2014-15 ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT

DAD VAIL “THREE-PEAT” CONFERENCE WEEKLY AWARD WINNERS COLONIAL MARBLE & GRANITE ALL-CAA ACADEMIC TEAM Sept. 1 MSOC Michele Pataia Player of the Week ATHLETES OF THE WEEK WSOC Alyssa Findlay Sept. 2 FH Rachel Sumfest Player of the Week Sept. 2 FH Rachel Sumfest FH Jenna Knouse DRAGON AWARDS MSOC Michele Pataia Sept. 22 MSOC Colin McGlynn Rookie of the Week MSOC Robert Liberatore NSCA ALL-AMERICAN TEAM Sept. 22 WSOC Kelsie Fye Co-Player of the Week Sept. 9 FH Meghan Plank MBB Damion Lee (STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING) Sept. 23 FH Jantien Gunter Player of the Week MSOC Joaquin del Rosario MBB Rodney Williams Jocelyn Quaile Oct. 1 GOLF Chris Crawford Player of the Week Sept. 16 WSOC Lauren Stollar WBB Florence Ouattara Mitch de Snoo Oct. 13 WSOC Madison Dunn Rookie of the Week GOLF Chris Crawford WBB Rachel Pearson Melissa Chapman Oct. 21 FH Jantien Gunter Co-Player of the Week Sept. 22 WSOC Kelsie Fye WBB Jackie Schluth Oct. 28 MSWIM David Sanchez Diver of the Week MTEN Badr Ouabdelmoumen MSWIM Joel Berryman NETSCOUTS BASKETBALL NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK Oct. 28 WSWIM Rachel Bernhardt Swimmer of the Week Sept. 29 FH Jessica McCarthy WSWIM Aubrey Murray Damion Lee (Jan. 26 to Feb. 1) Oct. 29 GOLF Chris Crawford Co-Player of the Week MSOC Tyler Afflerbach WTEN Nicole Pivonka Nov. 4 FH Jantien Gunter Co-Player of the Week Oct. 7 FH Rachel Sumfest MTEN Badr Ouabdelmoumen GLADIATOR BY SGI/NFHCA DIVISION I SCHOLARS OF Nov. 4 MSWIM Simon Carne Diver of the Week MSOC Michele Pataia WLAX Joelle Hartke DISTINCTION Danielle Grossi Nov. 4 WSWIM Madison Kramer Diver of the Week Oct. 14 WSOC Melissa Chapman MLAX Mitch de Snoo Jenna Knouse Nov. 11 MSWIM Kyle Lukens Swimmer of the Week GOLF Chris Crawford SB Liana Newton Alexandra Pickens Nov. 11 MSWIM David Sanchez Diver of the Week Oct. 21 WSOC Megan Hammaker GOLF Yoseph Dance Meghan Plank Dec. 1 WBB Sarah Curran Player of the Week MSOC Adam Arana WCREW Amanda Kleuser Dec. 29 WBB Rachel Pearson Player of the Week Oct. 28 GOLF Chris Crawford WOMEN’S COLLEGE SQUASH ASSOCIATION SCHOLAR WCREW Second Varsity 8 CAA DIVER OF THE MEET Jan. 13 WSWIM Rachel Bernhardt Swimmer of the Week ATHLETE Jan. 13 MSWIM David Sanchez Diver of the Week Nov. 4 MSWIM Kyle Lukens MSWIM David Sanchez Kaitlyn Money Jan. 19 MBB Tyshawn Myles Rookie of the Week FH Jantien Gunter Courtney Sabo CAA DIVER OF THE YEAR Jan. 26 MBB Damion Lee Co-Player of the Week Nov. 11 MSWIM Kyle Lukens Kiran Vasudevan Jan. 27 MSWIM Joel Berryman Swimmer of the Week WCREW Varsity 8 MSWIM David Sanchez Feb. 2 MBB Damion Lee Player of the Week Nov. 18 WREST David Pearce 2015 DAD VAIL REGATTA CAA GOLFER OF THE YEAR Feb. 3 MSWIM David Sanchez Diver of the Week WBB Jamila Thompson OVERALL CHAMPIONS (3RD STRAIGHT) GOLF Chris Crawford (Drexel’s first ever) Feb. 9 MBB Sammy Mojica Co-Rookie of the Week Nov. 25 WREST Kevin Devoy Jr. Feb.11 MTEN Alex Fioravante and Xabier Saavedra Doubles Performers of the Week WSWIM Miranda Rouse 2015 DAD VAIL REGATTA ALL-CAA CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM Dec. 2 MBB Damion Lee MEN’S POINTS CHAMPIONS Feb. 11 WTEN Kendra Bunch and Lea Winkler Doubles Performers of the Week Ryan Belka MLAX WBB Sarah Curran Feb. 12 MLAX Michael Kay Rookie of the Week Cole Shafer MLAX Dec. 9 WREST Kevin Devoy Jr. DAD VAIL MEDALISTS Feb. 23 WBB Jackie Schluth Player of the Week Gold – Men’s Second Varsity Eight WBB Rachel Pearson Feb. 25 MTEN Badr Ouabdelmoumen and Daniel Hansen Doubles Performers of the Week USILA SCHOLAR ALL-AMERICAN Gold – Men’s Freshmen Eight Dec. 16 WREST Matt Cimato Mar. 9 MLAX Ryan Belka Player of the Week Nick Saputo MLAX Silver – Men’s Varsity Four WBB Alexis Smith Mar. 11 MTEN Alex Fioravante and Xabier Saavedra Doubles Performers of the Week Bronze – Men’s Varsity Eight Dec. 23 WREST Kevin Devoy Jr. Mar. 17 SB Leticia Matsuoka Player of the Week SOCCER 6 Bronze – Women’s Varsity Eight WBB Carrie Alexander WEEKLY AWARDS Mar. 31 WTEN Nicole Pivonka Player of the Week Bronze – Men’s Freshmen Four April 6 SB Sylvia Llamas Player of the Week Dec. 30 MBB Damion Lee Sept. 8 Tyler Afflerbach Defender of the Week WBB Rachel Pearson Sept. 22 Colin McGlynn Rookie of the Week April 13 MLAX Cole Shafer Player of the Week MATT LEDWIDTH AWARD – DAD VAIL COACH OF THE YEAR MLAX Michael Kay Rookie of the Week Jan. 6 MBB Damion Lee Oct. 20 Erik Alexandersson Rookie of the Week Paul Savell (Drexel’s first-ever winner) April 14 MTEN Hamza Laalej Co-Player of the Week WBB Carrie Alexander PHILADELPHIA SOCCER 6 April 20 SB Taylor Lee Co-Pitcher of the Week Jan. 13 MBB Damion Lee WRESTLING EIWA PLACERS POSTSEASON AWARDS April 27 WLAX Nadia Pelham-Lacey Rookie of the Week WBB Jamila Thompson 1st Place – Kevin Devoy Jr. (133 lbs.) MSOC John Grosh All-Star Jan. 20 MSQ Luke Willemse 3rd Place – Matthew Cimato (149 lbs.) Noel Blanco (157 lbs.) MSOC Robert Liberatore All-Star WSQ Elisa Money 4th Place – David Pearce (141 lbs.) ALL-CAA PERFORMERS MSOC Erik Alexandersson All-Rookie Jan. 27 WREST Noel Blanco 8th Place – Zack Fuentes (125 lbs.) MSOC John Grosh Second Team WSWIM Aubrey Murray MSOC Robert Liberatore Academic Player of the Year MSOC Robert Liberatore Third Team Feb. 3 MBB Damion Lee NCAA QUALIFIERS WSOC Melissa Chapman First Team PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER WBB Rachel Pearson 133 – Kevin Devoy Jr. WSOC