Christian Brothers Academy is pleased to announce Nicholas Mariniello as the school’s new Director of Athletics.

“CBA is excited to have Nicholas Mariniello join our team as the Director of Athletics,” said President Ross Fales. “We have no doubt that Nick will continue the high standards of CBA Athletics by not only championing success in our 20 sports programs, but also prioritizing values such as high character, academic excellence, and CBA’s trademark brotherhood.”

Mariniello joins CBA after serving as the Director of Athletics & Facilities at Hudson Catholic Regional High School for the past 16 years. At Hudson Catholic, Mariniello led a department of 20 sports, including establishing multiple girls’ programs when the school went co-ed in 2009.

Now, he takes the helm of one of the most successful programs in New Jersey high school sports history.

“I am extremely humbled and excited to work at a prestigious institution like CBA and steward an athletic department that the previous athletic directors have done such a remarkable job with,” Mariniello said. “I’ve worked very hard over the past 25 years to put myself in a position to make this move, so it is time for an unbelievable change and I am very grateful for the opportunity.”

He has been an energetic leader during his time at Hudson Catholic, establishing a full-time sports medicine program, collaborating with the admissions office to engage interested students, and stressing the importance of top-notch facilities.

In tandem with his administrative role, Mariniello has been Hudson Catholic’s head boys basketball coach since 2009. Aside from tallying over 500 wins, his teams have earned eight Hudson County Championships and captured the NJSIAA Non-Public B sectional title in 2017.

His coaching prowess has been recognized with accolades such as the NFHS Coaches Association State Coach of the Year in 2016 and the 2024 John Wooden Legacy Award.

“Beyond the accolades, Nick is known for his commitment to student-athlete development, emphasizing character, discipline, and resilience,” Principal Neil Begley ‘96 said. “He has been instrumental in mentoring athletes who have progressed to collegiate athletics, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of both academics and athletics.”

Mariniello has additional experience as Hudson Catholic’s Director of School Advancement.

Prior to Hudson Catholic, Mariniello was highly successful as Bloomfield Tech’s head boys basketball coach. In his nine seasons as head coach, Bloomfield Tech won four NJSIAA Group I state championships, the Essex County Tournament in 2006, and received a national ranking in two different seasons.

His teaching career began with a 15-year tenure as a special education teacher at Essex County Vocational School.

Marinello is now set to lead a CBA athletic department comprising 20 interscholastic sports, over 50 coaches, and more than 600 student-athletes per year.

“The great programs are already in place here at CBA and my job will be to help take them to the next level,” Marinello continued. “CBA’s success both athletically and academically are renowned across New Jersey. I want to continue to help our student-athletes achieve their goals, whatever they may be.”

His leadership and approach to education aligns with the Academy’s Lasallian mission to develop the whole person. Marinello is a firm believer in athletics as a key component to a student’s educational journey.

“I come from a family of educators, so I think one of my top priorities is advocating for our student-athletes,” Marinello said. “Athletics can be a springboard for your future as it can foster community, promote team concepts, and teach goal building, all of which you are going to need in the real world.”

Dating back to the school’s first state championship in 1965, the Colts have won over 180 state titles and over 230 conference championships, making CBA one of the most prolific athletic programs in both the state and the Shore.

During the NJSIAA ShopRite Cup era (2004-2023), CBA won a state-record 13 awards for best non-public athletic program in New Jersey.

“Nick has been a dynamic, forward-thinking leader in high school athletics for the better part of two decades,” Fales continued. “All of that experience will benefit CBA student-athletes and coaches for years to come.”

Mariniello succeeds Mike Mazzaccaro, who served the Academy as athletic director for five years.