Topic - Club Sports News (138)

Iona University Announces Return of Men’s and Women’s Tennis as Varsity and Club Sports (News 5459)

ptascio@iona.edu — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:58:38 +0000

Iona University Announces Return of Men’s and Women’s Tennis as Varsity and Club Sports (News 5459) ptascio@iona.edu Tue, 08/19/2025 - 10:58 Iona University Announces Return of Men’s and Women’s Tennis as Varsity and Club Sports August 19, 2025

NEW ROCHELLE & BRONXVILLE, N.Y. – Iona University today announced the return of men's and women's tennis to the Gaels' varsity athletics lineup, marking the 25th and 26th NCAA Division I programs to be sponsored by the University. In addition, men’s and women’s tennis will also be introduced for the first time as club sports.

Director of Athletics Matthew Glovaski said a national search is underway to hire a head coach who will build both varsity programs over the 2025-26 academic year. The Gaels are expected to resume DI competition in 2026-27 and compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). Both Division I programs last competed at the varsity level in 2003.

"Iona University continues to grow and we are proud to offer expanded opportunities for varsity intercollegiate competition," said Glovaski. "The University’s location in a tennis-rich region and access to dedicated facilities allow us to reintroduce a program with deep roots in our history. We are excited to support this revival and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our student-athletes and broader community."

The return of Iona tennis reflects the University’s continued commitment to expanding student opportunities and leveraging campus resources to enhance the overall collegiate experience.

The programs will utilize the existing indoor and outdoor tennis facilities on Iona’s 28-acre Bronxville campus, acquired in 2021. Planned renovations to the site will prepare the venue for Division I competition. Club tennis, meanwhile, will start this fall, with competition planned for the fall and spring semesters.

The Gaels’ return to competition also benefits from Iona’s proximity to national and regional tennis landmarks. The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens, and the USTA Eastern Section headquarters in Purchase, N.Y., are both located within 20 miles of campus, reinforcing the program’s regional relevance and recruiting reach.

Iona President Seamus Carey, Ph.D., expressed his enthusiasm for the announcement, saying it builds upon his vision as Iona continues to expand both its academic and extracurricular opportunities.

"We acquired the Bronxville campus because we were eager to grow in support of student success both inside and outside of the classroom. Today’s announcement reflects that vision continuing to come to life,” said Carey. “Whether playing at the varsity or club level, we look forward to celebrating our student-athletes on the tennis courts.”

A STORIED PAST

Men’s tennis began in 1953, winning multiple league titles in the MECAA and MCTC before thriving in the 1970s under Arrigoni Hall of Fame coach Brother Harry Dunkak, with three undefeated seasons and an ECAC Championship. The Gaels joined the MAAC in 1982 and captured their lone conference title in 1990. Women’s tennis debuted in 1979 under Arrigoni Hall of Famer Sandie Capifali. It became a charter MAAC member in 1983 and enjoyed a 21-year run.

CONTINUED GROWTH

The addition of tennis builds upon the recent expansion of Iona’s athletic offerings, including the launches of men’s lacrosse, women’s golf and acrobatics & tumbling.

On its Bronxville campus, Iona has also upgraded facilities such as a weightlifting room, two gymnasiums, an all-purpose turf field, locker rooms, performing arts spaces, dance studio and a modern, made-to-order dining hall, the Cafe at Bronxville. Iona Bronxville also houses the newly renovated practice facility and simulation room used by the men’s and women’s golf programs.

Meanwhile, Iona this fall will welcome over 60 students into its newly renovated residence hall, Bohm Hall, further adding to the vibrant campus life in Bronxville. The campus is also notably home to the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences and the Kelly Center for Health Sciences.

Iona’s continued investment in the student experience, as highlighted by the return of tennis and the campus upgrades in Bronxville, affirms its dedication to providing opportunities for students to thrive as they learn outside the lines of the classroom. As the Gaels prepare to return to the courts, the tradition and pride of Iona tennis will once again have a place in the University's future.

