NCAA men's tennis national champion Rishabh Sharda in action on the print cover of the Tufts Athletics Annual Report 2022–2023

Welcome

A letter from the director of athletics

Dear Friends of Tufts Athletics,

As our cover headline indicates, the Jumbos' commitment to excellence across academic, competitive, and community service endeavors is important and key to our mission. You'll see that we were fortunate to have had some significant successes again in 2022–2023, including:

  • 3.58 all-sport GPA, 8 Academic All-Americans, and 522 NESCAC All-Academic honorees
  • Second place nationally in the Learfield Directors' Cup
  • 6 NCAA individual championships, 7 conference championships, 2 NCAA national runner-up teams, and 15 teams with top-20 national finishes
  • 100% of teams participated in community service contributing 1,000+ community service hours

But what excites me just as much as those achievements—and what tells me we are elevating our excellence—is how well our Jumbos are representing our great university. It's very gratifying to receive emails like those featured at the end of this report. Each is from a stranger who took the time to write to us this past year to recount a positive interaction they had with our Jumbo student-athletes out in the world. When we receive emails complimenting the character of our student-athletes, that's when I know we're delivering on our mission across the board.

Our Jumbo student-athletes and our coaches who teach and mentor them are outstanding ambassadors for Tufts, and we are very grateful to our many alumni, friends, and families who support them. We hope you enjoy this look back on the best and brightest Jumbo moments of the past year, and we hope to see you on campus supporting the Jumbos as often as possible in the year ahead.

Go Jumbos!

Headshot of John Morris, Director of Tufts Athletics

John Morris
Director of Athletics

Another Exceptional Year In The Books.

Academic Distinction

OUTSTANDING IN HIS FIELD

As deft on the playing field as he is in the field of mechanical engineering, senior Cody Wiebe of the Tufts men's lacrosse team stood out at the NCAA Division III Championship in Philadelphia. He received the NCAA Elite 90 Award recognizing the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA participating at the national finals site. Wiebe graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA in mechanical engineering. Tufts' Samuels Prize in Mechanical Engineering recipient, he was also a member of the engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi.

Cody Wiebe of the Tufts men's lacrosse team lifts his NCAA Elite 90 Award at the NCAA National Championships.

HER BEST YEARS

One of just 13 players nationally in Division III to be selected to the United Soccer Coaches (USC) Women's Scholar All-America first team, Tufts' Maddie Pero also distinguished herself on the field as a USC Second Team All-American. A mechanical engineering graduate with a 3.98 GPA, her experience as a student-athlete had a deep impact: “As I reflect on the past four years at Tufts, I realize these have been the best years of my life,” says Pero. “I am grateful to have met friends and made connections that will last a lifetime.”

Maddie Pero in action for the Tufts women's soccer team

EIGHT WHO WERE GREAT

Recognizing the nation's very best student-athletes for their combined performances athletically and academically, the College Sports Communicators' Academic All-America® teams featured eight Jumbos in 2022–2023. It's the most ever for Tufts following last year's seven recipients. Earning the honors were Claire Brennan and Katelin Isakoff in women's swimming & diving, Kurt Bruun and Mason Kohn for men's lacrosse, Becca Gable in women's lacrosse, and Jaidyn Appel, Kelsie Hao, and Lia Rotti in women's track & field. Brennan and Rotti were repeat recipients.

Katelin Isakoff (left) and Claire Brennan with their NCAA Championship trophies

STUDENTS. ATHLETES. THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.

Tufts' membership in NESCAC makes it part of the nation's most competitive DIII conference athletically and academically, and the Jumbos have lived up to that challenge. For 2022–2023, Tufts student-athletes earned a total of 522 NESCAC All-Academic Team accolades, which go to individuals who carry a GPA of 3.50 or higher. Included in that group are Tufts' Maggie Russell, who was voted NESCAC Women's Basketball Player of the Year, and Luke Botsford, the conference's Men's Track & Field Most Outstanding Performer. In the spring, Tufts tallied 232 honorees, the most in the league.

Maggie Russell of Tufts women's basketball brings the ball up the court.

EARLY POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE

In a tradition that dates back nearly 15 years, Tufts University held an early commencement for the seniors from Jumbo baseball, softball, and men's and women's lacrosse. Those teams were playing in NCAA Tournament games, which caused the seniors to miss the official ceremony on May 21. The special event was held in the Coolidge Room at Ballou Hall and presided over by Tufts President Anthony P. Monaco, with special guests Peter R. Dolan, chair of the Board of Trustees of Tufts, and Ted R. Tye, trustee and chair of the Athletics Board of Advisors.

Tufts softball team graduates pose with President Monaco and others in front of Jumbo statue on campus.

23 PHI BETA KAPPA INDUCTEES

A total of 23 Tufts University varsity and club sport student-athletes were inducted this year into the Tufts chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in the United States.

