Bronx Community College tabbed Eric Mercado Sr. as its Interim Director of Athletics on October 19, 2026. A seasoned athletics administrator, coach, and educational leader with decades of experience in intercollegiate athletics and secondary education, Mercado returns to BCC with a deep understanding of the college's athletic programs, a commitment to student-athlete development, and a vision for fostering success both on and off the playing field.
Mercado previously served as Director of Athletics at Bronx Community College from October 2006 through July 2012, overseeing the daily operations of 10 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III athletic programs. During his tenure, he managed departmental budgets, supervised coaching personnel, coordinated scheduling and transportation, monitored student-athlete eligibility, and maintained compliance with NJCAA regulations. He also played an instrumental role in expanding the college's athletic offerings by implementing the women's basketball program.
In addition to his administrative responsibilities at BCC, Mercado served as the department's representative within the NJCAA, Region XV, and City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) communities. He chaired the NJCAA Region XV Baseball Committee and served as a member of the Region XV Basketball Committee. His responsibilities also included guiding student-athletes through the transition to four-year institutions, overseeing athletic facilities, managing media relations, and coordinating recreational and intramural athletic activities in collaboration with the college's Health, Physical Education and Wellness Department.
Mercado's return to Bronx Community College follows an extensive career in educational leadership. Since August 2022, he has served as principal of Monsignor Scanlan High School in the Bronx, where he has overseen the school's academic and extracurricular operations, including programs supporting student leadership, athletics, and the arts. His responsibilities have included managing a student body of approximately 500 students and a faculty and staff of 50, overseeing budgets and resources, supporting accreditation efforts, and promoting an inclusive and disciplined learning environment.
Previously, Mercado served as Director of Admissions and External Affairs at All Hallows High School in the Bronx from 2012 to 2021. In that role, he managed admissions operations and departmental budgets, coordinated media initiatives, supported fundraising and alumni engagement, and worked closely with prospective students and families. His experience in admissions and external affairs strengthened his ability to build relationships with community stakeholders while advancing an institution's mission and public profile.
Before his first tenure at BCC, Mercado served as Director of Athletics at Salesian High School in New Rochelle, New York, from 2002 to 2006. He supervised 13 athletic teams, managed departmental budgets, hired and supported coaching professionals, monitored compliance with athletic regulations, and oversaw fundraising, alumni relations, and media relations. During his tenure, he also oversaw the transition of the school's varsity baseball program from the Catholic High School Athletic Association's B Division to its A Division.
A dedicated coach with a passion for developing talent, Mercado has built an extensive coaching background spanning basketball and baseball at the high school, collegiate, and youth levels. His coaching experience includes serving as First Assistant Women's Basketball Coach at Baruch College, part of the City University of New York system, from 1999 to 2000. He also held coaching positions at Salesian High School and Monsignor Scanlan High School, serving in both head and assistant coaching roles in basketball and baseball.
Mercado currently serves as head coach of the New York Mets' 14U Nike RBI team, a position he began in April 2025. He previously coached a college showcase team with the Bombers Baseball Club from 2018 to 2022 and served as an assistant varsity baseball coach at All Hallows High School. Across his coaching career, Mercado has coached more than 200 players who have competed at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels, NJCAA Division I, II, and III levels, and NAIA institutions. His coaching experience also includes working with three players who advanced to the professional level.
Beyond his administrative and coaching responsibilities, Mercado remains active in officiating and professional athletics organizations. He has served as a certified baseball umpire since 2021, with affiliations that include United Collegiate Umpires, Atlantic League Professional Baseball, and NJCAA Region XV, as well as the New York State Baseball Umpires Association. He has also worked as a certified basketball official since 2007 through IABBO Board 52.
Mercado earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Bloomfield College in Bloomfield, New Jersey, in 1994. His educational background, combined with his experience as an administrator, coach, and mentor, reflects a career dedicated to student development, institutional leadership, and the positive impact of athletics in education.
As Interim Director of Athletics, Mercado brings a valuable combination of institutional familiarity, operational expertise, and a student-centered approach to Bronx Community College. His return marks a new chapter in his longstanding relationship with the college and its athletic community. With experience spanning collegiate athletics, high school administration, coaching, compliance, and community engagement, Mercado is well positioned to support BCC's student-athletes, coaches, and athletic programs while continuing the department's mission of promoting academic achievement, competitive excellence, and personal growth.
