Athletics

Overtime Victory

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Tue, 16 May 2023 19:40:50 +0000

Overtime Victory BBENSON@bridgew.edu Tue, 05/16/2023 - 15:40

Student-athletes who missed commencement have special ceremony

May 17, 2023

Brian Benson, G'23

As his classmates crossed the commencement stage at Gillette Stadium on Friday, graduating student Matt Josselyn, ’21, G’23, was triumphing on a different field.

Matt, a pitcher on the baseball team, picked up a key win in the Bears’ march to a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference championship and spot in the NCAA tournament.

Though Matt and several other student athletes were unable to participate in the traditional ceremony, 51�� ensured they still received their moment in the spotlight.

“It’s pretty special to see that they respect us so much on campus to give us another ceremony,” said Matt, a transfer student who earned a Master of Business Administration degree. “This is a special place for me. I will gladly call it home for the rest of my life.”

Their recognition came Monday in Horace Mann Auditorium, the historic location for Bridgewater commencements. The university honored 10 graduating students on the baseball, softball, and track and field teams who competed in postseason contests that conflicted with commencement.

Elementary education and psychology major Alison McDonough, ’23, said the ceremony was emblematic of the support she received from 51�� as an athlete and student.

“I’ve had some amazing coaches in my corner,” said Alison, who placed fourth in the 100-meter hurdles at Saturday’s New England Intercollegiate Amateur Athletic Association Outdoor Track & Field Championships. “Our athletic department really does care about athletes and wants us to succeed.”

The ceremony featured much of the pomp their classmates experienced, including a speech from President Frederick W. Clark Jr., ’83, and the coveted opportunity to cross the stage and receive their diploma. The graduates also listened to a video message from someone who knows a lot about success on and off a baseball diamond: Red Sox legend David Ortiz.

Clark highlighted the competing demands students faced juggling academics, practices and games, family responsibilities, and jobs – all in a world marked by a pandemic that canceled sports seasons and disrupted education.

“Even in the midst of historic challenges, you kept moving forward, reaching higher with your heads held high,” Clark said.

Family, friends, and teammates filled the auditorium, creating an electric atmosphere for the graduates.

“I’ll always remember this ceremony with my teammates,” said sociology major Madison Dana, ’23, a softball catcher whose team reached the conference championship game. “It just creates a great ending.”

Do you have a 51�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

It’s pretty special to see that they respect us so much on campus to give us another ceremony. This is a special place for me. I will gladly call it home for the rest of my life.

Matt Josselyn, ’21, G’23

Tags

Commencement

Class of 2023

Athletics

Photos by Kendell French, '24

Staying in the Game

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 14:55:42 +0000

Staying in the Game HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 03/06/2023 - 09:55

Faculty mentors work with athletic teams to create 'winners' on the field and in life

March 9, 2023

Heather Harris Michonski

The perception of the collegiate student-athlete is often more “athlete” than “student.”

“As student-athletes we are often viewed only as athletes, we are seen as the sport we play, that we put our academics on the back burner, but that is not the case at all,” said Alex Ruprecht, ’21, G’23.

Prior to graduating with a degree in English, and pursuing her master’s degree in special education, Ruprecht was a standout softball player at 51��, playing outfield and serving as captain for two years as well as being named the 2022 MASCAC softball player of the year.

Many don’t understand the pressures student-athletes face, Ruprecht said, but between going to class, practice, games, lifting in the gym, studying, and sometimes even working, finding a balance can be challenging.

“I think having people come into our world to see all we deal with on any given day would be eye opening,” Ruprecht said.

In an effort to better support student-athletes, a new faculty mentor program was recently launched at 51��.

Dr. Robert MacMillan, education and health sciences professor, reached out to the campus community inviting faculty members to sign up and serve as a mentor for one of Bridgewater’s 22 athletic teams.

The goal of the faculty mentor program is to build relationships between faculty, coaches, and student athletes, to fully understand the tremendous value of intercollegiate athletics at Bridgewater State.

Mentors are encouraged to attend practices and games, to meet with coaching staff to discuss shared goals and serve as supporter, fan, and resource to the team they are assigned.

The response has been positive, with multiple faculty signing up to participate.

“It’s been great for everyone involved,” MacMillan said.