ABOUT IONA
Founded in 1940, Iona University is a master's-granting private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona's 45-acre New Rochelle campus and 28-acre Bronxville campus are just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. With a total enrollment of over 4,000 students and an alumni base of 55,000 around the world, Iona is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona is highly accredited, offering undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs. Iona students enjoy small class sizes, engaged professors and a wide array of academic programs across the School of Arts & Science; LaPenta School of Business; NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences; and Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Iona also continues to be recognized in prestigious national rankings. Most recently for 2025, Iona has been named one of the nation’s best colleges by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and others. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report recognized Iona as one of top for social mobility in the country, while Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) ranked an Iona degree in the top 6 percent nationally for long-term return on investment. Iona’s LaPenta School of Business, meanwhile, is also accredited by AACSB International, a recognition awarded to just 6 percent of business schools worldwide. In addition, The Princeton Review once again named Iona to its “Best Business Schools for 2025,” recognizing both its on-campus and online MBA programs. Connecting to its Irish heritage, Iona also opened a new campus in County Mayo, Ireland, located on the historic 400-acre Westport House Estate. A school on the rise, Iona officially changed its status from College to University on July 1, 2022, reflecting the growth of its academic programs and the prestige of an Iona education.

From the Field to the Firm: Iona Rugby Standout Turns Legal Internship into Full-Time Role (News 5410)

ptascio@iona.edu — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 16:43:16 +0000

From the Field to the Firm: Iona Rugby Standout Turns Legal Internship into Full-Time Role (News 5410) ptascio@iona.edu Thu, 07/10/2025 - 12:43 From the Field to the Firm: Iona Rugby Standout Turns Legal Internship into Full-Time RoleEntrepreneurship major Archil Buka Kvaratskhelia ’25 combines business strategy and athletic discipline to kickstart promising career July 10, 2025

New Rochelle, N.Y. - Long days, late practices and a packed class schedule were nothing new for Archil Buka Kvaratskhelia ’25.

As a rugby player at Iona University and an entrepreneurship major on the Dean’s List, his college career was defined by balancing the classroom and the playing field.

But even with a packed schedule, the Georgia native managed to land an internship that turned into a full-time role.

“During my internship at Michael E. Skiber Law Firm, I developed strong communication skills, learned to explain legal matters clearly to clients and worked professionally with attorneys and insurance companies,” he said. “Michael also connected me to a second internship in criminal law with attorney Barry Butler. So I was doing both injury and criminal law at the same time — one in the office, one in court.”

While Iona’s LaPenta School of Business and Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation helped sharpen his strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, Kvaratskhelia also points to the rugby field as a key factor in his personal and professional growth.

“Rugby has been a huge part of my journey at Iona,” he said.

“Being part of the team has given me more than just a competitive edge, it’s taught me discipline, teamwork and the importance of pushing myself beyond limits. On top of that, it’s allowed me to build amazing friendships and strong connections with teammates who have become some of my closest friends.”

Now working as a full-time legal assistant case manager, Kvaratskhelia handles a range of responsibilities, from assisting with legal documentation, communicating with clients and coordinating with insurance companies on personal injury claims.

When asked how Iona prepared him for this full-time opportunity he said: “The business program sharpened my strategic mindset, while rugby gave me lasting friendships, creating connections that make the journey even more meaningful.”

Top 5 Reasons We’re Excited About What’s Ahead at Iona University (News 5238)

ptascio@iona.edu — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:46:21 +0000

Top 5 Reasons We’re Excited About What’s Ahead at Iona University (News 5238) ptascio@iona.edu Fri, 04/11/2025 - 10:46 Top 5 Reasons We’re Excited About What’s Ahead at Iona University The momentum continues as Iona unveils dynamic new degrees, facilities and extracurricular opportunities! April 11, 2025

New Rochelle & Bronxville, N.Y. – From new academic programs in high demand to a vibrant campus life featuring state-of-the-art facilities, Iona University is focused on what matters most: student success. Rooted in a tradition of faith, service and opportunity, Iona offers a close-knit, caring community where students are empowered to learn as they live – with purpose.

