A native of Buffalo, New York and graduate of the University of Buffalo, Mooney spent 26 years on the sidelines for the Geneseo men's soccer team, compiling a record of 262-186-47 as the all-time winningest coach in program history. Selected as the SUNYAC Men's Soccer Coach of the Year on four occasions (1989, 1997, 2004, 2006), Mooney led the Knights to a pair of SUNYAC titles (2004, 2006), advancing to the NCAA Division III Final Four in 2004. Mooney mentored three All-Americans and Knight players accounted for 110 All-SUNYAC certificates during his tenure. In addition to men's soccer coach, Mooney wore multiple hats in his time at Geneseo, including Residence Hall Director, Intramural and Recreation Director, Tennis Coach, Assistant and Associate Director of Athletics and finally, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation. In 11 years as the leader of the Department, Geneseo captured six of the nine possible SUNYAC Commissioner's Cups and finished in the top 20 of the Division III Learfield Director's Cup five times, including a program-best 11th in 2018. Mooney capped his career with the 2019 Under Armour Division III Athletic Director of the Year award and the 2023 SUNYAC Patrick R. Damore Distinguished Service Award.