Former Division I softball player and current social work Professor Leslie Sattler mentors the women’s softball team. Prior to teaching, Sattler also worked as a therapist.

Because of her background, she felt she would be a good fit for the program.

“I want to help student-athletes see the intangibles, how all the transferable skills you gain from athletics apply to job skills. That all of this hard work is not just for the game, or to win, but it’s so you land leadership jobs in your future, you see your earning potential and build a skill set,” Sattler said.

Sociology Professor Meghan Murphy is a faculty mentor for the women’s soccer team.

Once she initially heard about the program, knew she wanted to sign up.

“Students involved in high impact practices, such as playing an intercollegiate sport, and who connect with faculty on a personal level, retain and graduate at a higher rate than their peers,” she said. “I was interested in joining this initiative immediately as the benefit of this type of support for our student-athletes is extremely beneficial.”

For Alex Ruprecht, having the additional layer of support from faculty mentors is “huge.”

“Athletes are often told to push through, to endure, but that’s not always the case, sometimes we’re not okay, so having mentors come into our world and see what we deal with, to have an outlet, someone to listen to us, it’s very impactful,” she said. “It can really help us better learn to be successful not just as athletes, but also as college students.”

Do you have a 51�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Athletes are often told to push through, to endure, but that’s not always the case, sometimes we’re not okay, so having mentors come into our world and see what we deal with, to have an outlet, someone to listen to us, it’s very impactful.

Alex Ruprecht, '21, G'23

Tags

Athletics

Alumna Named Head Softball Coach

JFINKELSTEIN@bridgew.edu — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 15:59:35 +0000

Alumna Named Head Softball Coach JFINKELSTEIN@b… Mon, 11/28/2022 - 10:59

October 28, 2022

John Winters, G’11

Story Series

Bridgewater Magazine

51�� Athletics Hall of Famer and former softball standout Carrie (Kuprycz) Consalvi, ’01, has been named head coach of the Bears’ softball team. She replaces Lindsey Couturier who stepped down following the 2022 season.

“We are so excited to have Carrie come back home to 51�� to lead our Bears,” said Dr. Marybeth Lamb, associate vice president for athletics and student wellness. “Carrie not only has the expertise, she is a member of the family and understands what being a Bear means to our students, our faculty, staff and alumni. This will be an exciting time for Bears softball.”

Ms. Consalvi was an outstanding catcher and designated player for the Bears from 1998-2000. She ranks fifth all-time in batting average, and her .535 on-base percentage in 1999 ranks fourth.

She helped the Bears capture three straight MASCAC championships and make three consecutive NCAA Division III Tournament appearances. The team won the New England Regional championship and advanced to the Division III World Series in both 1998 and 1999. Ms. Consalvi garnered All-MASCAC First Team accolades and was named to the NFCA All-New England First Team in each of her three seasons. She was also selected to the ECAC Division III New England All-Star Team and was an NFCA Division III Second Team All-American in 1998 and 1999.

Ms. Consalvi, who earned a Master of Science degree in nursing from UMass Dartmouth, is a certified nurse practitioner in cardiology on Cape Cod where she lives with her husband, Dave, ’00, and daughter, Mia.

“To come home and represent the Bear family once again is a longtime dream come true,” said Ms. Consalvi.

To come home and represent the Bear family once again is a longtime dream come true

Carrie (Kuprycz) Consalvi, ’01

Tags

Athletics

Alumni Profile

Another Lap

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 17:51:28 +0000

Another Lap HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 07/11/2022 - 13:51

Track and field standout returns for one more go-round

July 19, 2022

Heather Harris Michonski

51�� track and field star Jayci Andrews, ’20, G’22, surprised everyone this year when she returned to compete as a graduate student.

Andrews holds the honor of being the first female national champion in any sport in the school’s history. She won the 60-meter hurdles during the 2019 Division III indoor championships and the 100-meters at the 2019 Division III outdoor championships.

During her sophomore year, Andrews suffered a season-ending injury. At the time she was devastated.

Little did she know there would be a silver lining: because of the injury she was given another year of eligibility which allowed her to compete again as a graduate student.

Back in a 51�� uniform, Andrews competed this past year in the 100 and 400-meter hurdles.

“I had to look at this opportunity from a different perspective,” she said. “I had to have the courage, determination and discipline to get back out there and see what I could accomplish.”