Megan Hammaker Second Team ACADEMIC ALL-AREA TEAM Feb. 10 MBB Tavon Allen 141 – David Pearce WSOC Lauren Stollar Third Team FH Jenna Knouse WSQ Laura Rahauser 149 – Matthew Cimato WSOC Madison Dunn All-Rookie MSOC Matthew DiDomenico Feb. 17 WREST Kevin Devoy Jr. MSOC Robert Liberatore 157 – Noel Blanco FH Jessica McCarthy First Team WBB Alexis Smith FH Jantien Gunter Second Team WSOC Melissa Chapman Feb. 24 MSWIM David Sanchez WSOC Alyssa Findlay COSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT II MEN’S AT-LARGE FH Jenna Knouse Second Team WBB Jackie Schluth MSWIM Alex Chialastri MBB Damion Lee First Team MSWIM Joel Berryman March 3 MBB Freddie Wilson MSWIM Alex Chialastri MBB Damion Lee All-Defensive Team NFCA ALL-REGION WBB Rachel Pearson MSWIM Kyle Lukens WBB Sarah Curran First Team March 10 MSWIM Joel Berryman SB Sylvia Llamas Second Team WBB Rachel Pearson Second Team MSWIM Chad Schmidt WREST Kevin Devoy Jr. WSWIM Jaclyn Goulet MSWIM Joel Berryman 50 free (first), 100 free (first), 100 back (third) WTEN Nicole Pivonka and ITA ALL-ACADEMIC TEAMS WSWIM Emily Lau Men’s Tennis MSWIM Alex Chialastri 200 free (third) Clary Rodriguez Cruz WSWIM Aubrey Murray Women’s Tennis MSWIM Kyle Lukens 100 fly (third), 200 fly (third) March 17 MLAX Jules Raucci WSQ Elisa Money MSWIM 200 free relay: 1st (Joel Berryman, Sean Swartz, Alex Chialastri, Mike Shaeffer) SB Leticia Matsuoka MSWIM 400 free relay: 3rd (Joel Berryman, Sean Swartz, Alex Chialastri, Kyle Lukens) WSQ Kaitlyn Money ITA SCHOLAR ATHLETES March 24 WREST Kevin Devoy Jr. WREST Tanner Shoap Badr Ouabdelmoumen, Men’s Tennis MSWIM 800 free relay: 3rd (Alex Chialastri, Ivo Pejovic, Ted Taylor, Kyle Lukens) WLAX Teresha Bradley MSWIM David Sanchez 1 meter (second), 3 meter (first) GOLF Yoseph Dance Vuk Subotic, Men’s Tennis March 31 MTEN Hamza Laalej MTEN Badr Ouabdelmoumen Erin Bowsher, Women’s Tennis WSWIM Rachel Bernhardt 100 breast (second), 200 breast (second) WLAX Joelle Hartke WSWIM Katie Duggan 100 back (third) MCREW Ivo Krakic Nicole Pivonka, Women’s Tennis April 7 MLAX Jimmy Joe Granito MCREW Joseph Masgai Clary Rodriguez Cruz, Women’s Tennis WTEN Nicole Pivonka Second Team (singles) WTEN Clary Rodriguez Cruz WLAX Jocelyn Quaile Second Team MCREW Grigorios Papadourakis Jennifer White, Women’s Tennis April 14 GOLF Chris Crawford WCREW Tori King WLAX Nadia Pelham-Lacey All-Rookie WLAX Nadia Pelham-Lacey MLAX Ryan Belka First Team WCREW Amanda Kleuser COLLEGIATE ROWING COACHES ASSOCIATION (CRCA) April 21 MCREW Varsity 8 ALL-REGION MLAX Cole Shafer Second Team WCREW Elise Levito SB Taylor Lee Marina Forster, First Team MLAX Miles Thomas Second Team WCREW Barbara McKenna April 28 GOLF Chris Crawford MLAX Michael Meurer All-Rookie WLAX Jocelyn Quaile WCREW Varsity 8 MLAX Mitch de Snoo COLLEGIATE ROWING COACHES ASSOCIATION (CRCA) MLAX Michael Kay All-Rookie May 5 MLAX Cole Shafer NATIONAL SCHOLAR ATHLETE MLAX Kyle Strang All-Rookie SB Leticia Matsuoka Abigail Colasacco SB Sylvia Llamas First Team May 12 MCREW Team Tori King SB Paula Ueno First Team WCREW Team Amanda Kleuser GOLF Chris Crawford First Team Elise Levito WCREW Cat Hamilton Julie McGlynn WCREW Jayme Batcher Barbara McKenna WCREW Bridget Pfeifer Nupur Parikh 2 This past year Drexel athletics experienced unique opportunities to travel abroad sampling different cultures while competing athletically. For example, the men’s basketball team went 3-1 in China, climbed the Chinese Wall and hiked Tiananmen Square. The women’s field hockey team travelled to the Netherlands, a global hotspot for the sport and several of our student-athletes competed at the World University Games in Gwangju, South Korea. Having a global perspective in higher education can be very important. Psychological research shows that cross-cultural experiences provide enhanced opportunities for problem solving, creativity, and perspective taking. The Dragon, a celebrated mythical figure in China and Korea, is not only a symbol of strength, but also of devotion, kindness, and gratitude. I personally feel that it is easy to forget this part of humanity in athletics. Such perspective taking can be helpful in navigating the current complex and dynamic nature of NCAA sports. After 18 years of serving as your athletic director, and it has been a real pleasure and privilege, I believe that now, more than at any other time in our history of Drexel athletics, it is essential that we define the narrative of our collegiate model of athletics and not let it be dictated by others. At Drexel we focus on the experiences and academic distinction of our student-athletes, while celebrating a culture of performance. This annual report is a tour-de-force of our many accomplishments over this past year, from our Rec Center voted Philadelphia’s #1 gym (according to Philly.com) to winning the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta for a third straight time. Next year, Drexel University will be celebrating its 125th anniversary. As part of this celebration a scholarly account of Drexel history will be published. I am personally exited to write the chapter on the history of athletics and student life at Drexel. We have had a very rich history at Drexel athletics, but being a Dragon also reminds us of the infinite possibilities that are promised by new beginnings. I want to thank the members of my Board of Delegates and Leadership Council for their steadfast stewardship and generosity to Drexel athletics.

