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Tuesday, March 30, 2010

The Names Fitz


Fitzpatrick, #31, in goal
Photo Courtesy of Caitlin Fitzpatrick

The Women's Lacrosse team knows how to score goals. Winning by an average of 13 goals this season, it just shows that their offense can get the job done. But what people forget is there has to be someone stopping the other team from scoring just as many goals and that's where Caitlin Fitzpatrick
comes in.

Coming off an undefeated season and having a national championship to defend offers a hard task for the Lady Panthers and Fitzpatrick, also known around campus as Fitz. Defending a national championship may be hard, but as Fitz says, its a gold the team is determined to accomplish.

"Our goal for the season is to remain undefeated and win another national championship. Simple as that. We have had the idea instilled in us by the coaching staff that anything less than a national championship and our overall season is a failure."

Their is a big target on their back. There is a lot of pressure for them to preform every single game to the highest level possible and as Fitz points out back to back national championships has never been done before, and no opponent will let it come easy.

"We are the 'big game' on everyone's schedule. Who wouldnt want a chance to take out the defending champs? They are not just going to lay down and hand us a win- we have to fight for every groundball, faceoff possession, save, and goal. No one in Division II has won a women's lacrosse championship back to back- we hope to change that this year."

Starting in goal for the Panthers, Fitz's job is to make sure that for every goal they score, she stops a shoot from the other team. She seems to be doing this job pretty well, to say the least. Earning her second week honor this season, NE-10 Goalie of the Week, Fitz feels each one is special.

"Each one of theses awards is special. It forces me to work hard each and every game to continue playing at my best. There are a lot of good goalies in the NE-10 so I see each of them as an honor. The award also reflects how well the defense plays because they help force the attackers to where we want them to shoot from."

Finally, Fitz points out that none of this would be possible without their coach, who instills a great work ethic in his players.

"He knows when we are working at our highest level and trying hard or just 'going through the motions'- he is not afraid to call us out. We are taught that if you practice at a high level you will play at a high level."

With a great work ethic, great team chemistry, and one common goal-win another championship, it's no wonder he lacrosse team has been able to keep their streak alive and it doesn't seem to be ending any time soon. We just hope Fitz ties the correct shoe first, a game day ritual, because it's certainly working!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Just a Smile




Signs inside the locker room that motivate the team

The women's basketball team didn't have the easiest road this past season. Going through many tough loses and loosing a coach and players in the middle of the season, having to work together could have been hard for them, but instead they did it with dignity and poise.

Finishing the season 4-23 was not what they had hoped for but they have a lot of positive things to look back on. One being that they came into a new conference, not knowing what to expect and they took the floor each and every game giving it their all. Never letting down, the girls worked hard each day in practice and took that hard work to games, where they showed that no matter what the score they will continue to play as a team.

Success doesn't necessarily have to come from getting 30 tallies in the wins column. The women basketball team shows us this by their dedication to the community. At the beginning of their season they participated in the Walk for Autism at Jones Beach State Park and also joined the WBCA Pink Zone, an organization to support breast cancer awareness.

Along with this they decided to adopt a 21-month old girl named Stefanie through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. The little girl who they call Stef has a brain tumor. The team sends cards and gifts throughout the year and they were also able to bring her to a game when her treatments were going well. The women's team has surely made an impact on Stefani's life, helping to brighten her smile. While Stefani has truly made an impact of them and they continue to play for her and work hard for her, everyday.

With all this strength combined we are all confident Stefani can fight through this. She taught the team a lot, showing them that with the strength and support for those who care for you, you can get through anything. And the women's team has not only used that strength, but given the same thing back to Stefani and her family.

So the girls may have had a tough basketball season, but overall I would say they had more then a successful season in many people's eyes. They have done something pretty incredible, giving a little girl strength and love, and giving her a reason to smile. That smile is priceless and something that is more important then any win in that wins column.

So girls, all I have is one thing to say and that is...Thank you. Thank you for being role models and showing the community that even the smallest things make the biggest difference. This is the true meaning of not only being an amazing student-athlete is, but being a great person.