Andrews’ hard work paid off. She earned All-American honors in both events at the 2022 NCAA Division III Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Aside from the accolades on the track, Andrews said, Bridgewater has proven to be the right place for her to find academic success as well.

“51�� has helped me acquire many lessons and skills...from my first-year experience to capstone papers, public speaking, research findings, to internships. All of these are skills that this university has helped me to fully develop,” she said.

That desire to grow and challenge herself is what inspired Andrews to enroll in the 51�� master’s in social work program.

Her hope is to one day advocate for young athletes who struggle with mental health.

“My goal is to create a foundation, a safe and effective place for athletes to receive training to improve their technical skills and physical fitness while also maintaining a trusting outlet for mental health resources,” Andrews said.

She knows better than anyone the importance of mental health as a student-athlete.

“Having personally suffered (an injury), I know how frustrating and interfering it can become, which is why I want to be a dependable role model for others,” she said.

The track star admits that people have often asked her over the years, why didn’t she take her talents to a Division I school. It was a question that irritated her.

“I chose to stay and compete as a Bear because I wanted to be an example of how success is achievable at any level,” she said. “It’s not about where you think you should be, it’s about the impact you can make where you are. I am very thankful to have competed in a Bears jersey.”

Whether competing on the track or learning in the classroom, Bridgewater helped Andrews better define who she is and where she wants to go.

“Without 51��, I don’t think I would be the person I am today.”

Do you have a 51�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

I chose to stay and compete as a Bear because I wanted to be an example of how success is achievable at any level. It’s not about where you think you should be, it’s about the impact you can make where you are. I am very thankful to have competed in a Bears jersey.

Jayci Andrews, '20, G'22

Tags

Athletics

Something to Cheer About

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Tue, 24 May 2022 14:49:42 +0000

Something to Cheer About HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Tue, 05/24/2022 - 10:49

Cheerleading squad wins NCAA Division III title

May 24, 2022

Heather Harris Michonski

Still in their uniforms, members of the 51�� cheerleading team charged into the surf at Daytona Beach.

Why?

To celebrate their 2022 NCAA Division III All-Girl National Title.

“Prior to the competition, you don’t touch the sand or water, its bad luck,” said sophomore Amelia Mateychuk, a health science major.

Even head coach Jason Manhart took the plunge.

“It’s as business trip up until the awards ceremony,” he said. “We are there to work. But when it came time to celebrate, we all hit the water.”

The Bears traveled to Florida in April to complete against the best in the country. Their winning 97.37 points in the Intermediate All-Girl Division III competition marked the highest score for a 51�� cheerleading team at the national championships.

Even more impressive is that 51�� placed ninth across all divisions.

Under Manhart’s guidance, the Bears have been building a program that has earned respect – and trophies. This is the sixth national title for 51�� in the last ten years.

This year, members said, was a little sweeter, as in-person competitions were temporarily put on hold because of COVID-19.

“Last year didn’t feel like a real season. We had to figure out ways to get together as a team and perform virtually,” Mateychuk said.

Being able to compete with her teammates in Daytona was not only a memory-making experience but also comforting in that things felt a little more “normal” said sophomore Celeste McKenzie.

“The best part, though, was being able to go to the beach after the awards and celebrate in the water together,” the chemistry major said.

While the titles are impressive, even more rewarding for Manhart is that the members of his squad consistently graduate and walk the commencement stage year after year.

“As proud as we are of the national rings, academics is huge to us,” he said. “If you come here to cheer, when you leave, you’re graduating. I love telling people that every person (on the squad) graduates.”

And when the 2022 championship banner gets raised in Kelly Gymnasium, where the Bears practice, the athletes will take pride in knowing they will forever be part of Bridgewater State’s cheerleading legacy.

“It’s such an honor to put on that uniform, you become a different version of yourself. You become a superhero with 51�� on your chest,” said Genna Dellisola, ’24.

Do you have a 51�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

It’s such an honor to put on that uniform, you become a different version of yourself. You become a superhero with 51�� on your chest.

Genna Dellisola, ’24

Tags

Athletics

Tops in Her Field

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 14:31:30 +0000

Tops in Her Field HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 04/25/2022 - 10:31

Mary Beth Lamb selected as Athletic Director of the Year

April 26, 2022

Heather Harris Michonski

Back in high school, Mary Beth Lamb didn’t consider going to college. Instead, she took every steno and typing class to prepare for a career as a secretary.

