The football program is entering a new era with Steve Cushing, an alumnus and former student-athlete, set to take the helm.
A D-III national champion defensive coordinator at SUNY Cortland, Cushing brings a proven track record, a championship mindset and a clear vision for the program’s future. Transitioning into a head coaching role comes with challenges, but Cushing credits the support system around him for making the process as smooth as possible. From the players to the staff, he has been met with enthusiasm and dedication, reinforcing his belief in the program’s potential.
“I think that our coaches have done a phenomenal job with the transition. It’s been, [you] know, really helpful for me having coaches here, young coaches here, that want to help out. So that transition process has gone really well. The coaches have done a really good job, and the players have bought in and done a great job in the weight room, so I’m excited to see their progress,” he said.
More than just a coach, Cushing is a leader invested in developing his players both on and off the field. He places a strong emphasis on character, believing that success starts with the type of people a team is built around.
“I tell our guys it’s all about [being] relationship-driven. So, I want to build greater relationships. I want us to have a family environment, take the same Misericordia values and take them into football, so worrying about what we’re doing to help progress ourselves and improve the team and improve the University,” he said.
As a four-year player as a safety and linebacker, the 2018 graduate is eager to return to the place where his playing days ended, and his coaching journey began. The opportunity to lead the program at his alma mater is one he doesn’t take lightly, and he is committed to elevating the team in every aspect.
“Being a graduate, that brings so many different emotions to it. It’s incredibly exciting. It’s something that, [you] know, you talk about with your friends, but you never know if it actually is [going to] happen, and then when it happens, it’s been absolutely phenomenal to see the support that we have, and I’m super excited,” he said.
Cushing believes the University has undergone positive changes since he graduated seven years ago, but it has also stayed the same in the right ways.
“Things have changed since I’ve been here, but again, the people, the values are the same and I think that’s what’s so impressive to me. The advancements that we’ve made with new facilities and all the different things [happening] on campus. It’s just surreal. It’s super exciting,” he said.
His approach to coaching goes beyond strategy and wins—it’s about the process. He champions an “input-driven mindset,” focusing on preparation, consistency, and effort as the foundation for success. For Cushing, the real work happens long before game day. Cushing plans to implement his “input driven mindset,” and process-oriented approach as a rule of thumb for his program.
“That mindset. That input-driven mindset, that we’re going to worry about the process, and that we’re going to focus on doing everything that needs to be done every day. Taking everything one step at a time, kind of the cliché, ‘Go 1-0 this week.’ Go 1-0 this day,’” he said.
As the team gears up for the next season, excitement continues to build around its new leader. With Cushing’s energy and vision, the program is poised to take meaningful steps forward.