David Boulet-Gercourt
Club Climbing

Demetrios Gianopoulos
Club Men's Soccer

Rachel Halliday
Men's Rowing

Madeline Huh
Women's Track & Field

Isaac Karp
Club Badminton

Riya Malhotra
Club Skiing

Erin McChesney
Club Climbing

Maxwell Mitchell
Club Climbing

Shane Molloy
Men's Lacrosse

Libby Moser
Club Cheer

Paolo Padova
Club Tennis

Adam Peters
Club Men's Volleyball

Emma Rao
Club Women's Rugby

Kai Renshaw
Men's Swimming & Diving

Kendall Roberts
Women's Track & Field

Jen Rotti
Women's Track & Field

Lia Rotti
Women's Track & Field

Sarah Sandlow
Women's Track & Field

Catherine Shelburne
Women's Swimming & Diving

Eden Simko
Women's Rowing

Rachel Wagner
Women's Rowing (Former)

Shayna Wagner
Club Women's Ultimate

Raquel Winer
Club Climbing

Jumbo Pride, Community-Wide.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

HERE COMES THE PREZ!

Jaden Pena is driven by a desire to make things better. To genuinely make a difference. As a senior defensive back on the Jumbo football team, his enthusiasm was contagious. And it carried over to his leadership style outside of football—as president of the Tufts Community Union. As Tufts' student-leader in 2022–2023, Pena focused on improving student life, helping allocate nearly $3 million to various student organizations. “What makes Jaden such a special leader is his ability to bring people together and make anyone feel welcomed and valued,” said Izzy Lobin, A23, his football teammate and campaign manager.

Portrait of student body president Jaden Pena of the Tufts football team

POSITIVE INFLUENCER

Few students have made a greater commitment to good citizenship than Tilly Rigby of the women's tennis team. This year she was a finalist for the ITA's Ann Lebedeff Leadership Award, honoring an influential contributor to their campus and community. In 2022 Rigby was part of Tufts' T-Tripods DIAMONDS program, working on solutions to increase medication adherence and improve clinical care for at-home patients. She also received Tufts' Adrian Misic Prize, awarded for athletic and academic excellence and actively working to help improve the human condition.

Tufts women's tennis player Tilly Rigby prepares to return a shot.

HONORING MADIE

More than 100 athletes from many different teams filled Alumnae Lounge on campus to take part in a Donate Life workshop honoring Madie Nicpon. The presentation was sponsored in part by the MN2 Foundation, and Madie's parents were in attendance to present Madie's amazing donor story. The family is passionate about raising awareness about Donate Life and motivating the public to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors.

Tufts student-athletes pose for a photo at the Donate Life workshop.

FRIENDS AND ALLIES

The Tufts Athletics community came together this year to found a chapter of Athlete Ally, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advocacy for LGBTQIA+ student-athletes. They held events to expand support for queer athletes competing for Tufts, broaden perspectives, and foster a community for an often unrecognized demographic of students. The group started in September and has since become one of the largest Athlete Ally chapters in the country.

Members of the Tufts chapter of Athlete Ally pose as a group.

CELEBRATING SENIORS

Both Jaden Pena and Tilly Rigby received 2023 Tufts Alumni Association Senior Awards, presented for their academic achievement, campus and community participation, and outstanding leadership.

TAKING THE LEAD. AGAIN.

Frank Roche, a record-setting wide receiver for the Jumbos who has two degrees from Tufts, returned to the university this year as the new athletics civic engagement coordinator. While at Tufts, Roche was the football team's nominee for the William V. Campbell Trophy, awarded by the National Football Foundation to the player with the best combination of academics, community service, and on-field performance. He was also a Fulbright Award finalist and team MVP. Roche coordinates Tufts Athletics' community service and civic engagement initiatives.

TEAMING UP IN THE COMMUNITY

More than a dozen Tufts teams took part in the first-ever Community Sports Weekend at Tufts. Student-athletes built bonds with community members. And for the kids, it was an opportunity to experience the joy of playing a sport and connecting with role-model athletes.

A local girl prepares to kick a football held by a Jumbo student-athlete.

OTHER COMMUNITY BONDS

Three Jumbos teams—softball, football, and women's swimming & diving—hosted Be the Match donor drives to build the registry of blood and bone marrow donors. A total of 470 people were added to the registry from these events.

Team representatives from football, women's rowing, and women's lacrosse led senior citizens in an exercise and injury prevention program at the Somerville Council on Aging. The program was developed through the School of Medicine to promote healthy habits for local senior citizens.

Men's soccer, women's soccer, and women's basketball volunteered to help lead children with disabilities through an adaptive sports program run by Medford Recreation. The Jumbos guided participants who require a different environment to experience the joy of sports.

Through the Jumbo Giving Tree during the holiday season, all 28 Tufts teams donated gifts and gift cards totaling over $2,400 to Medford families in need through the Medford Family Network.

Community clinics were run by our men's basketball, ice hockey, men's tennis, baseball and swimming teams for youth in Medford, Somerville, Boston, and Charlestown.

THE IMPACT GROWS

The relationship between Tufts and Team IMPACT was as strong as ever during the 2022–2023 year. The Jumbos have been longtime partners with the nonprofit organization, which was founded by Tufts alumni. The partnership endeavors to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses by pairing them with collegiate athletic teams. This year alone, matches were made with six Tufts teams that welcomed new “teammates” into their families. Tufts has 11 active Team IMPACT relationships overall.

A Tufts Team IMPACT teammate drops the puck prior to a Jumbo hockey game.

One Of Our Strongest Years On Record.

Athletic Achievements

Individual & Team Champions / Directors' Cup

HOME OF CHAMPIONS

Tufts is home to some of the top Division III athletes in the nation, and they demonstrated this fact once more.

In the 2022–2023 academic year, Jumbos won six NCAA individual or relay national championships—an impressive feat that they have now achieved for two years in a row.