Recognized as one of the nation’s top colleges for 2025 by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal and Forbes, Iona recently welcomed its largest class in over 20 years. And when it comes to return on investment, Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce ranked an Iona degree in the top 5 percent nationwide – proving it pays to go to Iona.

There’s never been a better time to find your fit at Iona University. To learn more, explore Freshman Admissions, email admissions@iona.edu or call (800) 231-IONA.

Here are the top five reasons we’re excited about what’s ahead at Iona University!

#1: New Student Union & Upper Green

Iona’s fully renovated dining hall and student lounge is about to become a central hub of student life in New Rochelle. Whether you’re grabbing lunch, meeting friends, or catching up on coursework, this space has been designed to feel like home – for commuters and residents alike.

Featuring 14,000 square feet of modern dining upstairs, students will enjoy a variety of fresh, made-to-order options enhanced by panoramic views of both the Murphy Green and Mazzella Field. On the ground floor, another 6,000 square feet of new lounge space will offer cozy seating, TVs, study areas, a fireplace and an on-site Starbucks to keep the campus fueled.

For those seeking a quieter, more reflective setting, Iona is also developing a new Upper Green near the Blessed Edmund Rice Chapel, offering a peaceful setting for outdoor gathering, reflection and contemplation.

#2: New Academic Programs in High Demand

Iona’s academic offerings continue to expand across high-growth industries, preparing students for success both in the classroom and beyond. From business, entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence to health care, the arts, sciences and more, Iona students enjoy small class sizes, engaged professors and a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Also rising in popularity are Iona’s 4+1 dual-degree programs, giving students the chance to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in just five years. This enables students to save time and money on tuition as they accelerate their promising career opportunities.

Iona also paves the way to top-tier internships and job placements – especially given its location just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. Recent student internships have included roles with IBM, Major League Baseball, NBCUniversal, PepsiCo, HEINEKEN® USA, Procter & Gamble, Merrill Lynch and Ernst & Young (EY), just to name a few.

Plus, with nearly 20 study abroad and service-learning opportunities – ranging from Ghana, Poland and Peru to Costa Rica, Italy, Ireland and more – Iona students are empowered to learn outside the lines of the classroom, leading as they serve and learning as they grow.

#3: New Clubs, Sports & Performing Arts

It’s no surprise The Wall Street Journalranked Iona #1 in New York for student experience in 2024. With 24 NCAA Division I teams and 100 clubs and leadership organizations, Iona offers students myriad ways to stay active and engaged.

For those who enjoy working up a sweat, Iona’s Club Sports program now features 19 teams, including exciting new additions like wrestling, women’s flag football and chess. These join popular options like rugby, basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, lacrosse, field hockey and Iona’s MAAC Championship-winning esports team, among others.

Iona’s Spirit & Performing Arts groups are equally dynamic for those who prefer the spotlight. Students can get involved with groups like the nationally acclaimed pipe band, dance team, Irish dance team and pep band, all of which perform throughout the year both at campus events and beyond. There’s also The Iona Players theater group and the newly formed NightinGaels a cappella ensemble, further enhancing the Iona student experience.

#4: A New Era for Iona Basketball

Big things are happening on the court at Iona. Recruiting from the NBA, Iona men’s basketball recently welcomed its 16th head coach, Dan Geriot, a seasoned professional with nearly a decade of experience with the Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Pelicans. Known for his strong focus on player development, Geriot brings elite-level insight and energy to the Iona Gaels.

With a record 14 MAAC tournament titles, Iona remains the winningest team in conference history. And when it comes to game day? The energy at the Hynes Athletics Center is unmatched. It’s Gael Nation at full volume – and there’s nothing like being a part of it.

#5: New & Renovated Residence Halls

By popular demand, student residential housing is also growing at Iona. Opening Fall 2025, a new residential option will be available on Iona’s new 28-acre Bronxville campus, home to the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences.

