyball program in March 2026.
Prior to American, Caparro spent nine years at Boston College, most recently serving as Deputy Athletic Director beginning in 2022 after previously serving as Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs. He oversaw the day-to-day operations of the athletics department and its 31 varsity programs; served as sport administrator for football, women's lacrosse and women's volleyball, among other programs; and led Ticket Sales and Service, Marketing, Multimedia Rights, Communications, Ticket Operations, Equipment Operations, Facilities Operations and Event Management.
Caparro also developed and implemented strategic initiatives to maximize revenue opportunities at Boston College, including record-setting apparel and multimedia rights partnerships.
Before joining Boston College, Caparro was vice president of ticket sales and service for the NBA's Brooklyn Nets, where he managed more than $70 million annually in ticket sales and service functions. He helped lead the Nets' relocation from the Izod Center to Prudential Center in New Jersey and ultimately to Barclays Center in Brooklyn, bringing the first major professional sports franchise back to Brooklyn in more than 50 years. Prior to joining the Nets, Caparro was a member of the Team Marketing and Business Operations group at the NBA league office.
A native of Upper Saddle River, N.J., Caparro graduated from Lehigh University with a bachelor's degree in marketing from the College of Business and was a member of the varsity football team. Caparro and his wife, Karen, are the parents of four children: Joseph, Caroline, Sophia and Isabel.
What They’re Saying About JM Caparro
“JM is an accomplished athletic leader who prioritizes the holistic growth and success of student-athletes,” said Alger. “His innovative approach and deep understanding of current issues facing the NCAA and collegiate athletics will help AU and our student-athletes thrive. I’m looking forward to working with him and celebrating championships in Bender Arena, the Meltzer Center, and all our competition fields.”
- Jonathan Alger
President of American University
“I am so happy for JM and his entire family. While we are devastated to lose him, I know he will go on and do great things for AU and their community. Having him as our sport administrator at Boston College was the greatest gift to my team over the years, because he shaped our program and worked hard to continuously build it every day. Now, it’s JM’s time, and I am so excited for him, Karen and the kids to take on this incredible opportunity. American University is lucky to have him.”
- Acacia Walker-Weinstein
Head Coach of Boston College Women’s Lacrosse – 2021 National Champions
“JM is an innovative leader who consistently brings solutions to the table. His people first approach allows him to serve student athletes and teammates in an exceptional manner. JM and his family will be an incredible addition to the American University community!”
- Martin Jarmond
The Alice and Nahum Lainer Family Director of Athletics at UCLA
“JM played a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of our department at Boston College. His adeptness in fostering relationships within the campus community, as well as with donors and external partners, is unparalleled. He possesses a unique talent for connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, which was instrumental in advancing our department's new initiatives. His dedication, expertise, and integrity make him an invaluable asset to any institution. American University is fortunate to have him join their team, and I am confident that he will make an instant impact to their athletic department.”
- Dr. Patrick Kraft
Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at Penn State
"At BC, we are family and we are sad to be losing one of our own! JM has been a dynamic presence within our Athletic department and the University. He has stepped up twice to be our interim AD and has been a personal friend to me. We have worked on many things together; loved being on coach searches with him. I've seen what he can do and am grateful for what he has done for us. Now it is time for JM to share his gifts and talents with another outstanding institution. He is an Eagle through and through (BC to AU) and will take American to new heights."
- John T. Butler, S.J.
Haub Vice President, Boston College
“I had the opportunity to work with JM at the Brooklyn Nets, and he has always stood out as a dynamic and passionate leader. His exceptional creativity has enabled a successful transition from the professional sports space to the collegiate world. I’m looking forward to watching him thrive at American University; they are lucky to have him.”
- Fred Mangione
Managing Director MM Sports Consulting/Former COO Brooklyn Nets, Barclays Center