Jaidyn Appel competes at the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships.
TRACK & FIELD

OVER, ABOVE, AND BEYOND

Jumbos win by leaps and bounds. Two leaps, to be precise. We captured two high jump national titles this year. Senior Jaidyn Appel defended her indoor championship title from last year with an impressive 1.75m (5′8 3/4″) jump, while junior Harry Rienecker-Found tied for the outdoor NCAA Championship by clearing the bar at 2.08m (6′9 3/4″).

Harry Rienecker-Found competes at the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships.
WOMEN'S SWIMMING & DIVING

HIGH WATER MARKS

Tufts topped last year's historic performance by winning three events at the 2023 NCAA Championships. In the final event, the 400 free relay edged NYU to win the title with a 3:21.66 school-record time. Senior Claire Brennan, senior Katelin Isakoff, junior Jillian Cudney, and first-year Lily Klinginsmith powered the Jumbos to victory. Earlier in the meet, Klinginsmith became the first Jumbo to win two NCAA events at the same meet since 2008 with her victories in the 100 freestyle and 100 butterfly.

Tufts' 400 freestyle relay foursome pose with their NCAA Championship trophies.
MEN'S TENNIS

THE NCAA COMEBACK KID

Late May brought us an inspiring tale of triumph when Rishabh Sharda, a senior, made a dramatic comeback to win the NCAA singles national championship. Bouncing back from a difficult defeat in the team tournament just two days earlier, Sharda won four matches to advance to the singles final, where he battled back from a first set loss to defeat Williams College's Matthew Kandel, 1-6, 6-2, 6-1.

Men's tennis national champion Rishabh Sharda celebrates scoring a point.

SEVEN TEAMS WON CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 2022–2023:

BASEBALL

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

WOMEN'S FENCING

MEN'S LACROSSE

WOMEN'S SWIMMING & DIVING

MEN'S TRACK & FIELD

WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

DIRECTORS' CUP

The 2022–2023 Tufts teams scored the school's most points ever in the Learfield Directors' Cup competition to finish second. The Jumbos tallied more points in the spring sports season than any other school in the nation to clinch their runner-up performance. A total of 20 Jumbo teams qualified for NCAAs this year.

Learfield Directors' Cup logo

FALL SPORTS

WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

CONFERENCE CALLING

For the second time in the past three seasons, the Jumbos took home the NESCAC title, emerging victorious against Wesleyan University in four games. At Cousens Gym, they also hosted the NCAA Regional tournament and made it all the way to the “Sweet 16.” They finished with an impressive record of 23-6 (9-1 NESCAC) and secured a #17 national ranking.

Tufts women's volleyball team plays a match at Cousens Gymnasium.
FOOTBALL

POWER ON THE GRID

No squad in NESCAC was more entertaining to watch than the Jumbos. On their way to a 6-3 record, they scored the most points in the conference with 34 per game and gained 472 yards per outing. They scored 35 or more points in five games, highlighted by their convincing 65-34 win against Middlebury College in the season finale. Tufts' 310 aerial yards per game ranked eighth in Division III.

A Tufts running back carries the ball.
WOMEN'S SOCCER

11 IN THE WIN COLUMN

With 11 victories this season, the Jumbos tied for the program's second-most wins in 13 years. It was their fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in five seasons, and they won their first-round game against Denison. The team finished the season ranked #24 nationally.

A Tufts women's soccer player is challenged by a defender.
MEN'S SOCCER

SHOUT OUT TO 10 SHUTOUTS

The Jumbos only dropped three games all year and ended the 2023 season ranked in the national top 25. It was their eighth consecutive season with an NCAA Tournament berth and their 11th overall. On top of that, their 0.66 goals against average and 10 shutouts for the season placed them among the best in the country.

A Tufts men's soccer player heads the ball in a game versus UMass Boston.
FIELD HOCKEY

STICKING TO IT

Ranked #6 in the final national poll, Tufts was a NESCAC finalist for the third time since 2018 and played into the NCAA Tournament “Sweet 16.” Making NCAAs for the third straight year and 13th time overall, the Jumbos finished their season with 13 victories and the momentum to build on their success in the coming year.

Members of the Tufts field hockey team after scoring a goal
MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY

NATIONAL QUALIFIERS AGAIN

The Tufts team ran in the program's 17th NCAA Championship race overall and second in a row. They earned the spot in the national championship with a strong fourth-place effort at the NCAA Regional, where six Jumbos placed among the top 35 individuals.

A Tufts men's cross country runner at the NCAA Championship race
WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY

CONTINUING TO GO THE EXTRA MILE

Tufts University kept its longstanding NCAA streak alive. Thanks to the individual qualification of senior Lauren Pollak, the Jumbos have been represented by a team or individual at the national championship race for 19 consecutive years now. They narrowly missed an NCAA team berth this year after coming in fourth out of 35 teams at the NCAA Regional.

A Tufts women's cross country runner at the NCAA Championship race

WINTER SPORTS

WOMEN'S SWIMMING & DIVING

BEST SEASON EVER

At two championship meets, a month apart, the Jumbos delivered “Wow!” performances. With a dominant four-day effort at the 2023 NESCAC Championships, Tufts won their second straight conference title. Then the Jumbos placed sixth at the NCAA Championships for their best national finish in over 40 years. Tufts won national championships in three events.