Go Dragons!

Dr. Eric A. Zillmer Athletics Director

Senior Vice President Jim Tucker and Athletic Director Eric Zillmer

3 2015 Mary Semanik Award Winner Senior, Melissa Chapman 2015 John Semanik Award Winner Senior, Robert Liberatore DRAGON TEAMS DRAGON TEAMS Student-Athlete Graduation Success Rate for the 93% (national average 82%) - 2007 freshman cohort - NCAA 2007-2008 Graduation Rate 82%; (66% national average) NCAA Public Recognition Awards Academic Women’s Tennis (6th consecutive year) Progress Rates 2013-2014 (top 10%)

Total Cumulative GPA for all student athletes in 2014-15 academic year is 3.28 ALL ALL BEST OF BLUE& GOLD

4 RYAN BELKA »» A First Team All-CAA selection for the third straight year JOEL BERRYMAN »» Led the Dragons with 32 goals, 20 assists and 52 points »» Finished his career 10th all-time at Drexel with 98 goals. »» An All-CAA selection »» Is ninth in Drexel history with 66 assists and 164 points »» Won the 100-free at the CAA Championships. Posted the fastest winning time in Championship history and was an All-CAA selection »» An Honorable All-America selection as a junior »» Also won the 50-free at the CAA Championships »» Was a member of the 200-free relay winning team and finished third in the 100-back at the Championships

