A Message From The Athletics Director - November
Hurricane Fans,
As we gather around our family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I’m reminded of all the things I’m thankful for surrounding Hurricane Athletics – our student-athletes, coaches, staff, donors and fans. Thank you to all who support our mission and offer us the wonderful opportunity each and every day to Build Champions in the classroom, in the community and in life.
UM’s 2018 Graduation Success Rate (GSR) was announced last week by the NCAA. Our overall GSR was 90 percent, four percent above the NCAA average. Seven sports – men’s basketball, men’s cross country, golf, soccer, men’s diving, women’s swimming and diving and volleyball – posted 100 percent rates. Congratulations to all of our student-athletes, as well as the coaches and academic support staffers who are helping them achieve their goals!
Our football team scored a huge road win this past weekend with a 38-14 triumph at Virginia Tech. Quarterback N’Kosi Perry threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, while the turnover chain made three appearances. The Hurricanes are now bowl eligible for the sixth consecutive season and next turn their attention to this Saturday’s regular season finale on ESPN against Pittsburgh at Hard Rock Stadium at 3:30 p.m. It’s Senior Day so if you’re planning to come to the game please arrive early for pregame ceremonies and join us in honoring a terrific group of seniors!
Men’s basketball is off to a 3-0 start as it prepares for a holiday trip to the Wooden Legacy in Fullerton, Calif. The Hurricanes tip off the tournament on Thanksgiving Day against La Salle at 2:30 p.m. on ESPNU with the winner facing the winner of Northwestern vs. Fresno State in the semifinals the following day. Take a break from your turkey and stuffing Thursday afternoon to tune in and cheer on the Canes!
Our No. 22 women’s basketball team advanced all the way to the Preseason WNIT Championship Game before falling to host Iowa State. The Hurricanes reached the final by dispatching No. 19 Marquette behind a standout performance by junior forward Beatrice Mompremier, who scored 24 points and grabbed 20 rebounds. Katie Meier’s squad is now 4-1 and returns home to Watsco Center Friday at 3 p.m. to face Nebraska in the Miami Thanksgiving Classic. Come cheer on the Canes!
Season tickets for both of our basketball teams are on sale now. If you haven’t secured your seats call 1-800-GO-CANES or visit hurricanesports.com/tickets. We can’t wait to see you at Watsco Center from now until March!
Our volleyball team wraps up its regular season Friday at Duke after a tough, five-set loss to No. 10 Pittsburgh in their home finale this past Sunday. I would like to congratulate seniors Kolby Bird and Haley Templeton as they put the finishing touches on their careers at UM. Haley ranks third in school history in career assists and 12th in career digs, while Kolby ranks 16th in career kills. Thank you to both for four great seasons in orange and green!
Our diving team competed at the University of Texas Invite this past weekend and sophomore Alicia Bragg captured the 3-meter title with a score of 361.45. Congratulations to Alicia! Both our swimming and diving squads next head to Providence, R.I., for the Bruno Invite on November 30.
Our tennis teams have wrapped up their fall campaigns. Estela Perez-Somarriba, ranked seventh in the country in women’s tennis, posted a 12-2 record in the fall. She won the title at the Oracle ITA Masters — becoming just the third Hurricane to win an ITA major fall singles title – and also reached the round of 16 at the ITA Fall Championships. On the men’s side, Adria Soriano Barrera advanced to the quarterfinals of the ITA Fall Championships and moved up to No. 21 in the national rankings. Congratulations to Estela, Adria and the rest of their teammates on a terrific fall!
On December 4 in New York City, Hurricane football legend Ed Reed will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2018. He will be the 11th Hurricane inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, joining seven players and three head coaches. Congratulations to Ed on an amazing football career at The U and the NFL! Three Hurricanes are on the 2019 ballot for induction –linebacker greats Ray Lewis and Dan Morgan, along with former head coach Dennis Erickson. The announcement of the 2019 class will be made on January 7, 2019.
Last month we had a magnificent dedication ceremony for the new Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility, featuring more than 400 attendees, including campus leaders, city leaders, donors and former players. I want to again extend my heartfelt thanks to Carol and her family for the lead gift for the facility. We have already raised more than $36 million but are not done yet — and we still need your support. Your donations will ensure that this facility continues to be one of the best in the country. Visit Give2IPF.com to pledge your support.
Our Building Women Champions campaign continues to build momentum. The campaign is an initiative that will enhance scholarship support, leadership development and career coaching for Hurricane female student-athletes. Please visit buildingwomenchampions.com to learn how you can help.
For the latest information on each of our varsity teams, please be sure to visit HurricaneSports.com or follow us on Twitter @MiamiHurricanes. We wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy this month’s magazine!
Go Canes!
Blake James
