From the desk of the Interim Director of Athletics…

Hello Wildcat Fans!

I want to open this Paw Prints by discussing the Winter Olympics. As the Olympics came to a close this past week, I reflected on not just the athletic feats we witnessed, but the emotional qualities that the Olympic athletes all show. As a former student-athlete myself, and someone who is surrounded at work by other former student-athletes and our current student-athletes, I am well acquainted with the characteristics that are so common to athletes.  Inherently, athletes are wired to have these characteristics: perseverance, sportsmanship, humility, fortitude. It is what drives them to compete and train, through good times and bad.  It is these traits that we strive to teach and enhance in our student-athletes daily. It is our goal to have them achieve being the best version of themselves. But what makes being a student-athlete so special, and what separates a student-athlete from an athlete, is the balance of showing these values on not just the chosen field of play, but even more importantly, in the classroom and the community as well.

Just as the Olympics are distinct, college athletics is a distinct place too. Finding students who manage to balance their competitive nature between all three areas that we focus on in Division II is what makes Division II and our student-athletes so exceptional. Our student-athletes have their own dreams for competitive success at Daemen. As they strive to reach their athletic goals, Daemen Athletics strives to provide them with what they need. Daemen needs your support to continue to give the best resources to our student-athletes so that they can succeed academically, athletically and in the community.

The support that you provide our student-athletes is evident in their accomplishments. Last month I highlighted their academic accomplishments, and this month we move into even more athletic accomplishments. Our men's and women's basketball teams are about to embark on their respective quests for a conference championship. The men's team has won 16 out of their last 17 games, and they are in contention for an at-large bid to the national tournament. The women's team is making their first-ever postseason appearance at the Division II level. In addition, our women's bowling team has won a team record 30 matches, and in recent weeks they've won two tournaments. Our track and field teams fared well at their conference championship meet for the indoor season with Brittany Denton and Taylor Haude winning their respective events.

As you look for ways to support our incredible student-athletes to further enhance their successes, please keep in mind that Daemen Day of Giving is fast approaching on April 25^th. This day provides an opportunity for the community to make an impact for many areas at Daemen, athletics included.

As always Wildcat fans, I thank you for your continued support of Daemen Athletics, and I look forward to providing you with another update on our program next month.