1ST TEAM 2ND TEAM Melissa Chapman, Women’s Soccer Paula Ueno, Softball DRAGON TEAMS DRAGON TEAMS Jessica McCarthy, Field Hockey Megan Hammaker, , Women’s Soccer

- Sarah Curran, Women’s Basketball Jantien Gunter, Field Hockey - Ryan Belka, Men’s Lacrosse Dad Vail 2nd Varsity 8, Men’s Crew Sylvia Llamas, Softball Rachel Pearson, Women’s Basketball Joel Berryman, Men’s Swimming & Diving Nicole Pivonka, Women’s Tennis David Sanchez, Men’s Swimming & Diving Jocelyn Quaile, Women’s Lacrosse Kevin Devoy, Wrestling Miles Thomas, Men’s Lacrosse Chris Crawford, Golf Rachel Bernhardt, Women’s Swimming & Diving Damion Lee, Men’s Basketball Noel Blanco, Wrestling ALL ALL

5 3RD TEAM ALL ROOKIE Robert Liberatore, Men’s Soccer Madison Dunn, Women’s Soccer Lauren Stollar, Women’s Soccer Nadia Pelham-Lacey, Women’s Lacrosse Matt Cimato, Wrestling Michael Kay, Men’s Lacrosse David Pearce, Wrestling Michael Meuer, Men’s Lacrosse Atticus Kelly, Squash Adam Mistretta, Golf 400 Free Relay, Men’s Swimming Clary Rodriguez Cruz, Women’s Tennis Dad Vail Varsity 4, Men’s Crew Hamza Laalej, Men’s Tennis John Grosh, Men’s Soccer Hayley Hughes, Women’s Squash Jenna Knouse, Field Hockey Stephen Loiseau, Wrestling Cole Shafer, Men’s Lacrosse Dad Vail Freshmen 8, Men’s Crew

MELISSA CHAPMAN »» A First Team All-CAA pick for the third straight DRAGON TEAMS DRAGON TEAMS season, making her the first women’s soccer DRAGON TEAMS DRAGON TEAMS player in program history to accomplish this feat - - -

»» Tied for team-leader in goals with five, which CHRIS CRAWFORD - ranked seventh among conference opponents »» Became the first Dragon to win the CAA Player of the Year Award in golf »» Finished her career ranked eighth all-time for »» A First Team All-CAA pick for the second year in a row goals scored and 12th for career points »» Two-time CAA Men’s Golfer of the Week and has won the award seven »» Named to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Academic times in his career All-Area team for the second year in a row »» Finished in the top 10 in every tournament during the 2014-15 season »» Picked up his sixth career victory in the City 6 Championship ALL ALL ALL ALL

6 SARAH CURRAN »» Became the first Drexel sophomore to be named First Team All-CAA since Gabriela Marginean did it in 2007-08 »» Led the team in scoring at 12.1 points per game as the Dragons won 20 games for the fifth time in program history »» Reached double figures in scoring in 17 of the Dragons’ 31 games, and led the team with a .434 shooting percentage »» Her 25 points in the win over Saint Joseph’s not only marked a career high but also was the highest point total for any Dragon in 2014-15

KEVIN DEVOY »» Became Drexel’s first-ever EIWA Champion as he secured the conference title at 133 pounds »» Qualified for the NCAA Championships for the second time in his career and won two matches to advance to the round of 12 »» Finished his sophomore season with 38 wins, which ties for the most in Drexel single-season history

DAMION LEE »» First Team All-CAA selection and an All-District selection »» Finished fourth in the nation and led the CAA DRAGON TEAMS DRAGON TEAMS with 21.4 points per game »» Now 10th on Drexel’s career scoring list with - - 1,538 points and eighth with 196 three- pointers »» Drexel’s all-time leader in free throw percentage at .842 »» Had five games of 30 or more points last season ALL ALL

7 SYLVIA LLAMAS »» A First Team All-CAA selection »» Named to the 2015 NFCA Division I Second Team All-Region »» Recorded career-highs in hits, runs batted in, and home runs during her senior season »» Led the team in RBI on the season with 34 and was second on the team in batting average (.385), home runs (6) and hits (47)

DAVID SANCHEZ »» Named the CAA Men’s Diver of the Year »» Was named the CAA Men’s Diver of the Week on four occasions »» Was selected as the Men’s Most Outstanding Diver of the Meet at CREW the CAA Championships where he won the three-meter dive and CREW was finished second in the one-meter dive DRAGON TEAMS DRAGON TEAMS JESSICA MCCARTHY »» A First Team All-CAA and First Team All-Mid-Atlantic Region choice - - »» Finished third on the team with 11 points and four goals scored, both career highs for the sophomore »» Scored a pair of goals in the Dragons’ 6-3 win over Kent State, the first multi-goal game of her career ALL ALL

