"With five years of NCAA membership behind us, our focus will be on developing championship level programs that will enhance recruiting and name recognition for Daemen College. We spent a considerable amount of time discussing what makes a championship caliber athletic program. We were able to identify and outline the steps necessary to solidify our position as Western New York's Premier Division II Team, and ultimately assist the larger campus goal to achieve great national distinction," Murphy said.

The document establishes the mission of Daemen Athletics is to create tomorrow's leaders by developing championship-caliber student-athletes today. To accomplish that goal, the division will aim to cultivate high character student-athletes through competitive excellence fostered in the classroom, developed through sport and practiced in the community. 

Murphy led the strategic planning process with assistance from Darren Treadway, associate professor of business administration, who served as a project consultant. The division's leadership team was also heavily involved. The leadership team includes Mike MacDonald, senior associate athletics director for external relations, Mike Miranto, senior associate athletics director for communications and operations, Jeff Sage, assistant athletics director for sports medicine and performance, Jenepher Banker, assistant athletics director for travel operations, Steven Chasey, assistant athletics director for compliance, Stephanie Albano, assistant athletics director for administration, and Karen Roehling, senior woman administrator. In addition, input in the finalized document came from head and assistant coaches, as well as current student-athletes. 

The document explores the division's "Be Fierce" mantra and lays out six core values - fearlessness, integrity, effort, respect, commitment and excellence. The Wildcat Way also establishes six key priorities which the division will focus on in the immediate future - dedication to a championship mindset, allegiance to the Wildcat culture, progressive communication strategies, support for equity, diversity and inclusion, comprehensive development of student-athletes and building more community and spirit for Daemen Athletics. 

The Wildcat Way. It's more than the title of a document. It's what our future will be built upon. 

Daemen College features the premier NCAA Division II athletics program in the Buffalo-Niagara region, sponsoring 17 intercollegiate teams. For the latest information on Daemen Athletics, follow the Wildcats via social media on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, or sign up to receive customizable news alerts, e-mail newsletters and weekly schedule alerts.

Support Daemen College's return to intercollegiate athletic competitions by making a contribution to the Game On Campaign and the Daemen Wildcats Gotta Play Fund. This comprehensive fundraising campaign was established to help offset the loss of valuable external revenue streams that directly support Daemen's 17 varsity teams. To learn more, visit daemenwildcats.com/gameon.