“My guidance counselor, Mrs. Robinson, kept telling me, you should be on the college track,” Lamb said.

She eventually took the advice to heart, when she realized just how much she loved one subject in particular – a subject that could turn into a profession.

“I loved gym. It was the one place I could be free. I’m an introvert and there are very few places I felt comfortable, and sports was one of them,” she said.

So, with the help of Mrs. Robinson, Lamb did the necessary coursework to pursue a career in athletics.

Had she not switched gears, Lamb would never have been selected as a recipient of the 2021-22 National Association of Collegiate Directors Cushman and Wakefield Athletics Director of the Year Award. There were 28 honorees in all this year. The award highlights the efforts of athletics directors at all levels for their commitment and positive contributions to student-athletes, campuses, and their surrounding communities, according to the organization.

When she learned of the honor, Lamb, who has worked at 51�� for the past 10 years and currently serves as the associate vice president for Athletics and Wellness, was humbled.

“I do get uncomfortable with the praise,” she said. “I look at it as an honor for the program and everyone here at the university. I’m well aware I couldn’t do half the stuff I do unless the students, coaches, and university each did their part…. they all make me look good and I’m blessed to be here.”

The “stuff” Lamb has done includes guiding the 51�� athletic program that supports over 500 student-athletes and 22 varsity sports as well as a variety of sport club and intramural/recreational activities. She has expanded the club sport program to include women’s ice hockey, gymnastics, golf and men’s rugby.

Lamb has pushed to create four additional full-time coaching positions and enhanced the athletic program’s budget and overall commitment to excellence.

“That’s one of the things I’m most proud of, being able to hire for our teams and student-athletes full-time coaches. Having that full-time presence really helps build relationships and connections,” she said. “Coaches see you at your best and worst, they have to find ways to pick up and motivate students, to keep them involved and engaged. Its’ a very intense role.”

In 2020 the NCAA named 51�� the NCAA Division III LGBTA Athletic Department of the Year in part because Lamb has helped to create a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming culture within athletics.

She has also overseen major renovations such as those involving the Moriarty Pool, Swenson Track and Field, and the Adrian Tinsley Center, as well as the construction of the new Bear Paw Pavilion locker facility, and looks to tackle renovating the tennis courts next.

Lamb is always looking ahead, questioning how she can best support student-athletes and the overall 51�� community to create a space that benefits all.

“I really do think strategically. I’m a long-term thinker. Laying the groundwork now for something that will develop five years from now is important,” Lamb said.

More than anything, though, it’s been creating connections and watching the students grow that has been the most fulfilling work.

“Bridgewater is a special place where our job is to help develop students. The thing I love the most is watching a student mature into a leader by the time they cross the stage at commencement. To see that transition, that’s what it’s all about,” Lamb said.

Do you have a 51�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Bridgewater is a special place where our job is to help develop students. The thing I love the most is watching a student mature into a leader by the time they cross the stage at commencement. To see that transition, that’s what it’s all about.

Mary Beth Lamb, associate vice president for Athletics and Wellness

Tags

Athletics

Athletics Upgrade

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 19:28:19 +0000

Athletics Upgrade HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 09/20/2021 - 15:28

New facility at Swenson Field welcomed by campus community

September 23, 2021

Heather Harris Michonski

After years of planning, this summer the Bear Paw Pavilion, located at the Edward C. Swenson Athletic Complex, officially opened, and those who remember the old facility couldn’t be more thrilled.

“The upgrade from our previous situation is like night and day,” said football player Michael Rosa, ’21, an exercise science major from Uxbridge. “The team and I could not be more appreciative.”

According to Dr. Mary Beth Lamb, athletics director of student affairs and enrollment management, the former building was literally a converted cinder block garage.

“There was no heat, no ventilation, it was always moist and really outdated,” she said.

At one point, mushrooms were growing inside of lockers.

The new $2.2 million building was made possible through fundraising and a budget surplus. It includes a center hub with 100 top-of-the-line wooden lockers, which were built by through a program run by the state’s corrections department.

“The lockers themselves are something you’d see at a higher division school, definitely an upgrade from our previous lockers,” Rosa said.

The room is also dividable and can create two rooms for different teams to use simultaneously. A satellite athletic training space and mechanical/equipment room is housed in the building as well.