8 Drexel Crew rowed to yet another successful season in 2014-15, highlight by the Dragons’ third consecutive Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta overall team title. En route to the historic win as well as the men’s points title, Drexel earned six medals – two gold, one silver, and three bronze. The success rolled over into postseason rowing as well, as the women nearly toppled winner Northeastern in the Colonial Athletic Association and the men finished 15th in the country at the IRA National Championships. Along the road of success, the Dragons continued their dominance by winning five Knecht Cup medals, placing sixth at the San Diego Crew Classic, and again taking home titles at the Kerr Cup, Kelly Cup, Bergen Cup, and Head of the Schuylkill Regatta. Drexel Director of Rowing Paul Savell became the first crew coach in school history to win the Matt Ledwdith Award for collegiate coach of the year. The Matt Ledwidth Award is presented annually to a collegiate rowing coach who has had outstanding success combined with contributions and dedication to the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta. CREW CREW

9 The Drexel women’s basketball team won 20 games for the fifth time in program history as the Dragons reeled off 14 wins in Colonial Athletic Association play. Drexel finished second in the CAA and earned the league’s automatic berth to the WNIT, making its sixth postseason appearance in seven seasons. Sarah Curran led the team in scoring at 12.1 points per game and became the first Drexel sophomore to

BASKETBALL earn a First Team All-CAA nod since BASKETBALL Gabriela Marginean in 2007-08. Junior Rachel Pearson earned her second- career All-CAA recognition, claiming a spot on the Second Team. Drexel head coach Denise Dillon won her 200th career game on December 28 when the Dragons upended Miami (Ohio) at the Cavalier Classic. She finished the season with 214 career victories. WOMEN’S WOMEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING SWIMMING & DIVING

10 The Drexel men’s swimming and diving team tallied four titles at the CAA Championships to finish off a record-breaking season. As a team, the Dragons finished fourth at the conference meet, marking their highest finish in the last decade. Junior Joel Berryman earned conference titles in the 50 free and 100 free, the latter of which marked the fastest winning time in the history of the CAA for that event. Berryman was also a part of the 200 free relay team that took home a CAA title this year. Together with teammates Sean Swartz, Alex Chialastri and Michael Shaeffer, Berryman helped secure Drexel’s second-ever relay title and the first since 2005. From a diving standpoint, junior David Sanchez was named CAA Diver of the Year after earning a gold medal in the three-meter diving event at the conference championships. This marked the second time in his career that Sanchez has accomplished both of these feats. On the whole, the men’s swimming and diving team had four individuals and three relay teams earn All-CAA honors this season. SWIMMING & DIVING SWIMMING & DIVING

11 TENNIS TENNIS WOMEN’S WOMEN’S SQUASH SQUASH

Drexel women’s tennis served up its best season in program history in 2014-15, earning the most single-season wins (15) and the highest winning percentage (15-3; .833). The Dragons earned their best start to a season since the 2008-09 season, winning the first nine dual matches. The team nearly earned its first-ever win over James Madison, and won tough matches over the likes of Fordham and Lehigh as well as Philadelphia rivals La Salle, Villanova, and Saint Joseph’s. On their way to success, Drexel was crowned the Flights 2 and 3 singles champions at the Saint Joseph’s Invitational as well as the Flight A doubles and Flight C singles champions at the Villanova Invitational.

12 The Drexel men’s and women’s squash teams finished the 2014-15 season with the highest national rankings in the program’s four-year history. The men’s squad finished the year ranked 12th in the country, while the women ended the season ranked 13th nationally. Men’s squash earned its first win in program history over the United States Naval Academy. Drexel defeated the No. 14 Midshipmen, 7-2. The Dragons also defeated No. 13 Williams in the first round of the Hoehn Cup and then nearly upset Princeton in the second round but SQUASH SQUASH ultimately fell by a 5-4 margin. Atticus Kelly finished the year ranked 23rd nationally, while Luke Willemse finished at No. 29. Both Kelly and Willemse qualified for the Pool Division Main Draw at Individual Championships, which marked the first Drexel Individual qualifiers in program history. On the women’s side, Kaitlyn Money, Ryan Morgan and Hayley Hughes each won 12 matches this season. Those 12 wins for each player marked the highest individual single-season win total ever at Drexel. Hughes, who finished the year ranked 34th in the country, qualified for Ramsey Division Main Draw at Individual Championships. It was the first time a member of the women’s squad qualified for the Championships. The team closed the season with an 8-1 victory over No. 14 Franklin & Marshall at the Kurtz Cup. It was the first time the women defeated the Diplomats.

13 US SQUASH »» The glass court used for the U.S. Open is ready for action on the main court of the John A. Daskalakis Athletic Center »» Finalists Mohamed Elshorbagy and Amr Shabana battle in the U.S. Open men’s championship match. Elshorbagy won the title in four sets. »» Drexel University President John Fry addresses the crowd at the trophy presentation to men’s champion Mohamed Elshorbagy and women’s champion Nicol David.