Tufts women's swimming & diving team member competes in a race.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

EIGHTH ELITE 8

Even after four key players graduated last year, the Tufts women's basketball team reloaded and captured their fourth NESCAC title. The team then advanced to the NCAA “Sweet 16” for an 11th consecutive year and to the “Elite 8” for the eighth time. At the end of the season, Tufts was 24-7 and ranked #8 in the nation.

A Tufts women's basketball player competes in the NCAA tournament.
MEN'S BASKETBALL

DANCING AGAIN

In their second year under head coach Brandon Linton, the Jumbos achieved their first NCAA berth of his tenure and were a tough out in the second round. The program earned its 11th 20-win season in school history with a record of 20-7, while the offense was #1 in NESCAC with 76 points scored per game. Tufts was ranked 25th in the final D3hoops national poll.

Tufts men's basketball plays in the NCAA tournament.
MEN'S SWIMMING & DIVING

TOP 10 AGAIN

The Jumbos finished among the national top 10 for the fourth time in the past five NCAA Championship meets. Their 10th-place showing this season was earned by eight Jumbos, who won All-American and honorable mention awards. As runner-up at the NESCAC Championship, the Jumbos have now been first or second at the conference meet for four straight seasons.

A Tufts men's swimming & diving student-athlete competes in a race.
WOMEN'S TRACK & FIELD

THE GREAT OUTDOORS. AND INDOORS.

Tufts had one of its finest years ever at the NCAA meet, finishing 7th as a team indoors and 9th outdoors. The team has now been top 10 at NCAAs in four recent meets. This year the Jumbos won another NCAA individual championship in the winter and had 10 All-American performances at the two NCAA Championships combined.

Tufts women's track & field team member runs at the NCAA meet.
MEN'S TRACK & FIELD

REPEAT PERFORMERS

The Jumbos captured the NESCAC Championship for the second year in a row with an impressive 45-point victory over runner-up Williams College. Five members of the team won individual titles as the Jumbos clinched the crown for the seventh time overall. To top off the year, a Jumbo was crowned national co-champion in the high jump at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

A member of the Tufts men's track & field team leads a race at the Gantcher Center.
WOMEN'S FENCING

ON THE LEADING EDGE

In a historic season for the team, Tufts won its first NFC conference title—sharing the crown with Brown University. The Jumbos also sent an individual (Karen Bei) to the NCAA Championships for the first time since 2009. Amassing a 28-10 record, including 12-1 in the NFC, Tufts was in contention for the Division III Team of the Year award.

Tufts women's fencing student-athlete in action
WOMEN'S SQUASH

KNOCKING ON DOOR OF TOP 10

Tufts maintained its presence among the premier teams in NESCAC and nationally, ending up just outside the top 10 with their #12 ranking, an accomplishment they have achieved for two years in a row. Boasting 13 victories, they obtained seven of them in the competitive NESCAC and finished second in the conference. Early in the season they beat #11-ranked Stanford University—a victory that demonstrated the team has what it takes to break into the top 10.

A Tufts women's squash player attempts a shot.
MEN'S SQUASH

MOVING ON UP

The team's upward trajectory continued. At the CSA Team Nationals, the Jumbos earned a spot in the Hoehn Cup B Division tournament for the first time and finished as the 16th-ranked team, up two from #18 last year. Winning six out of their eight regular season matches against strong NESCAC competition, there's every reason to believe they will continue climbing.

A Tufts men's squash player competes at home.
MEN'S ICE HOCKEY

ON THE RISE

Late in the season, Tufts was the hottest team in NESCAC with wins in their last four regular-season games. The Jumbos established a promising future with 10 wins overall and a sixth-place finish in the conference that was their best since 2017. Tufts had a regular-season win and tie against eventual league champion Bowdoin College.

A Tufts men's ice hockey player attempts to score a goal

SPRING SPORTS

MEN'S TENNIS

MAKING A RACQUET

The Jumbos reached the #2 spot in the ITA rankings with a fantastic spring season, during which they won 20 matches in a row. NCAA semifinalists in 2022, they one-upped their performance this year by defeating Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 5-4 in the "Final Four" and advancing into the NCAA Championship match. Although they were eventually defeated by Case Western, the 2023 season was the best in team history.

Men's tennis head coach Karl Gregor and team captains display their NCAA runner-up trophy.
MEN'S LACROSSE

12TH CONFERENCE TITLE

Tufts continued their NESCAC reign as they achieved their 12th conference championship with a dominating 19-6 triumph over Middlebury College. Their remarkable season included 22 consecutive wins and the highest scoring rate of any team in the nation at 20+ goals per game. Despite falling to Salisbury University 17-12 in the NCAA Finals, the Jumbos had a season to remember, finishing with a 22-1 record.

Tufts men's lacrosse team celebrates winning the NESCAC title.
WOMEN'S ROWING

ASCENDING NATIONALLY

The Jumbos continued to climb the ladder nationally. Their third-place team finish at the NCAA Championships was three positions higher than their sixth-place finish last year. At the NIRC races in the spring, the Jumbos won the team points trophy and took second in NESCAC. Back in the fall they were an outstanding third out of 36 teams in the Collegiate 8+ race at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta.

Tufts women's rowing team members power the boat.
MEN'S ROWING

FIFTH NATIONALLY

At the IRA Championships, where Division III first and second varsity eights both competed for the first time, Tufts finished fifth nationally in both races. Earlier in the season the Jumbos were medalists in NESCAC by placing third for the third season in a row.

