Together We Transform Thursday – August 22, 2019
 
Our Best Year Starts NOW!
 
The 2019-20 year officially begins tonight when our women's soccer team hosts Northeastern at LaValle Stadium at 7 p.m.
 
I am calling this our best year ever because we are set up for it. When we initially drafted Together We Transform five years ago, our plan was to be positioned for significant success in 2020. After winning our first America East Commissioner's Cup and earning a total of 183 wins – the most in our Division I history – in 2018-19, we're ready to elevate to greater heights.
 
Earlier this afternoon we held our department's kickoff staff meeting and were joined by Interim President Michael Bernstein. He appreciates and understands the role of athletics so it was great to have him share some thoughts with our staff.
 
My message was centered on raising the bar. Last year was successful, but it's in the past and we shouldn't be satisfied. We only won six regular season conference championships but only three tournament titles. To earn the national relevance that we aspire to attain, we must compete for and win more championships. There are higher expectations across the board not only how we perform on the field but also off of it.
 
Each one of us has the power – and responsibility – to impact our ability to succeed. Leading with positivity and doing your job with passion and purpose are two ways that each member of our department can influence outcomes. Winning is incumbent upon each one of us being accountable. As I shared with the staff, I am already thinking about what I can do to help our women's soccer team win tonight. I'm not sure that I have the answer (other than cheering loudly!) but I'm constantly thinking about my role and how it can influence our ability to have success.
 
Needless to say, we're ready to make this our best year ever. I invite you to come along for the ride. It's going to be fun! 
 
Fired Up for Football


 
One week from tonight is the football home opener against Bryant at 7 p.m. in LaValle Stadium. If you don't have your tickets, be sure to get them now!
 
With the naming of Tyquell Fields as our starting quarterback earlier this week, we have a dynamic leader and playmaker under center. I have watched Tyquell compete for three years and have watched him make difficult throws in practice that require significant arm strength and accuracy. He's also a great kid who has worked extremely hard for this opportunity. You will see him make some exciting plays with his arm as well as his legs next Thursday.
 
Also worth the price of admission is defensive end Sam Kamara, who has been unblockable throughout camp. He might be the best NFL draft prospect that we have had in my time at Stony Brook and is poised for a huge year. Coach Priore shared with me that the only person who had success blocking Sam in camp was tackle James Tunstall, who originally committed to us in 2017 but chose to go to UConn. After playing last year at UConn, he transferred back to us and is a superstar in the making. It doesn't hurt that he's 6-5 and 305 pounds!
 
I could go on but you will not want to miss next Thursday night. This team is ready for greatness in 2019!    
 
Men's Basketball European Tour a Success


 
The trip to Spain and France with the men's basketball team was memorable for so many reasons. The highlight for me was the catamaran cruise in the Mediterranean where the guys were able to swim and relax off the coast of Barcelona. It was one of many moments that will remain with me for many years to come.
 
Of course it was amazing to watch our team play. Although I came back to Long Island prior to our team's final game in Paris, I saw exactly what I expected. Our key contributors from last year have gotten better and our newcomers are going to be special. This is the deepest team that we have had since I've been at Stony Brook. We have everything that we need to win the America East except experience, which we will get during the non-conference.
 
Just as was the case in 2015-16, the trip to Europe created bonds that will carry over to the court. I can't wait! 
 
Welcome Back Student-Athletes
 
It will be wonderful to be reunited with all of our student-athletes on Sunday when we gather for the first time to launch the start of a new school year.
 
With school starting on Monday, this is a busy time with students and their families descending onto campus for move-in day tomorrow. Buckle up and get ready… it's time for liftoff!
 
Our best year is here…
 
Believe it!
 
Warm regards,


 
Shawn