14 NCAA LACROSSE

Drexel University Hosts Successful NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships at Lincoln Financial Field

»» Over 70,000 spectators headed down to South Philly to experience firsthand collegiate lacrosse at its finest. »» Over 25 Drexel Athletics professional staff and 15 sports management students were involved in assisting to stage this championship »» The Drexel ROTC presented the nations colors and the ball boys on the field sported Drexel lacrosse shirts. There were two highly visible 40- by-20 foot Drexel logos on the field. »» “Hosting a NCAA championship of this magnitude and partnering with the City of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Eagles and the NCAA is an incredible opportunity for Drexel athletics to bring visibility to our University and elevate the stature of our lacrosse programs. In addition, this championship provided an incredible opportunity for professional development for our staff and our sports management students were truly immersed in a real live incubator that was televised to a national ESPN audience,” says Dr. Eric Zillmer, Director of Drexel University athletics. “I am so proud of our athletics department and our students who helped coordinate and bring to fruition a truly world-class sporting event.”

15 RECREATION CENTER & DASKALAKIS ATHLETIC CENTER »» 708,688 access swipes »» 88,956 miles logged on Rec Center treadmills »» 33,881 visits in Group Exercise »» 9,016 total visits at the Climbing Wall »» 8,409 visits to the DAC Pool »» 385 student employees RECREATION RECREATION RECREATION CLUB SPORTS INTRAMURAL RECREATION »» 34 teams SPORTS »» 1,328 participants »» 9,111 participants »» 148-118-11 overall »» 1,181 teams competition record »» 1,783 league games in »» 395 competitions: 17 league sports 132 home competitions 263 away competitions

16 Jersey, Drexel Recreational Athletics’ onsite therapy dog, served as a companion to hundreds of students throughout the academic year. Jersey held 897 total office hours along with attending many events including de-stress events during finals week for the Thomas R. Kline School of Law and Center for Hospitality & Sport Management.

JERSEY MADE HEADLINES IN A VARIETY OF MEDIA OUTLETS INCLUDING: TV Media »» Fox29 »» CBS3 »» Drexel TV »» Student Project

Print Media »» The Metro »» The Philadelphia Inquirer »» Philly.com »» DrexelNow RECREATION CENTER & »» D&M Magazine DASKALAKIS ATHLETIC CENTER »» Drexel Quarterly »» 708,688 access swipes Radio Media »» 88,956 miles logged on »» WHYY/NPR Rec Center treadmills »» 33,881 visits in Group Exercise »» 9,016 total visits at the Climbing Wall »» 8,409 visits to the DAC Pool »» 385 student employees RECREATION INTRAMURAL RECREATION SPORTS »» 9,111 participants »» 1,181 teams »» 1,783 league games in 17 league sports

17 CLUB SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS Club Cricket »» Finishes 2nd in the Nation at the American College Cricket National Tournament in Fort Lauderdale, FL »» Student President, Maaez Veqar was named Mid-Atlantics Region MVP »» Defeated Iowa State, University of , and Texas A&M in pool play »» Defeated University of Florida in Quarterfinals & University of South Florida (defending champions) in Semifinals

Club Men’s Rugby »» Won the City 4 division in the Collegiate Rugby Championships held at PPL Park in Chester, PA

RECREATION »

RECREATION » 4-0 on the weekend against La Salle, Penn, & Villanova »» Qualify for the overall CRC championship in 2016 »» Games shown on Comcast SportsNet & NBC Sports

Club Badminton »» YONEX Northeast Collegiate Team Badminton Champions »» Malinka Ranasinghe & Akhil Kapoor won all of their 1st Men’s Doubles Games

»» Heidi Lau & Nancy Tran won 1st Women’s Doubles against Penn & Columbia PROACTIVE HEALTH PROACTIVE HEALTH »» Ann Wu won 1st Womens Singles against Amherst College

18 DREXEL RECREATION CENTER The #1 Gym in Philadelphia! Philly.com voted The Drexel Recreation Center the best gym in Philadelphia for 2015! With a world-class staff as well as numerous programs and classes aimed to enhance health and well-being, the Recreation Center provides all the tools needed to achieve a healthy and active lifestyle.

RECOGNITION »» University Primetime “20 Most Impressive College Gyms and Student Rec Centers.” »» Topcounselingschools.org Top 30 Universities Leading the Way with Wellness »» Yelp.com “People Love Us” award

QUICK STATS »» 1,600 members »» 622 appointments for Nutrition Counseling »» 110 active personal training clients »» 2,830 personal training hours logged PROACTIVE HEALTH PROACTIVE HEALTH

19 ADMINISTRATIVE RECOGNITION

Nick Gannon, Deputy Athletic Director was awarded the 2014 Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Extra Man Award, which is presented annually to a university or college administrator who displays the highest level of support for the growth of lacrosse. He was also awarded the 2014 Drexel University President’s Award for Excellence for his work at the school. Laura White, Senior Associate Athletic Director serves on the NCAA Women’s Tennis Committee and was named chair of that committee in 2014.

