Marion Central School District is proud to welcome Nickie Mereness as its new athletic director starting with the 2026-27 school year.
Mereness comes to Marion from Gananda, where she also serves as AD. Officially, Mereness will be AD at both Marion and Gananda.
Mereness, a SUNY Oswego graduate with a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership, is entering her 18th year in education and was a middle school English teacher before moving into administration as a high school assistant principal and assistant athletic director last year at Gananda. In athletics, she has more than 15 years of coaching experience at the modified, junior varsity and varsity levels in addition to collegiate and has coached soccer, basketball and softball.
She’s also been in various advisor roles that include Yearbook Club, National Junior Honor Society and class trips and is excited to continue the enrichment of Marion’s strong athletic tradition.
“I look forward to collaborating with our students, staff and the Marion community to foster a positive environment centered on student development, sportsmanship and a strong sense of unity,” said Mereness.
Lori DeLyser, who has been a coach at Marion since 1993 and athletic director since 1999, officially retired in June 2025, but remains with the district as a coach and consultant.
