ST. MARY'S CITY, Md. – St. Mary's College of Maryland Director of Athletics & Recreation Crystal Gibson announced Wednesday morning the hiring of Kyle Pignatiello as the school's first-ever strength and conditioning coach. Pignatiello will begin his duties August 1.
 
"We are incredibly excited to bring Kyle on board, as he has a plethora of experience and knowledge that will aid in elevating our student-athlete's experience, performance and rehabilitation. The creation of the first-ever strength and conditioning coach position continues the Seahawk athletic department's growth in creating a holistic training environment for our student-athletes and coaches," Gibson said.
 
Pignatiello comes to St. Mary's City following nearly three years as the head strength and conditioning coach for the Whitney Point Central School District in Whitney Point, N.Y., as well as the sports performance coach for United Health Services (UHS).
 
"I am excited to have this opportunity to be a part of the St. Mary's Athletic Department. I am looking forward to assisting all the athletic teams to see them grow and reach their potential. My goal is to help each team and athlete achieve their goals. Together, this will be the start of the next successful chapter of Seahawk Athletics!" Pignatiello stated.
 
While working for the Whitney Point Central School District, the Tipp City, Ohio, native directed the implementation of year-round performance programs for 16 sports, engaged in developing return-to-play procedures with the Whitney Point athletic trainer, and managed the strength and conditioning equipment budget.
 
As a UHS employee, he conducted year-round training programs for the Binghamton University club men's and women's ultimate frisbee teams.
 
Pignatiello spent four years working at Division III SUNY Cortland as a strength and conditioning coach and running backs and specialists coach from August 2016 until May 2020. He served as the assistant strength and conditioning coach for his first year with the Red Dragons before being promoted to head coach in March 2017.
 
He graduated from University of Dayton in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in sports management. Pignatiello was a Division I athlete as a four-year member of the Flyer football team. He also spent his final year at Dayton as an intramural program assistant. While at Cortland, Pignatiello completed his Master of Science in sports management in 2019.
 
Pignatiello is expected to complete his Doctor of Philosophy in health and sport science from Liberty University in August 2026.
 
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