Paw Prints E-Newsletter: Volume 75

4/15/2024 10:40:00 AM

From the Desk of the Director of Athletics...

Hello Wildcat fans and Happy Spring to you all! The return of milder weather always a bring renewed sense of optimism for what lies ahead. I can tell you, we've been hard at work spreading the message of The Wildcat Way.

Spring also brings what has become an annual tradition on campus - Daemen Day of Giving. This 24-hour fundraising event brings together alumni, families, friends and neighbors in support of the University's mission, and for us, it's your way to contribute to the longterm viability and success of Daemen Athletics. Each of our programs has established their own individual fundraising goals to enhance the experience of their student-athletes. We're also pushing for gifts to the Wildcat Academic & Athletic Excellence Fund which ensures our ability to provide substantial services to student-athletes. Certain student-athlete services are becoming more and more essential, including mental health and nutrition counseling. Whether you're giving $5, $50, $500 or $5,000, rest assured that your gift makes an impact. So mark your calendars for next Thursday, April 18, and make an investment in The Wildcat Way!

As we work to implement our strategic goals, the East Coast Conference's future is now in the capable of hands of Jessica Grasso who was recently announced as the sixth commissioner in the history of the league. After being given an opportunity to be a part of the hiring committee, I can truly say that I am excited for what Jessica brings to the table. After nine years as Deputy Commissioner of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, a league with a similar footprint to that of the ECC, and as an alumna of ECC-member institution Molloy University, I believe Jessica is uniquely positioned to foster a new era of success for the ECC and I welcome her with open arms.

I would also like to offer my congratulations to our very own Jeff Sage who was recently named one of 25 recipients of the 2024 Excellence in Health Care Award given by Buffalo Business First. As a former athletic trainer, I know firsthand just how much is expected of these dedicated professionals, and how much of their duties often go overlooked and underappreciated. In the post-COVID-19 world, the work of our athletic trainers and sports medicine staff has never been more important, and Jeff is a beacon of professionalism and dedication to his craft. While Jeff may be the consummate "likes-to-stay-out-of-the-spotlight" kind of guy, I am beyond thrilled to see him recognized among the best health care professionals in Western New York.

A few parting points if I may, before sending you on your way...

Additional congratulations should be extended to our men's and women's basketball programs which enjoyed successful seasons once again. Both teams returned to the NCAA tournament, including the women's second run to the Elite Eight. Coaches Mike MacDonald and Jenepher Banker continue to set the bar, not just for our own programs, but for their brethren programs in Western New York and across the East Region. In fact, the strength of our winter teams has pushed Daemen to a top-40 ranking among all NCAA Division II schools (and #1 among East Region institutions) in the current Learfield Directors' Cup standings, the measuring stick for overall success among all sport programs.
We're starting to make preparations for our next Hall of Fame induction which is tentatively scheduled for early 2025. Our selection committee is being put together now and we expect the nomination process to open this summer. Please be on the lookout for that information if you have someone you feel is worthy of consideration.
Work continues on two separate facility projects. I'm pleased to relay that we've awarded a construction bid to Lake Side Contracting to begin construction of a new Student-Athlete Performance Center which will be housed in a reimagined area of our existing facility. In addition, the much-anticipated West Royal Park project, which we've partnered on with the Town of Amherst, has reached the bidding phase. This nearly $10 million project will bring a new soccer/lacrosse stadium and tennis courts to our facility portfolio, in addition to a number of other community amenities that are included. We expect construction bids to be awarded soon with groundbreaking to follow this summer.

In closing, I hope you are enjoying the spring sports season for Wildcat Athletics. Don't forget about us on Daemen Day of Giving next Thursday, April 18. Until next time, go Wildcats!

Sincerely,

Traci Murphy
Director of Athletics

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