This fully renovated, high-end residence hall offers spacious double and triple rooms, healthy dining at the Bronxville Café, access to fitness facilities, on-site laundry, designated parking and more – all just four miles from New Rochelle. The Village of Bronxville, meanwhile, offers quaint dining, arts and entertainment in one of the country’s most sought-after zip codes.

Freshmen at Iona typically live on the 45-acre New Rochelle campus, including East, Rice or Loftus halls, which have also been recently renovated with new furniture, flooring and updated amenities to create a warm, welcoming space from day one.

No matter where you live on campus, Iona’s residential communities offer a safe, supportive environment where students can grow, connect and thrive over the course of their time as Gaels.

There’s never been a better time to experience all that Iona has to offer. Come see the energy of campus life for yourself—and find your fit at Iona today! To learn more, explore Freshman Admissions, email admissions@iona.edu or call (800) 231-IONA.

Iona University Becomes First Official Collegiate Partner of HADO USA, Pioneering Augmented Reality Esports on Campus (News 5087)

ptascio@iona.edu — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 17:06:43 +0000

Iona University Becomes First Official Collegiate Partner of HADO USA, Pioneering Augmented Reality Esports on Campus (News 5087) ptascio@iona.edu Tue, 03/04/2025 - 12:06 Iona University Becomes First Official Collegiate Partner of HADO USA, Pioneering Augmented Reality Esports on Campus March 4, 2025

New Rochelle, N.Y. – Iona University is proud to announce its partnership with HADO USA, becoming the first official collegiate partner of this groundbreaking augmented reality (AR) physical esport. As a leader in academic innovation and student engagement, Iona will serve as a primary pilot site for HADO in the United States, offering students a dynamic new way to engage in competitive gaming while promoting health, wellness and technological advancement.

HADO, a Japanese-born technosport, blends augmented reality with physical activity, representing a new frontier in gaming. To play, competitors wear head-mounted AR displays and motion-tracking wrist sensors to launch energy balls and deploy shields in fast-paced, team-based battles. Think of it as dodgeball meets augmented reality, where strategy, agility and teamwork lead to victory.

“We are thrilled to partner with HADO USA and bring this innovative technology to Iona University,” said Joseph Stabile, dean of Iona’s School of Arts & Science. “This collaboration not only enriches our students’ experience but also highlights Iona’s commitment to staying at the forefront of emerging technologies and interdisciplinary learning.”

Beyond gameplay, students will have the opportunity to engage with HADO through academic channels, including programming, STEM initiatives, and strategic esports management. The University currently has a fully operational HADO court, capable of hosting six players at a time, with games played on stage in Murphy Auditorium. Plans are already underway to integrate HADO into student clubs, intramural sports, community engagement and academic coursework.

“HADO crosses the boundary between sports and computer gaming,” said Shane Vander Kooi, founder and CEO of HADO USA. “Iona University’s leadership in this space as our first collegiate partner will not only help us grow in the U.S. but will also set the standard for how augmented reality can be used in both competitive and educational environments.”

As part of this partnership, HADO USA will explore opportunities to build a national HADO league and foster international collaborations, allowing Iona students to compete against teams from around the world while mentoring and supporting team development in the K-12 scholastic space.

Iona students will also have the opportunity to rise to the challenge and potentially represent the United States in global competition. This opens the door for students to gain competitive international experience while helping pioneer the future of physical esports on college campuses.

HADO will also be featured in various campus events, including Accepted Students Day and Gael Gates, giving prospective and current students—as well as faculty and families—a chance to experience the game firsthand. The game’s unique inclusivity allows participants of all ages and skill levels to compete side by side, fostering community building and teamwork.

For more information about HADO USA at Iona University, including opportunities to participate or collaborate, please contact Gregory Cassiere, esports coordinator in Iona’s School of Arts & Science, at gcassiere@iona.edu or (914) 980-4283.

About HADO

HADO is the world’s first augmented reality (AR) technosport, blending computer gaming with traditional sport in a unique, immersive way. Active in 40+ countries and played by millions worldwide, HADO offers a fast-paced, inclusive gaming experience that merges cutting-edge AR technology with the excitement of sports competition.