The Tufts men's rowing first varsity eight compete at the IRA Championship.
WOMEN'S LACROSSE

ON THE NATIONAL STAGE AGAIN

Continuing a run as one of the country's top teams, the Jumbos earned an NCAA Tournament berth for the fifth straight season and advanced to the “Elite 8.” NESCAC finalists for the fourth year in a row, the Jumbos were #5 in the national rankings at the end of the season. Their 16 wins were tied for third-most in team history.

A Tufts women's lacrosse player moves past an opponent.
SOFTBALL

WINNING WAYS CONTINUE

The Jumbos' 40-6 record for the season was the most victories by the team since 2015 and the sixth time in program history that a Tufts softball team reached 40 wins. They were 17-1 during the NESCAC season to win the pennant for the 19th time. The team's .364 batting average and 1.18 earned run average were both national top-five marks.

A Tufts softball outfielder catches a fly ball.
BASEBALL

AT HOME IN A NEW HOME

On a new home field—and in their second season under head coach Paul Svagdis—Tufts won the program's seventh NESCAC Championship and earned an NCAA Tournament berth. Their 15-2 record at Sol Gittleman Park helped the team win 30 games for just the fifth time in team history, posting a 31-11 record that included an 11-1 mark to win NESCAC's East Division.

A Tufts baseball player delivers a pitch.
MEN'S GOLF

A DRIVE TO SUCCEED

Further establishing itself as a challenger for the conference crown, Tufts tied for second place at the NESCAC Tournament. It marked the second year in a row that the Jumbos were a conference runner-up. In the fall they were a strong fourth at the NEIGA Championship, their best finish in New England since 2016.

Members of the Tufts men's golf team walk down the course.
SAILING

HONORING THEIR LEADER

The team saluted legendary retiring coach Ken Legler by qualifying for three national championship regattas in the spring. The Jumbos finished with a solid eighth-place national showing at the Open Fleet Racing Championship, captured 13th place at the Team Racing National Championship, and took 18th at the Women's National Championship.

A pair of Tufts women sailors maneuver their dinghy.
WOMEN'S TENNIS

POSITIVE RETURNS

Tufts wrapped up their season ranked 15th in the ITA Division III national poll with eight total wins. In the region, they finished seventh, including an impressive 6-3 early season victory against a strong Williams College team.

A Tufts women's tennis player hits a shot.

CLUB SPORTS & ACCOLADES

CLUB SPORTS

THRIVING CLUB SCENE

Out of 32 club teams that passionately competed in 2022–2023, 10 went on to attend their national tournaments. While all teams are an integral part of the success of Tufts Athletics, there were a few standouts. Women's club ultimate finished fifth nationally, club climbing had three members qualify for nationals, and women's club rugby placed second in the New England Tier ll standings. Cheer, fencing, Shotokan karate, skiing, tennis, men's and women's volleyball, and men's ultimate all competed at their national tournaments.

Members of the club ultimate frisbee team huddle up prior to a game.
JUMBOS IN DI

STEPPING IT UP

After the pandemic caused the postponement of athletic seasons, several Jumbos used the extra year of eligibility granted to them to take their talents to Division I after they graduated from Tufts. Molly Laliberty stood out among them, as she earned the starting goalkeeper role at Northwestern University and helped lead them to an NCAA Championship victory. Joining Laliberty in stepping up to the Division I level were Mac Bredahl (Boston College golf), Peter DeMaria (Fordham baseball), Isaac Gorelik (Stanford tennis), and Max Waldbaum (Jacksonville men's lacrosse).

Molly Laliberty holds up the NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse Championship trophy she won at Northwestern University.

INDIVIDUAL HONORS

AMOKRANE AOUCHICHE, Men's Cross Country, NESCAC Rookie of the Year

LUKE BOTSFORD, Men's Track & Field, NESCAC Most Outstanding Performer

JACK BOYDEN, Men's Lacrosse, Iroquois National Outstanding Player of the Year, Lt. Col. JI Turnbull Most Outstanding Attackman, NEILA Player of the Year, NESCAC Player of the Year

MADELEINE DUNN, Women's Swimming & Diving, NESCAC Rookie of the Year

OZZIE FLEISCHER, Baseball, NESCAC Defensive Player of the Year

ALEX GANCHEV, Men's Tennis, ITA Northeast Rookie of the Year

PHIL LUTZ, Football, D3football.com Regional Offensive Player of the Year, NESCAC Offensive Player of the Year

RACHEL MOORE, Softball, NESCAC Co-Player of the Year

LIA ROTTI, Women's Track & Field, USTFCCCA Regional Field Athlete of the Year Indoors and Outdoors

MAGGIE RUSSELL, Women's Basketball, D3hoops.com Regional Player of the Year, NESCAC Player of the Year