Another sign for motivation
This is the sign that hangs in their locker room for Stefani

Saturday, March 20, 2010

The Unbeaten

Adelphi Women's Tennis and Lacrosse each stay undefeated as they move forward in their seasons. Tennis stands at 9-0, while Lacrosse rests at 4-0.

These two teams are big threats to their competition as the lacrosse team is coming into this with a national championship trophy to defend and a streak to keep alive.

The tennis team looks to keep working hard as they get ready for the Northeast-10 Championship in the near future.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Hall of Fame!



Photo courtesy of flickr.com
Pictured: Coach Ilsley in college

It has been 20 years since Adelphi University has hired a new women's soccer coach. But there has been no need to find another one. In 1990 Richard Ilsley was named the head coach of the women's soccer team. This was the best decision the Adelphi Athletic Department could have made. Coach Ilsley's his successes have earned him a spot in the Adelphi Athletic Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame was established in 1961 to celebrate the accomplishments of coaches and players who have made an impact in Adelphi Athletics. Coach Ilsey will be inducted on April 15, 2010.

Coach Ilsley has many lessons to teach his players. But one sticks out most in his mind as the most important. His saying, "Woulda, shoulda, coulda," is something he makes sure to instill in his players.

"That means is that you should never walk off a field, or a job, etc. saying if I woulda have done that, or shoulda done that. In other words, give it your best effort all the time, no matter what you are faced with. If you keep those three things in mind, regrets will be few. It does not mean that you will always be successful, far from it. What it means is for you to give your best at that given time and moment, and no one can ask for more. That goes for on the field and off the field."

Ilsley is proud of the tradition that has been established. He has created a family that will forever be apart of his life.

"I have been most proud of the tradition that has been created within the program. In addition to the tremendous success that they have had here on the field, they have been as successful, if not more so, after their graduation."

"These women continue to represent themselves, and Adelphi, with distinction. I have been lucky enough to be a part of their lives for quite a long time and it is quite satisfying for me to watch and share many happy moments with many of them."

"Coaching is about the players and they have brought me much satisfaction. They continue to involve me in their lives long after the games are done. When that happens, then you know that you have made a connection, more important than just being their coach."

He has helped his athletes to become not only the best players they could possibly be, but also the best people they could be, and that's what makes a great coach.

It's no wonder our athletes strive for excellence in their lives when they have coaches like Coach Ilsley supporting them and pushing them to be the best, in all aspects of life. Thanks Coach and congratulations!


Monday, March 15, 2010

Rebel Games

In Kissimmee, Fla., the Women's Softball Team have raced off to a great start. As of today, 3 days in, they have started off 3-1. With many highlights and shining moments it lead us to believe the team will do nothing but improve. The girls have a very exciting season ahead of them!

Panther fans, keep updated on the softball page to see how these Rebel Games wrap up!

Go Women Panthers!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Two is Better Than One



Many people can't fathom playing one college sport, let alone two. But in Emily Dorko's world it's a different story. It's rare, especially at the DI and DII level, to play two sports. Playing both volleyball and softball is a difficult task, but one that Dorko does with grace and maturity. Being a freshman athlete can get overwhelming, but as Dorko points out, it's just a way of life.

"Being a two sport athlete has been a way of life for me since my freshman year in high school. It is stressful at times but I don't think I could live my life any other way."

Teammates are a big part of athletics and as Dorko explains although she say not be able to see some of her teammates during the opposite season, they are still a big part of her life.

"My teammates are the best thing that have come out of playing two sports. My roommates are members of the softball team. Now that it is softball season I don't see my volleyball teammates as much, but we all make the effort to meet up. It's a little hard and I miss out, but that's part of managing two sports."

Maturity as a freshman is hard to come by, but Dorko showed her's very quickly when she decided to play two sports in college. She has grown up fast and shows she can handle all the early and late practices, the crazy travel schedules, and the pains in her body. Dorko shows that this is possible with hard work.

