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

1/6

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.

Jumbo Pride, Community-Wide.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

1/9

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

One Of Our Strongest Years On Record.

Athletic Achievements

Individual & Team Champions / Directors' Cup

1/6

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.

FALL SPORTS

1/7
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.

WINTER SPORTS

1/10
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.

SPRING SPORTS

1/10
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.

CLUB SPORTS & ACCOLADES

1/4
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.

CHAMPIONING THE JUMBO CHARGE.

Leadership

1/7

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.

Our Facilities, Transformed. Our Gratitude, Unbound.

FACILITIES

1/4

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.

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