It has been one year since we announced our five-year vision for Stony Brook Athletics, Together We Transform. As one who is constantly in self-evaluation mode, I have tried to measure our success in terms of our trajectory toward our goals. Progress is often difficult to measure beyond wins and losses or dollars raised through donations and ticket sales. Although those are critical metrics, it is important to measure our overall growth as an organization. Are we laying the foundation necessary to achieve the kind of success that we expect? I firmly believe that we are.

Our vision is to positively transform the life of each student-athlete, and I am very proud of the strides that we made in support of that objective. A few highlights include:

• Launch of our Life Skills program that helps student-athletes address issues such as time management, mental wellness, career preparation, and personal and professional development
• All student-athletes were issued backpacks and iPads
• Increase in mental wellness services, including the creation of a bereavement group for student-athletes who have lost a parent or family member
• Increase in post-workout recovery aids and vitamins for our student-athletes
• Student-athlete sashes and Stony Brook padfolios were given to all graduating seniors

The more resources that we can provide to our student-athletes, the stronger we will be in every aspect of our department. In addition, the more positive energy that we can generate each day will propel us closer to the achievement of our goals. It starts with the first element in our strategic vision titled "Transforming the Student-Athlete Experience" and carries into the second which is "Competing for Championships and National Prominence."

Although success can't be measured by championships alone, it is obviously an essential component. We are proud of the two conference championships we earned in 2015-16; however, our aspiration is to win five annually. I know that we can do it and I expect that we will. When we don't achieve our expected level of success in a given sport, we analyze the contributing factors and work to identify solutions. Intangibles such as injuries are outside of our control, but we must be purposeful in everything that we do and manage all that is within our control.



What is within our control is mindset, effort and focus. If we expect exceptional results, we must do exceptional work. As we enter year two of Together We Transform, I look forward to achieving new heights for our program and, most importantly, for our student-athletes.

We need you now more than ever. Buy season tickets, join Seawolves United, ask your local merchants to carry more Stony Brook merchandise. The energy is building. This is our time, so please join the cause today!

Thank you for your continued support. Please accept my heartfelt wishes for a happy and joyous July 4th weekend.

Together We Transform!

Warm regards,



Shawn