Kristofer Schnatz
Head of the Department of Physical Education & Athletics
President, National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA)
Kristofer Schnatz enters his eighth year as Head of the Department of Physical Education and Athletics at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), where he has overseen one of the most successful periods in Academy athletics history. As the Academy's chief athletics administrator, Schnatz provides strategic leadership for NCAA Division III athletics, physical education, recreation, athletic facilities, and nearly 500 varsity student-athletes while supporting the Academy's mission of developing leaders of exemplary character for service to the Nation.
Schnatz currently serves as President of the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA), representing athletics directors and senior administrators from NCAA Division III institutions nationwide. In this role, he leads the organization's strategic direction while promoting professional development, member engagement, national advocacy, and collaboration throughout Division III athletics.
Since arriving at Kings Point in August 2019, Schnatz has elevated USMMA Athletics both competitively and operationally. Under his leadership, the Mariners have won 39 conference championships across the Skyline Conference, Centennial Conference, and Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), earned 26 NCAA Championship team appearances, secured three Skyline Conference Presidents' Cups, advanced to three football bowl games, and captured six Secretaries' Cup football victories over the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
Beyond competitive success, Schnatz has focused on strengthening the department's culture and long-term vision. Shortly after arriving at the Academy, he introduced the department-wide "Excellence in Athletics" philosophy, establishing clear expectations centered on integrity, accountability, leadership, resilience, teamwork, and service. He later led the development of the Department of Physical Education and Athletics' Mission and Vision under the banner of #OURAcademy, aligning every aspect of the department with the Academy's commitment to preparing leaders for the maritime industry and the armed forces.
Recognizing that sustained success begins with strong leadership, Schnatz has completed seven head coaching searches, hiring leaders in football, women's volleyball, women's basketball, wrestling, men's and women's cross country/track & field, men's lacrosse, and women's soccer. He has also expanded and strengthened the department's assistant coaching and administrative staff, helping establish long-term stability across the Academy's 19 varsity sports.
Schnatz has also championed significant investments in the Academy's athletics facilities and infrastructure. Projects completed during his tenure include the renovation of Tomb Field with a new synthetic playing surface and video scoreboard; upgrades to O'Hara Hall's LED scorer's table, lighting, and sound systems; the opening of the Lower Roosevelt Sports Complex; and numerous additional facility improvements that have enhanced recruiting, student-athlete development, and the championship experience.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Schnatz guided the department through one of the most challenging periods in collegiate athletics. Through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to student-athlete well-being, nearly every varsity program maintained meaningful opportunities to train and compete while upholding the highest standards of health and safety.
His leadership extends well beyond Kings Point. In addition to serving as President of NADIIIAA, Schnatz has chaired the Skyline Conference Championships Committee, served as the Skyline Conference sport liaison for men's lacrosse and women's basketball, represented the Academy on numerous conference and national committees, and continues to serve on the USMMA Athletics Hall of Fame Board.
Before joining USMMA, Schnatz served as Director of Athletics at SUNY Maritime College, where he provided leadership for 16 varsity sports, club sports, and intramural programs while overseeing more than 400 student-athletes. Prior to SUNY Maritime, he served as Executive Director of Athletics at Indiana University Northwest, expanding the department from three to seven varsity sports while improving academic performance, athletic facilities, and game-day operations. He also served as head men's basketball coach, leading the RedHawks while improving student-athlete retention and academic success.
Before beginning his career in collegiate athletics administration, Schnatz spent more than a decade in the maritime industry following his service as a Marine Analyst with the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, where he specialized in military and commercial navigation publications. He later served as Operations Manager and Master at Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa, directing marine, maintenance, housekeeping, and facility operations. His maritime background provides a unique perspective that closely aligns with the mission of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
A graduate of SUNY Maritime College, Schnatz earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation before receiving a Master of Arts in Sports Administration from Valparaiso University.
Schnatz resides in Kings Point, New York, with his wife, Kristen, and their three daughters, Lia, Taylor, and Aybriel.
Executive Leadership Highlights
National Leadership
- President, National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA)
- National advocate for NCAA Division III athletics
- Frequent collaborator with athletics directors and institutional leaders nationwide
Competitive Success at USMMA
- 39 conference championships
- 26 NCAA Championship team appearances
- Three Skyline Conference Presidents' Cups
- Six Secretaries' Cup football victories
- Three football bowl game appearances
Strategic Leadership
- Created the department-wide "Excellence in Athletics" philosophy
- Developed the department's #OURAcademy Mission and Vision
- Successfully completed seven head coaching searches
- Led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic
- Directed major athletics facility modernization initiatives