ARMAAN SIKKA, Men's Swimming & Diving, NESCAC Rookie of the Year

JOSIE STEINBERG, Softball, NESCAC Defensive Player of the Year

63 ALL-AMERICANS

Derin Acaroglu
Men's Tennis

Emmett Adams
Men's Swimming & Diving

Kyle Adelmann
Men's Lacrosse

Jaidyn Appel
Women's Track & Field

Michael Ayers
Men's Lacrosse

Karen Bei
Women's Fencing

Jack Boyden
Men's Lacrosse

Claire Brennan
Women's Swimming & Diving

Kurt Bruun
Men's Lacrosse

Margie Carden
Women's Lacrosse

Travis Cepalia
Football

Jillian Cudney
Women's Swimming & Diving

Ian Daly
Men's Soccer

Daniella Davia
Women's Fencing

Madeline Delaney
Women's Lacrosse

Chloe Deveney
Women's Swimming & Diving

Charlie Duffy
Men's Swimming & Diving

Madeleine Dunn
Women's Swimming & Diving

Schuyler Edie
Field Hockey

Jade Foltenyi
Women's Swimming & Diving

Conner Garzone
Men's Lacrosse

John Griffin
Men's Rowing

Madison Hagberg
Women's Swimming & Diving

Ryan Hankins
Men's Rowing

Katelin Isakoff
Women's Swimming & Diving

Bela Jimenez
Softball

Emma Joyce
Women's Lacrosse

Lily Klinginsmith
Women's Swimming & Diving

Mason Kohn
Men's Lacrosse

Peter Labarge
Men's Swimming & Diving

Sydnee Lau
Women's Fencing

Stephanie Lee
Women's Volleyball

Grace Legris
Women's Volleyball

Eric Lundgren
Men's Swimming & Diving

Phil Lutz
Football

Reegan McCluskey
Field Hockey

Rachel Moore
Softball

Elle Morse
Women's Swimming & Diving

Joe Murtha
Men's Lacrosse

Hannah Neilon
Women's Track & Field

Alexia Newell
Women's Fencing

Max Nusbaum
Men's Rowing

Maddie Pero
Women's Soccer

Kaitlyn Perucci
Softball

Nate Pfeffer
Men's Swimming & Diving

Lia Rotti
Women's Track & Field

Maggie Russell
Women's Basketball

Ethan Schreier
Men's Swimming & Diving

Rishabh Sharda
Men's Tennis

Armaan Sikka
Men's Swimming & Diving

Will Stearns
Men's Swimming & Diving

Josie Steinberg
Softball

Tommy Swank
Men's Lacrosse

Charlie Tagliaferri
Men's Lacrosse

Dylan Thoerner
Men's Basketball

Katelin Ulmer
Women's Swimming & Diving

Emily Valadez
Women's Fencing

Vuk Vuksanovic
Men's Tennis

Joey Waldbaum
Men's Lacrosse

Quinci Wheeler
Women's Swimming & Diving

Lara Wujciak
Women's Swimming & Diving

Jennelle Yarwood
Women's Volleyball

Maddie Yu
Women's Volleyball

CHAMPIONING THE JUMBO CHARGE.

Leadership

SUPPORT FROM THE TOP

As Anthony P. Monaco, Tufts' 13th president, steps down after a 12-year term as university leader, the Jumbos want to express their sincere gratitude. His unwavering support for student-athletes, teams, coaches, and staff helped enable their success and push them forward. His genuine enthusiasm for Tufts' sports endeavors, often displayed through his attendance of events as a fan, was an inspiration to all of us and a shining example of true Jumbo Pride.

President Anthony P. Monaco sports a #13 football jersey.

RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY

In March, John Morris was announced as a winner of the NACDA Division III Cushman & Wakefield Athletics Directors of the Year Award. “It's a great honor to receive this recognition, and it belongs to our entire department and everyone associated with Tufts Athletics,” Morris said. “I am proud of what we have all been able to accomplish together, and I can't wait to see what the Jumbos achieve next.”

Graphic for the NACDA Athletic Directors of the Year award

SUNSET SAIL

On May 13, more than 350 alumni and friends gathered at the new Joyce Cummings Center for “Ken's Epic Retirement Tribute,” a salute to Jumbo sailing coach Ken Legler, who retired after 43 seasons. Among the gifts he received, Coach Legler was presented with the news that the New England Women's Team Race Trophy would be named in his honor. More than 150 alumni also participated in the Ryan Richards Alumni Regatta held that day in conjunction with the dinner. We bid a fond farewell to our legendary coach and friend.

Sailing coach Ken Legler celebrates his retirement with former team members.

BEST OF THEIR PEERS

Jumbo leaders won eight Conference Coach of the Year honors in 2022–2023:

Casey D'Annolfo
Men's Lacrosse

Jill Pace
Women's Basketball

Joe Raho
Men's Squash

David Sach
Women's Fencing

Paul Svagdis
Baseball

Cora Thompson
Women's Volleyball

Noel Wanner
Women's Rowing

Joel Williams and Staff
Men's Track & Field

BEST IN BOTH WORLDS

Twice this year women's track & field head coach Kristen Morwick was recognized as the region's best by the USTFCCCA. Not only was she the Regional Coach of the Year in March for the indoor season, but she also repeated as the outdoor recipient in May. She now has 11 USTFCCCA Regional Coach of the Year honors for her career.

IN LEAGUE WITH THE BEST

There was a new Manning in the NFL—Tufts football defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Justin Manning. He was selected as one of just 32 individuals for this year's NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship. The program is designed to use the NFL team's training camps, off-season workout programs, and mini-camps to give talented coaches opportunities to observe, participate, gain experience, and ultimately gain a full-time NFL coaching position. Manning worked with the Atlanta Falcons' linebacker position group this summer.

TRANSACTION WIRE

  • Jamie Chagnon was hired as Tufts' new director of athletic communications in September.
  • Erica Belvit was named assistant manager of athletics equipment, branding & operations in September.
  • Rick Cox joined the Jumbos as director of sports medicine in January.
  • Marcel Diggs finished his Future Leader Graduate Fellowship at Tufts, earned a master's degree in diversity and inclusion leadership, and was hired as assistant athletic director at Pomona-Pitzer.