Public restrooms, including a gender-neutral family bathroom is available, and in each locker room there is a dedicated space that is also gender neutral.

“One of the things we wanted to do was make this facility inclusive for students and the public,” Lamb said.

The Bear Paw Pavilion is a game changer, said physical education major Lindsey Golden, ’23, of Mansfield, a member of the track and field team.

“No more running to Tinsley or waiting in line for a porta-potty,” she said. “I am extremely excited for my teammates and I to have a facility that supports track and field. This new building means a lot to our whole team.”

Football player Daniel Flores Martinez, ’22, a criminal justice major from Milton, said the new space is not only beneficial to current athletes but recruits as well.

“Current and future players will get a much better sense of how a college football program operates by having a new locker room,” he said.

Lamb said, the goal is to eventually raise more funds through fundraising and sponsorship efforts to add another wing to the pavilion to include an additional 50-person locker room and two coach’s offices.

For now, those who will use the new building are nothing but grateful, and, according to Rosa, there are also the intangibles to consider.

“The locker room is where we spend a lot of time,” he said. “Having a place like the Bear Paw Pavilion will give us an even better opportunity to bond as a team.”

An official ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for Saturday, Oct. 23 at 8:30 a.m. during Homecoming weekend.

Do you have a 51�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Yes

Current and future players will get a much better sense of how a college football program operates by having a new locker room.

Daniel Flores Martinez, '22

Tags

Athletics

Proudly Accepted

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 19:54:11 +0000

Proudly Accepted HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Wed, 01/20/2021 - 14:54

Athletic Department Earns LGBTQ Award

January 21, 2021

Heather Harris Michonski

The summer before entering his freshman year at 51��, Thomas “TJ” Scalese, ’21, who is a member of the school’s swim team, decided it was time to be true to himself.

“Only a few months before coming to college I came out,” he said. “It was scary, I didn’t want to be known as ‘the gay swimmer,’ ‘the gay guy.’ I didn’t know what to expect.”

His fears quickly vanished, because upon his arrival TJ discovered a welcoming and supportive environment.

“I found I really had nothing to be scared of,” he said. “I met other swimmers, coaches, and the athletic department helped me to be open and allowed me to be myself.”

Creating an environment where student-athletes can focus on their sport and academics instead of worrying about how they will be perceived, is no doubt part of the reason why the 51�� Athletic Department was recently named the 2020 D-III LGBTQ Athletics Department of the Year.

“For the NCAA to acknowledge us for doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do, it’s such an honor,” said 51�� Athletic Director Mary Beth Lamb. “It really comes down to our coaches, staff, our student-athletes, and everybody coming together to create an inclusive environment.”

This is the first year the NCAA has given the award, that recognizes a Division III athletic department or conference office that’s demonstrated proactive efforts to create and sustain an LGBTQ-inclusive culture.

“Being the first is great recognition. Now we have to pick up, and raise the bar on ourselves,” Lamb said.

Lamb and the rest of the athletic department worked together to develop a safe and inclusive environment, that includes a transgender student-athlete policy.

The school was the first in its conference and New England in 2012 to introduce such a policy, which “prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression.”

Through collaboration with the Pride Center, a new student-athlete diversity inclusion committee has been created that will focus on education and programming to create a more inclusive experience for all student-athletes.

And when the new Bear Paw Pavilion, a 6,800-square-foot building that includes team locker rooms is complete, it will include gender neutral bathrooms.

“We are being deliberate with our decisions as we move forward, always thinking, what can we do to make it a welcoming environment,” Lamb said.

While all these efforts have led to the 51�� Athletic Department being recognized by the NCAA, Lamb said the work doesn’t stop here and she hopes that student-athletes feel comfortable in the space they’ve created.

“I hope they are proud of us and proud of being a Bear,” she said. “But wouldn’t it be great if someday in the future, it’s not so much that it’s great, but that’s the expectation.”

For TJ, having that support makes all the difference.

“I’m having the best experience of my life,” he said. “Having Bridgewater and the athletic department pushing me to do my best, has been really reassuring.”

Do you have a 51�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Having Bridgewater and the athletic department pushing me to do my best, has been really reassuring.

Thomas “TJ” Scalese, ’21

Tags

LGBTQIA+

Athletics