The Athletic Director’s Leadership Council and Board of Delegates are advisory groups that contribute through its membership’s leadership abilities on matters of the athletic department’s mission, aspirations, goals and philanthropy. DONORS DONORS ATHELTIC DIRECTOR LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

Tony Bracali Meghan Klauder Robert Powelson Bob & Marilene Buckley Hazem Diab Maragah, Ph.D. Brian Propp Randall Burkert Beth Mastrocola Michael Savage John A. Carney Christine McKendry Andrade Stanley W. Silverman Jonathan Corle Mikki Miller Lee Stevens Robert Falcone Robert J. Mongeluzzi, Esq. Sarah Grogan Dennis Murray Emeritus Adam M. Green, Esq. Jay Overcash John Daskalakis Matthew Hilbush Patrick S. Pasquariello III Vincent G. Vidas Christopher N. Jones Andrew J. Pennoni, P.E.

BOARD OF DELEGATES

Colleen Burns Michael Haberman Matthew Pestronk William P. Camara Daniel Hinds Christopher Plummer Caterina Carafides Emily Horvat Carl E. Ray Branden Grove Omar Kabeer Daniela Sango Amanda E. Hastings Matthew Morabito Bridget Scanlan LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP

20 CHRIS McKENDRY

In May, Drexel Athletics kicked off its inaugural Women in Sports reception by honoring internationally renowned sports journalist Chris McKendry ’90. Many people recognize McKendry as a major presence on ESPN, where she co-hosts the mid-day episode of SportsCenter, anchors all four tennis Grand Slam Tournaments, and

DONORS covers a variety of other events, including the Little League World Series and the Scripps National Spelling Bee. DONORS We here at Drexel are fortunate to know Chris McKendry as an alumna, tennis scholarship recipient, multiple Dean’s list honoree and devoted supporter of Drexel Athletics. McKendry serves on the Drexel Athletics Leadership Council and, along with her husband, Eduardo Andrade, gives generously to programs they care about. “We’re philanthropic-minded, but I don’t view giving to Drexel Athletics as philanthropy; Drexel gave me a gift and I’m repaying it,” McKendry says. “I look at scholarship money the same way I look at loans or grant money. If you can pay a scholarship back, you pay it forward as well. By giving back to Drexel, I’m passing on the support I received to other young women.” Drexel coach Laura White spotted McKendry’s talents early on and offered her an opportunity to attend Drexel on a tennis scholarship. “I was just a player in the Philadelphia area, and I was at a college showcase when I met coach Laura White,” McKendry says. “My brother was already playing soccer at Drexel, and I was very much a city kid at heart, so Drexel was a good fit for me.” At the Women in Sports reception, McKendry spoke about the importance of women staying involved with Drexel Athletics, giving back and networking with peers. McKendry manages to stay involved while raising two young sons at home and feels fortunate she has been able to work her career around their schedules. “They inspire me,” she says. “They make me want to do more rather than less.” Around 100 men and women attended the event, which celebrates fellow alums, Drexel Hall of Famers and industry vets who facilitate and promote the success of women in sports. The reception was sponsored by Dr. Hazem Maragah, president of the Drexel Athletic Club and a member of the Faculty Athletic Advisory Committee. “I sponsored the event to celebrate women in sports at Drexel and the importance of participating in philanthropy by making a gift to Drexel Athletics each year,” Maragah says. He adds that McKendry was an ideal guest of honor because of the example she sets for other women athletic alumni “to stay connected, get involved and give back.” McKendry drew a great crowd of supporters and looks forward to participating at the next event. “I look forward to getting more athletes to attend,” she says. “It was a mini-reunion, and I certainly enjoyed it.” Chris McKendry and her husband give back with their time, talent and hearts to their community, and Drexel is grateful to have had the opportunity to celebrate their spirit of generosity and service.