Our Facilities, Transformed. Our Gratitude, Unbound.

FACILITIES

SOL GITTLEMAN PARK

The baseball Jumbos opened Sol Gittleman Park this spring, winning 15 of their 17 games played at the sparkling new facility. The synthetic turf field and stadium lights allowed for practice and competition in inclement weather and at night, and the press box and spectator seating are being completed this fall. Named for Tufts' beloved professor, former provost, and lifelong baseball fan Sol Gittleman, the ballpark is one of New England's finest and a site for future NESCAC and NCAA Tournament competition on campus.

The Tufts baseball team plays Endicott College at the new Sol Gittleman Park.

TUFTS TENNIS CENTER

The Jumbo men's and women's tennis teams, which have both produced individual NCAA champions in recent years, will also have a bright new facility to call home. Opened in fall 2023, the Vouté Courts at the Tufts Tennis Center feature eight state-of-the-art courts, a scoreboard, and a high-end sound system as well as a PlaySight livestreaming video system and seating for spectators. Planned future enhancements include a dedicated varsity team room and main entrance plaza.

A rendering of the eight new tennis courts on College Avenue

FOOTBALL LOCKER ROOMS

As part of the renovation of Tufts' historic Ellis Oval—which started with a synthetic turf field, stadium lights, and a video scoreboard in recent years—the Baronian Field House now sports an enlarged football locker room with new lockers, flooring, and branding elements, an expanded sports medicine suite, and improved visiting team locker room. These upgrades, which cost nearly $500,000, were fully donor funded.

Inside the new Tufts football team locker room at the Baronian Field House

GENERAL LOCKER ROOM PROJECT

A complete renovation and upgrade of the general purpose locker room was finished in 2023, benefiting all students, faculty, and staff who pursue a healthy and active lifestyle while at Tufts. New showers, lockers, and flooring were installed to create a more comfortable space that encourages recreational and wellness use.

Inside the renovated general locker rooms at the Steve Tisch Sports and Fitness Center

DEDICATED ADVISORS MAKING A JUMBO DIFFERENCE.

BOARD OF ADVISORS

Our Athletics Board of Advisors partners with Director of Athletics John Morris to successfully achieve the strategic objectives of the department. The advisors serve as advocates and champions for all things Jumbo-related; advise, counsel, and further the department's mission; and help secure essential resources to support our student-athletes, coaches, and staff. The Athletics Board is one of 10 boards of advisors at Tufts University, including one for each school as well as an international board.

WE ARE DEEPLY GRATEFUL FOR THE DEDICATED COMMITMENT, SERVICE, AND GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR 27 CURRENT ADVISORS:

THEODORE R. TYE
Chair, A79, A06P, A13P, Trustee
Years of Service: 12, with 7 as chair

GREGORY H. ALTMAN, PH.D.
A97, EG02
Years of Service: 9

JOHN J. BELLO
A68, A13P, Trustee Emeritus
Years of Service: 20

CYNTHIA L. BORGER
J87, A19P
Years of Service: 6

JULIE M. BRADY, ESQ.
J89
Years of Service: 10

DAVID J. CUNNINGHAM
A98
Years of Service: 15

GREG C. DAVIS
A86, A19P
Years of Service: 6

JOHN DE JONG
A78, V85, Trustee
Years of Service: 2

CATHERINE BELDOTTI DONLAN
J90, A26P
Years of Service: 3

MICHAEL R. FRISOLI
A93, A25P, A26P
Years of Service: 8

JEFFREY B. GEWIRTZ
A91
Years of Service: 9

LISA R. GORMAN
J81
Years of Service: 3

DOUG HARRIS
A81
Years of Service: 1

MICHAEL A. HAYNES
A96, A26P
Years of Service: 10

ROBERT A. KELLER
A83
Years of Service: 7

DANIEL A. KRAFT
A87, A25P, Trustee Emeritus
Years of Service: 26

LISA A. LAX
J86
Years of Service: 21

JONATHAN W. MUGAR
A98, AG99
Years of Service: 19

KARA A. MURPHY
J97
Years of Service: 7

JOHN J. REGAN
A90, A27P
Years of Service: 18

DAVID B. RONE
A84, A25P, Trustee Emeritus
Years of Service: 3

JANICE SAVIN WILLIAMS
J79, Trustee Emerita
Years of Service: 4

ANTHONY B. SHROPSHIRE
A04
Years of Service: 3

V. HEATHER SIBBISON
J83, A13P, A16P
Years of Service: 13

ROBERT W. TISHMAN
A86
Years of Service: 25

JENNIFER M. TRAMONTANA
E99
Years of Service: 10

NANCY STERN WINTERS
J86, A26P
Years of Service: 21

IMPACT THAT BOLSTERS ATHLETICS AND THE UNIVERSITY.

Fundraising

BRIGHTER WORLD. BRIGHTER ACCOMPLISHMENT.

All good things must come to an end. And there were so many good things about Brighter World: The Campaign for Tufts, an immensely successful fundraising effort that began in fiscal year 2014 and wrapped up at the close of FY2023. Over $1.5 billion was raised thanks to the generosity of Tufts donors. During the 10-year campaign, athletics alumni, parents, friends, and student-athletes played a vital role in the campaign success of Tufts Athletics through their $45.9 million in annual, capital, and endowment support, significantly strengthening our programs across the board.

