MEADVILLE, Pa. -- Bill Ross, director of athletics and recreation, in conjunction with Ian Binnington, dean for the student experience, is pleased to announce the addition of Chris Calliari in a newly created position as Allegheny College's student-athlete academic support coordinator.

In this role, Calliari will work closely with Gator student-athletes to enhance their academic success, providing personalized support and resources to help them balance the demands of both athletics and academics. The vision for this new position directly supports the first pillar of the College's Strategic Pathway, which commits Allegheny to ensuring that every student gains knowledge, skills, and career readiness through education rooted in the liberal arts. Calliari will be based in Pelletier Library as part of the Maytum Center for Academic Success and will collaborate with students, coaches, academic success staff, and faculty.

"I am honored to support Allegheny's athletics teams and to add to the success of our student-athletes," Calliari said. "As a former college athlete, I understand the importance of a strong support system. What excites me most about this role is the opportunity I have to make a positive and lasting impact with our student-athletes."

"We are excited to welcome Chris to the Allegheny College community," Ross said. "His background in student development and passion for supporting student-athletes will be invaluable as we continue to prioritize academic excellence and holistic development. Chris brings unique insight into the challenges our athletes face and how best to support their success both in the classroom and in competition."

Calliari brings a wealth of experience in student development and athletics. He most recently served as director of residential life at Mount Aloysius College, a role that required cross-campus collaboration with coaches, advisors, and support staff to enhance student retention, personal development, and academic success. His responsibilities included training and supervising professional and student staff within the residence life program, as well as managing campus safety and activities for more than 1,100 on- and off-campus students. Before returning to the Keystone State, Calliari held a similar position mentoring student-athletes as a senior residential monitor at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

Before his time in higher education, Calliari spent three years at Moshannon Valley YMCA in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. After two years as the program and wellness director, he was promoted to branch director in March 2021. His responsibilities at the YMCA extended beyond sports and recreation, as Calliari gained valuable experience in event management, community service initiatives, and youth development programming.

A native of Brockway, Pennsylvania, Calliari lettered in baseball at Indiana University of Pennsylvania while completing both his bachelor's and master's degrees. A four-time Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Scholar-Athlete, he started 123 games over five years as an outfielder with the Crimson Hawks. After his senior season was cut short due to injury, he returned to the lineup as a redshirt senior in 2018, batting a career-best .333 and tying for the team lead with a .477 on-base percentage.

Calliari graduated from IUP in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in exercise science and earned his master's in the same field the following year. He also holds a certification in stress management from the Spencer Institute.