"There are times where I feel like I can't jump any higher, or swing the bat any faster but this is what I live for. Others who aren't familiar with an athlete's lifestyle may find it difficult to balance everything on my plate, but I have managed to work out an efficient system in my life."

Why be this busy and work this hard, just to play an extra sport? For Dorko, it's simple. It's for the love of the game(s). She hopes to make a big impact in all seasons to come.

"My goal in my athletic career here at Adelphi is definitely just to make an impact. As a freshman it is hard coming into a new place, dealing with the surroundings and coaches. I want to be able to offer my skills anyway possible that will best benefit the team."

Dorko looks to work hard not just herself but for her team, both teams. Who new a freshman could have such grace and maturity, while being an amazing athlete.

Just another example of how our female athletes are special and have so much to offer.

Photos courtesy of aupanther.com



Monday, March 8, 2010

Support Your Women!

After spring break there are going to be many home games for the women's lacrosse, softball, and tennis. (Unfortunately the track team doesn't have any home meets.) Make sure you come out and support your women as they get ready to compete in a new conference. I'm know their successes in the past have set them up to continue you to do the same. With your support it will give them that extra push to be the best. Come out and support your AU Women.

First Home Games after Spring Break:
W. Lacrosse- March 27, 2010 vs. Franklin Pierce @ 1pm
W. Softball- March 26, 2010 vs. Queens @3pm and 5pm(note: home games are now being played at the Garden City Pool due to construction on campus. It's around a 5 minute walk from campus)
W. Tennis- March 27, 2010 vs. Merrimack @1pm

Come see these amazing athletes perform!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Volleyball Does Cold Stone


Imagine. Peanut Butter Cup Perfection. Birthday Cake Remix. Cheesecake Fantasy. These are just some of the few signature creations you can get at Cold Stone Creamery, but even better you can get them personally made by Adelphi women volleyball players.

The Adelphi University Volleyball team partnered up with Cold Stone on March 2, 2010 to fundraise money for the preseason trip to Colorado. This is no small cost to take a team of fifteen and two coaches away on a trip, but it is definitely worth it pointed out freshman outside hitter, Chelsea Overholt.

"To be able to travel and play some of the best teams in the country is an unbelievable opportunity. It will only challenge us and make us better. We always strive to do our best and we want to bring home a championship to our school. This fundraiser put into perspective how much money it is going to take, but it also made us realize how worth it it will be when we come home a better team and are able to compete at a higher level for that championship."

In addition to raising money for the trip, the team was able to bring the team together as they enter into a new season next fall. Team chemistry is very important to this team. Overholt also praised her teammates for all the hard work they've done.

"This was really a team effort. Everyone was behind the counter, mixing the ice cream and even singing for tips. It was not only fun, but we were doing it together, while having fun. The time just flew by. Our girls have such a great work ethic, not only on the court but off."

The manager of Cold Stone also added that they had been "the most successful fundraising team of anyone she's ever had". Raising a total of $112, which is combined of tips and %10 of sales during the night, the girls see this little amount as just the beginning to a great experience.

"We were able to bond, get the community and AU students involved with us, and raise money, while having fun. It was awesome," added Overholt.

I guess you can tribute that to the hard work and dedication these girls have to being able to do whatever they can to be the best they can.

Adelphi Women Athletes continue to strive to do their best so they can continue that tradition of excellence.


Photos by me.

Lacrosse DII and DIII National Championship!

Adelphi University has been picked to host the 2011 Women's Lacrosse National Championship!

Adelphi Women's Lacrosse most recently won the National Championship in 2009, as they were undefeated.

This is a great success for only Adelphi Athletics, but especially women's athletics because a nationally recognized event will be held here, and that decision has a lot to do with the success of our program.

Women's athletics should be very proud of themselves as they continue to make their mark here, as having a National Championship at any school is a big deal, but here at Adelphi it proves to show our women are doing great things.

Photo Courtesy of AUpanthers.com