Endowment Capital Giving Annual Giving Facilities Women's Programs Staffing

FUNDRAISING AND ENGAGEMENT

A rendering of the renovated lobby of Cousens Gym

COUSENS GYM LOBBY RENOVATION PROJECT

We have our sights set on making much-needed changes to this iconic building. The scope of work includes significant capital and aesthetic improvements to the interior lobby, basketball coaching suites, and exterior main entrance. These upgrades will greatly enhance the men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball programs and create a more modern, welcoming, and functional entryway—all of which will benefit the entire university community. The funding for the interior portion of this project has been successfully raised.

#GIVINGTUESDAY

We raised $1,206,662 in donations, again setting a new #GivingTuesday record, representing more than 31% of all donations raised, and our 4,700 gifts were over 47% of all gifts made university-wide.

CHALLENGE MATCHES

Twenty-seven teams—13 men's teams and 14 women's teams—raised $983,509 from alumni, parents, and friends in 19 separate challenge matches (more than doubling the $452,511 in available matching dollars).

FRIENDS GROUPS/ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

Among numerous game day tailgates, team alumni games, and other events that focused on alumni and parent engagement, a vibrant Friends of Tufts Football and Oval Club Tailgate Village provided a colorful backdrop to each Ellis Oval home football game; The Friends of Tufts Sailing welcomed 360 sailing alumni back to campus for Ken Legler's Epic Retirement Tribute; over 500 men's lacrosse alumni and parents were among the 16,000 people who traveled to the NCAA DIII National Championship game in Philadelphia to cheer on the Jumbos; and 300 guests gathered to honor our newest Athletics Hall of Fame inductees at Gillette Stadium.

BY THE NUMBERS: OUR YEAR IN REVIEW

Giving Tuesday: One-Day Effort. 365-Day Impact. Display of Strength by Dollars Display of Strength by Donors All in the (Jumbo) Family: Percentage of All Donors All in the (Jumbo) Family: Percentage of Total Funds Raised Leading By Example

New & Growing Opportunities

TUFTS ATHLETICS FUTURE LEADERS GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP

Marcel Diggs, our first Administrative Fellow, successfully completed his graduate degree at Tufts and is now assistant director of athletics at Pomona-Pitzer. Vanese Barnes, our first Assistant Coach Fellow, completed her first year with the women's basketball program. Stephen Peters, our second Administrative Fellow, joined the department and began his studies in fall 2023. Generous donors contributed $128,000 to help support these impactful fellowships.

Printed fundraising material for Tufts football

TUFTS FOOTBALL LOCKER LEGACY PROJECT

Created as a young alumni engagement opportunity and a way to recognize Friends of Tufts Football Oval Club members while raising funds to help with Baronian Field House renovations, 37 of 100 available lockers have been named in honor of alumni, teammates, and former coaches to date.

Printed fundraising material for Tufts sailing

FRIENDS OF TUFTS SAILING ENDOWMENT

Established in 2023 by sailing alumni, the initial fundraising goal is $500,000. The aspirational goal is to raise $2 million+ to bolster the program's trajectory of success and enhance travel across the country to compete against the best intercollegiate teams, expand recruiting efforts worldwide, support scheduled fleet rotation and maintenance, and recruit and retain top-tier assistant coaches.

The wordmark for Brighter World: The Campaign for Tufts

Athletics Campaign Committee

John Bello, A68, A13P

Judy Leo Bongiorno, J90

David Cunningham, A98

Paul Glickman, A84, A16P, A22P

Edward Hattler, M.D., A80, A18P, A20P

Daniel Joseph, A88, A22P

Robert Keller, A83, Co-Chair

Bruce Mandell, A86

Dana Nielsen, A96

Russell O'Brien, A79, A20P

John Regan, A90, A27P, Co-Chair

Maggi Smeal, M.D., A18P, A20P

Neil Townsend, E87

Franco Vigna, M.D., M.P.H., FACOS, A89

Courtney Wang, A78, A17P, EG19P

Support For Today and Countless Tomorrows

The future of Tufts Athletics is in good hands. It is strengthened by operating and coaching endowed funds and bequest intentions created to support individual teams or programmatic areas, combined teams, and the overall student-athlete experience. These funds, with a combined market and overall value of more than $5.88 million, provide essential ongoing and future support for our varsity and club sports programs.*

Bequest for Athletics at the School of Arts and Sciences

Bill Gehling Women's Soccer Endowment

Emma D. Blumstein Endowed Fund for Women's Rugby

Friends of Tufts Rowing Endowment

Ice Hockey Endowment

John C. Richmond, M.D. Athletic Trainer Endowment

Jumbo Baseball Endowed Fund

Jumbo Student-Athletes Endowed Fund

Kay and Bill Duryea Endowed Men's Lacrosse Fund

Mike Daly Men's Lacrosse Coaches Endowed Fund

Moslow Family Men's and Women's Rowing Endowment

Paige Family Endowed Fund

Richard A. Reines, M.D., A71, M76 Endowed Fund for Men's Swimming

Richard “Dick” Hansen, E72 Men's and Women's Soccer Endowment

Trevor Azmy Russo '21 JumboCast Endowed Fund

Tufts Ultimate Frisbee Teams Support Fund

* Aggregate market value as of May 31, 2023