21 MARY SEMANIK

Mary Semanik ushered women’s athletics through the historic transitions of Title IX — and now she’s endowed Drexel’s first named coach of a women’s team. The walls of Mary Semanik’s apartment attest to her legendary career as a star athlete, coach and longtime director of women’s athletics at Drexel University. Plaques and certificates represent numerous athletic milestones, including membership in the All-American lacrosse team, the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame. And portraits of her and her late husband John Semanik ’56, director of Drexel Athletics from 1962 to 1991, commemorate their induction into Drexel’s own Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994. DONORS DONORS DONORS DONORS Despite these honors, Semanik speaks humbly about her accomplishments, including her tenure at Drexel, where she served alongside her husband in administration from 1965 to 1991. She prefers to emphasize John Semanik’s leadership in driving the rapid progress that Drexel Athletics enjoyed during that time, like taking the program Division I and adding the University’s Physical Education Athletic Center — now known as the Daskalakis Athletic Center (DAC). “I was behind him pushing,” she says, “but John was the boss.” Many of Semanik’s former colleagues, however, insist that she is a leader in her own right, one who advocated for women athletes and coaches as she helped guide Drexel’s athletic program through momentous changes in women’s collegiate sports, such as the 1972 introduction of Title IX legislation. “It was quite the time of growth,” remembers Carol Kashow, director of athletics at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and former Drexel softball and badminton coach. “Mrs. Semanik had a vision for how we were going to move forward in a way that was within the school’s means but made sure that all students had equal opportunity and equal support.” Now, nearly 25 years after her retirement, Semanik is helping to transform Drexel Athletics yet again by making a $1 million commitment from her husband’s and her estate to the program. Her gift will endow the first named coaching position of a women’s team at the University, as well as provide unrestricted support. “My entire professional life was at Drexel and coaching at the University was a joy,” Semanik says. “I am making this gift to leave a legacy, with my husband, that supports Drexel’s student athletes.” The Mary Semanik Head Coach of Women’s Lacrosse is currently held by Hannah Rudloff, MS ’13. Dr. Eric Zillmer, director of athletics and Carl R. Pacifico Professor of Neuropsychology at Drexel, says this endowed position will provide lasting resources that will allow Rudloff to further strengthen what is poised to become a Top 30 program. He adds that Semanik “forged women’s athletics at Drexel,” helping to lay the groundwork for a program that is nationally recognized for its commitment to gender equity. This past April, the University officially recognized Semanik’s philanthropy and her and her husband’s lasting impact on Drexel with the naming of the Mary and John Semanik Lobby in the DAC. The event drew more than 120 attendees, including the Semaniks’ family and friends; Drexel faculty, staff and administrators; and former Drexel coaches and athletes. “The Semaniks, simply, were deeply committed to nurturing the talents and ensuring the well-being of all of our student-athletes at the University,” said President John A. Fry during the dedication ceremony. “Together, they did something really rare: They built the foundation of one of the most successful and honorable Division I programs in the United States.”

22 SWIMMING & DIVING ALUMNI COMMITTEE

In addition to developing life skills like self-discipline and effective time-management, former Drexel swimmers David Knouft ’93, Gerald McCaffrey ’82 and Mark Zeller ’92 agree that the most profound impact of being on Drexel’s swimming and diving team was the opportunity to forge lasting relationships. “Swimming made me feel a part of the campus,” McCaffrey recalls. “I had a family to become connected with, and those friendships have lasted to this day.” All three alumni are now charter members of the Swimming and Diving Alumni Committee, an initiative that is harnessing the power of these bonds to benefit future generations of student-athletes. The idea for the Committee started with Knouft, who along with his wife Kristen ’93, has generously supported the swimming and diving program. Zeller and McCaffrey, who are also major supporters of the program and often come back for meets, became involved because they saw the need for a more organized effort to engage swimming alumni. The Committee’s mission is to provide outreach and opportunities that enable swimming and diving alumni to connect with each other, and to become involved with and support the program. Since it was launched last year, 15 men and women who graduated from the 1970s to the 2000s have joined. Members have already generated a significant increase in alumni giving to the program and have created a directory of alumni mentors who are willing to serve as resources for current swimmers. The committee also held an Alumni Day, which was sponsored by McCaffrey. It drew a record number of alumni to the program’s co-ed meet in January against Northeastern and Delaware. DONORS DONORS Knouft says, “Hopefully we are helping to make the experience for the student athletes as positive as it was for us, and contributing to the program financially really does have a significant impact on the student athletes.” Knouft, McCaffrey and Zeller credit Adam Braun, head coach for men’s and women’s swimming and diving since June 2014, with sparking this resurgence in alumni engagement. “Adam has brought a whole new way of thinking to the program, and a whole new level of competitiveness,” Zeller observes. Knouft says, “Adam just gets it; he understands the positive impact that alumni can have on the program and on students.” At its second official meeting in April, the Committee laid out its priorities for the coming year. One is to fundraise for the swimming and diving program’s winter trip — which students had to forgo last year due to a lack of resources — and for the men’s team’s locker room renovations. Another is to double participation by having each member reach out to swimming and diving alumni in their own networks. The ultimate goal, Zeller explains, is to “build the foundation for a lasting culture of philanthropy and engagement among swimming alumni.” He adds, “The momentum we build will show current swimmers why it’s important for them to stay involved as alumni. It has to start with us.”

23 DRAGONS ABROAD CHINA The Drexel men’s basketball had the unique experience of visiting China in August. The Dragons spent time touring and playing in both Beijing and in Shanghai. While in Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China, the team visited the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and climbed the Great Wall of China. In Shanghai, the Dragons attended a Drexel reception at the J.W. Marriott with more than 65 people in attendance. The Dragons visited Yu Gardens, took an evening boat tour on the Huangou River and went to the top of the 101-story Shanghai World Financial Trade Center to take in spectacular views of one of the most populous cities in the world. Drexel played four games while in China, finishing 3-1 against its international opponents. The cultural experience was something that the student-athletes will remember forever.

NETHERLANDS In March, the Drexel field hockey team had a once-in-a-lifetime experience as they visited the Netherlands for a week. Hosted by Peet Maat, the manager of the Spirit club hockey team for which several Drexel graduates have played and worked, the Dragons played three games in the Netherlands while also finding time for sightseeing. They were based out of Rotterdam during their trip, but also visited Amsterdam, The Hague, Delft and Schiedam. Among other sites, the team visited the Anne Frank House and the International Peace Palace while bonding as a team and learning a new culture rich in hockey tradition.

24