From the Director of Athletics - Spring 2019

With the academic year winding down, our student-athletes and staff are busy with many of the customary responsibilities that come with the final second-semester push. Whether student-athletes are traveling to represent THE jersey throughout the country, taking advantage of the Harold C. Smith Learning Commons for their academic pursuits, or enjoying the spring-like weather on campus, it’s a busy time on Alden Street. Along with many of the traditional events and tasks that come with being a part of our athletics family, I’m so proud of a number of initiatives that we’ve taken on this year.

The weekend of Feb. 17 is an excellent example. In addition to hosting an indoor track meet, a women’s basketball game, a men’s volleyball tri-match, and a women’s gymnastics meet, Springfield College Athletics welcomed more than 130 local girls to participate in our annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day, held a Team IMPACT Awareness game in partnership with the Springfield Thunderbirds hockey team at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield, and welcomed back the 1969 Springfield College Women’s Gymnastics team in recognition of the 50th anniversary of their national championship. These unique opportunities give our student-athletes vehicles to provide service in leadership to others, and allow us to celebrate our commitment to making a difference in our community.

Thanks to grants and funding received from the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference and the NCAA, which offset expenses, Springfield College representatives had a tremendous showing at the NCAA Convention in Orlando, Fla., in January. We were there in force, as we should be, and had presenters from Springfield College discuss athletics fundraising and the importance of diversity. We also had a student-athlete attend for the third-consecutive year as part of the NCAA Division III Student Immersion Program, and President Mary-Beth Cooper once again represented Springfield College through her role on the NCAA President’s Council. Additionally our breakfast for athletic administration alumni attracted more than 40 leaders from across the country, allowing alumni to reconnect and share stories about the place that means so much to all of us.  

The work we do tremendously impacts our student-athletes. As I conclude my fourth year as the director of athletics, I’m inspired by the growth of this year’s senior class, with whom I’ll forever share a connection, and am thankful for your continued support to aid in the experiences of our current student-athletes and future alumni.

Craig Poisson, G’90, DPE’99

Director of Athletics