BRONX - After many years of dedicated service to the Monroe University Athletics Department, Express Director of Athletics Allaire Primiano has announced that she has stepped down from her position.

"I am deeply grateful for the incredible opportunities I've had at Monroe University," Primiano said. "It has been a true privilege to support our student-athletes, not only in their athletic pursuits, but also in their academic and personal growth. I've been fortunate to work alongside an exceptional team of coaches and staff whose passion and dedication have made a lasting impact on our department and programs, and most importantly, on the lives of our students. I want to especially thank Luis Melendez (Monroe University – New Rochelle Director of Athletics) for the opportunities, and his trust and unwavering support throughout my time here, along with senior administration. My time at Monroe has been fulfilling and rewarding, and I look forward to seeing all that the Monroe Express and the University will continue to accomplish!"
 
Primiano began serving as the Director of Athletics at Monroe University – Bronx in October of 2018. During her time on the Bronx campus, the Express captured several Region 15 and District Championships in sports such as men's and women's basketball, men's soccer, women's volleyball, baseball, softball, cross country, etc. 

"Allaire built the Monroe Express from the ground up," Express Associate Director of Athletics David Spiegel said. "She saw the Express through the tough early days of building brand new programs from scratch and quickly helped turn each program into a contender. Allaire oversaw a department that grew in numbers, improved its results, and became a well-oiled machine under her leadership between 2017 and 2025. Hers are big shoes to fill, and her influence on this athletic program will be seen for a long time to come. I'm incredibly grateful for the foundation she built here in the Bronx and only hope we can continue to build upon her legacy. Allaire will always be a monumental part of the Monroe University family."

Thanks to Primiano's leadership, the Express had plenty of teams compete in nationals, including the women's volleyball team that won the opening round of the NJCAA Tournament in 2023. 

"It was a true pleasure working with Allaire at Monroe University," Express Head Women's Volleyball Coach Odaly Aponte-Orta and Assistant Coaches Madelayne Perez and Mykalee Chambers said in a joint statement. "We thank her for her unwavering support of our coaches, student-athletes, and especially the women's volleyball program. Her understanding, leadership, and commitment to building a positive culture made a lasting impact. We are forever grateful for all she's done for us. We wish her all the best on her beautiful new journey as a mom to Jack. He's lucky to have her."

During the 2017-18 academic year, Primiano helped launch the Monroe University – Bronx Athletics Department as the Associate Athletics Director during the inaugural year of the Express' program. Because she did such an incredible job leading the program, Primiano was promoted to Director of Athletics the following year.

"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside Allaire," Former Express Athletics Compliance and Business Manager Arianny Espinosa said (she now has the same role for the Monroe – New Rochelle Athletics Department). "Her leadership has been a significant influence on my growth within the department and something I will always cherish. I thank her for always believing in me and making me feel like a valued part of the team. Her cheerful spirit, passion, and commitment made this a special team to be a part of. Wishing her all the best in her future endeavors, she will truly be missed!!"

Primiano spent the first five years of her Monroe University career (2012-2017) as the Athletics Admissions Advisor for the Monroe – New Rochelle Campus. She also served as the Assistant Softball Coach for the Mustangs during the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
 
"Allaire has been an outstanding leader and mentor for both students and staff within the Express Athletics Department," Express Head Softball Coach Lauren Farina said. "I have grown tremendously as a coach and professional under her guidance and leadership. Thank you Allaire for the amazing impact you've made." 

Primiano took a break from her Director of Athletics duties with the Express to work as the Director for Athletic Enrollment & Retention for both the Express and the Mustangs during the 2021-22 year before returning to her role as Express Athletics Director the following year.

"Allaire's leadership has left a lasting impact on me—not just as a coach, but as a person," Express Head Men's Basketball Coach Chris Neely said. "Her support, vision, and dedication to our student-athletes set the standard for what it means to lead with heart and purpose. I thank her for believing in me and always championing the mission. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all."

In addition to her great work for both the Express and Mustangs, Primiano also worked for Region 15, the region in which the Express compete against other schools in the New York metropolitan area. She was the Women's Region Director during the 2023-24 year. Prior to that, she was the Co-Director of the Region 15 Championship Events from 2019 until 2023. During that time, she was also the Assistant Women's Region Director (2021-2023). 

Primiano built the Express Athletics Program to what it is today, all from scratch. All the Express teams are now regional and national contenders, and it is thanks to her. She played a big part in the Express' past and current success, and her great work will play a role in the future accomplishments of Monroe – Bronx Athletics as well. Primiano will have a lasting impact on the Express and her legacy will always be remembered.