At a time when the ground seems to be shifting at our feet, we are standing strong in preparation for the 2021-22 competitive year with unparalleled fire and determination.

The seismic shift that we are all feeling has come in the wake of several major shocks to the system. First came legislation allowing student-athletes to capitalize on their name, image and likeness. This was followed closely behind by conference realignment (well played, Texas and Oklahoma) and a movement to completely overhaul the NCAA governance structure. What comes next is anyone's guess.

Throughout the past 17 months, ADs have been spending more time talking about positioning for the future. These conversations were obviously taking place in Austin, Texas, and Norman, Oklahoma, resulting in two powerhouse programs bolting the Big 12 for the SEC. While additional moves are undoubtedly coming, our focus continues to be on how to best position Stony Brook for the future.

The future is now. Optimism is at an all-time high, but so too are the expectations. Everyone in our department is ready to return to normal, especially our student-athletes who have persevered through all of the obstacles placed before them. We're excited to get back to full competition and full capacity in our venues. It has been a long road but we are charging forward and not looking back.

As I told our staff at yesterday's kickoff meeting, winning the Commissioner's Cup was once a goal but now it is an expectation. We have won a conference-best 19 America East titles since 2015 but we want more. The bottom line is that we need to make sure that this year continues our upward trajectory, allowing us to be in a position of strength for where we ultimately want to go. 

The future is in our hands. Let's keep shaping it together.

First Up: Women's Soccer 

Our women's soccer team has won back-to-back league titles and will once again be the first group out of the gate when they open up their season one week from tonight at Hofstra. 

Tobias Bischof has done an outstanding job of creating a winning culture within his program, and our team feeds off of it. Several newcomers will be asked to step in and contribute immediately, but I am excited that two familiar faces are back to lead the charge as Chelsie DePonte and Alyssa Francese elected to come back and use their fifth year. Come out and support the squad in their first home game of the season on Sunday, August 22 at 1 p.m. against Quinnipiac.

Football Flying High

The 2021 football season kicks off three weeks from tonight, and I would love nothing more than to see a packed LaValle Stadium cheering on our Seawolves against New Hampshire.

From the moment when the spring season ended right up to today when our team held its first fall scrimmage, the focus has been on getting stronger every day. It has also been about becoming more explosive on offense. After the departure of offensive coordinator Carmen Felus in the spring, Chuck came to me with his thoughts about the offense and what he felt needed to happen in order for us to be successful. The ultimate decision was for him to take the reins of the offense and, based on what I've seen thus far, it was the right move.

Another huge move came with the addition of former LIU head coach Bryan Collins. After Coach Collins resigned from LIU, Chuck reached out to him about joining our staff on the defensive side of the ball. Bryan's connections on Long Island alone are significant, but to be able to add another head coach has been invaluable.

You can see the squad for yourself on September 2 so be sure to get your tickets now. I'll see you in three weeks!

Welcome Brad Walker!

It was announced earlier today that Brad Walker was named as our new Commissioner of the America East. I served on the search committee and had an opportunity to get to know Brad throughout the interview process. There is no question that Brad is a visionary leader who can help take our league to a new level.

Coming from the NBA G League, Brad brings an innovative basketball background along with his experience working in the West Coast Conference and Ohio Valley Conference. He has a very clear vision and I can't wait to work alongside of him to bring it to reality.

Until next time…

Keep believing!

Shawn