From the Desk of Dan Radakovich

From the Desk of Dan Radakovich

Dear Canes Community,

We have already had a busy start to April, and it continues this weekend with a key ACC baseball series as well as Senior Day ceremonies for our men’s and women’s tennis and track and field teams.

Spring Football

Mario Cristobal’s squad is halfway through spring practice, which will culminate with our annual Spring Game on Saturday, April 18. We have had a great atmosphere at Cobb Stadium the past two years and we’re looking forward to hosting the game back on campus again this year.

Tickets sold out quickly so for those of you attending the gates open at Cobb at 8:30 a.m. and players will sign autographs from 9-9:45 a.m. before the game kicks off at 10:15 a.m. WQAM will also broadcast the game live.

The NFL Draft is set for later this month and several Canes are expected to hear their names called. Our program has 66 first-round draft picks in its illustrious history – including 2025 overall No. 1 pick Cam Ward — and we hope to add to that number when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell steps to the podium in Pittsburgh on April 23. Good luck to all our future Pro Canes!

We have an exciting slate of seven home games at Hard Rock Stadium this fall, including ACC opponents like Florida State, Duke and Virginia Tech. We have already set a record for season ticket sales but there are still limited seats available. Click here or call 1-800-GO-CANES so you don’t miss out!

Canes Surging on the Diamond

Our baseball team won its second straight ACC series over the weekend, taking two of three games from Virginia Tech at The Light. The Canes are now 24-8 overall and 6-6 in conference play. Daniel Cuvet continues to stay hot at the plate – he hit his 11th home run of the season against the Hokies and 53rd of his career, moving him past Yonder Alonso for third place on the school’s all-time list

The Canes return home on Tuesday to host FIU at 6 p.m. before hosting a key ACC series against Wake Forest starting Friday. Sunday’s series finale is our Bark at the Park game so bring your favorite four-legged friend! Click here to get your tickets!

Repeat Champion

Chiara Pellacani defended her NCAA one-meter diving title last month in Atlanta, becoming became the first Miami diver to win multiple national titles since Brittany Viola (2008, 2011) and the first Canes diver to capture a crown in back-to-back years since Jenny Keim (1999-2000).

Chiara concludes her illustrious career with two national championships, two ACC titles and four All-America honors across the one-meter and three-meter. She will continue to train in Coral Gables as she prepares for the 2028 Olympics representing Italy. Congratulations Chiara!

Latest News

Our women’s swimming and diving team finished 18th overall at NCAAs, while our men’s divers finished 21st with freshman Manteo Santoro earning All-America honors in both the one-meter and three-meter.

Our rowing team is ranked 16th in the latest CRCA poll – its highest ranking in program history. In its last regatta, the Canes finished behind only No. 12 UCF in the 19-team field at the Sarasota 2K. Congratulations to our rowers on a terrific start to the season!

Our track and field team is off to a strong start in the outdoor season as our women’s squad has climbed to No. 21 in the rankings. Jocelyn Pringle posted the program’s second-best mark in the hammer throw (62.39m) at the Florida Relays this past weekend. The Canes host the Hurricane Alumni Invitational at Cobb Stadium this coming weekend where we will be honoring our seniors on Saturday.

Our women’s tennis team defeated Boston College 4-1 Sunday to improve to 13-4 overall and 8-2 in ACC play. The Canes are tied for fourth in the conference standings heading into the final weekend of the regular season. Our men’s tennis team recorded a key win over Duke at home Sunday, defeating the Blue Devils 4-1 to run their record to 13-10 overall and 5-7 in conference matches.

Senior Day ceremonies for our men’s team will take place before Saturday’s home finale against Florida State at noon. Our women will honor their seniors prior to Sunday’s noon match versus Duke. Come out to the Neil Schiff Tennis Center to cheer on the Canes heading into the postseason!

Speaking of postseason, our golf team is preparing for the ACC Championships, which tee off in Wilmington, N.C., on April 16. You can stay updated on all our programs by subscribing to our weekly Miami Athletics Report. Click here to get it delivered to your inbox every Monday!

Celebration of Women’s Athletics

Our 12th annual Celebration of Women’s Athletics presented by adidas will take place on Sunday, April 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Village Expo. One of our signature annual events, the CWA honors current Miami female student-athletes from each women’s program for excellence on the playing field, as well as in the classroom and community.

ESPN’s Debbie Antonelli will serve as this year’s emcee. It promises to be another memorable evening celebrating our female student-athletes. Click here for ticket and sponsorship information and we hope to see you there!

UM Sports Hall of Fame & Museum Induction Banquet

The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame & Museum has announced its 56th induction banquet will take place on Thursday, April 23 at Watsco Center.

The 10-member Class of 2026 is comprised of Sam Dorman (diving), Wendy Foote (basketball), Bryan Garcia (baseball), Duke Johnson (football), Savanah Leaf (volleyball), Mike Rumph (football), Duane Starks (football), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (soccer), Shakima Wimbley (track & field) and former Canes football coach and player Mark Richt. In addition, former baseball player and longtime Canes supporter Tommy Adams will be presented the Hall’s Distinguished Service Award. Click here for ticket information.

Our Canes Community remains stronger than ever thanks to your generosity. Go Canes!

– Dan Radakovich