Together We Transform Thursday – June 13, 2019
Claiming the Commissioner's Cup
The first line in the email that I sent out to the department last Friday said simply: WE DID IT!
For the first time in school history, Stony Brook was the winner of the America East Commissioner's Cup that is awarded annually to the school that has the most comprehensive success across all sports. After finishing second to Albany in the Commissioner's Cup standings for six straight years, we set our minds to doing something about it.
This is a testament to the plan that we put into place in 2015, but also to the belief and dedication of our coaches, staff and student-athletes. Now that we have the Cup at Stony Brook, we have every intention of holding onto it!
I also want to congratulate Mike Watts, a track and field and cross country senior, who was named America East Man of the Year. Mike and I both arrived at Stony Brook in 2014, and it has been an absolute pleasure to watch him grow over his five years here.
The Student-Athlete Experience
It feels great to back on Long Island after a quick trip to Orlando for NACDA (National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics) meetings.
While it is always wonderful to reconnect with colleagues from across the country, the highlight this year was moderating a panel discussion titled "The Student-Athlete Experience." I was joined by three amazing members of the Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) - Morgan Chall, Cornell; Nicholas Clark, Coastal Carolina; Sam Perelman, Old Dominion - and we tackled a wide range of issues that included mental health, the transfer portal, diversity and inclusion, as well as the hot button topic of financially compensating athletes.
As the student-athlete voice has become much more prominent on national issues, it is important for us to remember that our existence as administrators is due to them. I believe that the success that we are having at Stony Brook is due in large part to the investment of time and energy that we have placed into ensuring that the student-athlete voice is heard. Sometimes the simple things - such as knowing each of our student-athletes by name and saying hello in the hallways - make them feel valued. Their experience means everything to me.
There is still a tremendous amount of work ahead of us but our vision to positively transform the life of each student-athlete remains our North Star.
Ally the All-American
Two weeks ago, Ally Kennedy was named a Third Team All-American by Inside Lacrosse. While that was a tremendous honor, we certainly believed that she was worthy of being on the First Team.
The Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) agreed, naming Ally as a First Team All-American. She was a member of the IWLCA Second Team in 2018, but elevated her game this past season to earn a spot with the top group this season.
Stony Brook Indoor Training Center Update
Construction is progressing on the Stony Brook Indoor Training Center with the steel expected to go up the week of July 8.
Although rain throughout the spring caused some delays, the project continues to move forward and is scheduled for a December completion date.
Coming Up…
Our search to identify the next leader of our men's lacrosse program is intensifying. I can assure you that no stone has been left unturned. There are so many outstanding coaches and this decision is going to be extremely difficult!
I can assure you that we are going land an exceptional coach who will elevate our program. The goal is to play on Memorial Day weekend, and we're going to hire the guy who will get us there.
Keep believing!
Warm regards,
Shawn