HADO USA, operated by Technology Sports Inc., holds the exclusive rights to develop and expand the HADO market throughout the United States. The company is committed to growing HADO as a competitive esport, building partnerships with universities, schools, and entertainment venues to expand access to this revolutionary sport.

For additional information, please contact Shane Vander Kooi, founder and CEO, HADO USA, at shane@hado-usa.com or (561) 779-9666. Learn more about HADO USA at www.hado-usa.com.

College student, Savannah Durant, wants to inspire and empower other women to participate in esports at a collegiate level (Media Mentions 3547)

ptascio — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 16:33:22 +0000

College student, Savannah Durant, wants to inspire and empower other women to participate in esports at a collegiate level (Media Mentions 3547) ptascio Mon, 11/21/2022 - 11:33 College student, Savannah Durant, wants to inspire and empower other women to participate in esports at a collegiate level November 17, 2022

Meet Savannah Durant, Iona University student and co-captain of the school's Valorant esports team.

watch now on yahoo.com

Yahoo

This college freshman took his love for gaming to the next level by joining his school's League of Legends esports team (Media Mentions 3546)

ptascio — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 16:25:13 +0000

This college freshman took his love for gaming to the next level by joining his school's League of Legends esports team (Media Mentions 3546) ptascio Mon, 11/21/2022 - 11:25 This college freshman took his love for gaming to the next level by joining his school's League of Legends esports team November 10, 2022

Get to know Eric Cabreja, a freshman at Iona University and member of the school's League of Legends esports team.

Watch Now on news.yahoo.com

Yahoo! News

Iona University’s Anaya Potter ’23 is Rewriting the Esports Gender Narrative (News 3506)

ptascio — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 19:49:35 +0000

Iona University’s Anaya Potter ’23 is Rewriting the Esports Gender Narrative (News 3506) ptascio Wed, 10/26/2022 - 15:49 Iona University’s Anaya Potter ’23 is Rewriting the Esports Gender Narrative October 26, 2022

Iona University senior Anaya Potter ’23 is featured in a new esports documentary series produced by Yahoo!’s In The Know. Esports is a new addition to Iona’s campus, and the series will follow the team and players over the course of the fall season.

When Iona announced the formation of its new esports program last year, Anaya took a leadership role in forming a League of Legends team. She is also team captain, telling In the Know: “I love gaming because I love sharing it with my friends. It’s been a big part of my college experience.”

The experience has also provided her with a platform to change the face of esports as a whole, which is typically dominated by her male counterparts.

“Being a woman in esports can be challenging at times because online, women are not usually met with respect,” she said. “Over the years, I’ve learned to not let that get to me. They don’t know me in real life, and they’re not going to stop me from playing the game.”

The series shines a light on both Iona’s inclusivity and Anaya’s own inspiring story.

Watch the first video with Anaya and read the full article here.

Iona College students take up Esports (Media Mentions 3279)

ptascio — Mon, 16 May 2022 18:08:41 +0000

Iona College students take up Esports (Media Mentions 3279) ptascio Mon, 05/16/2022 - 14:08 Iona College students take up Esports May 13, 2022

Read now on westchester.news12.com

News 12 Westchester

White Plains Gamer to Compete in College Esports Nationals (Media Mentions 3251)

ptascio — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 19:07:56 +0000

White Plains Gamer to Compete in College Esports Nationals (Media Mentions 3251) ptascio Fri, 04/29/2022 - 15:07 White Plains Gamer to Compete in College Esports Nationals April 29, 2022

Read Now on The Examiner

The Examiner

Iona College Esports: ‘The New Team in the Conference is Now the Best Team in the Conference’ (News 3190)

ptascio — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 19:21:03 +0000

Iona College Esports: ‘The New Team in the Conference is Now the Best Team in the Conference’ (News 3190) ptascio Tue, 03/29/2022 - 15:21 Iona College Esports: ‘The New Team in the Conference is Now the Best Team in the Conference’Get the inside scoop on Iona’s 2022 Rocket League MAAC championship win with team captain, Dylan Zerafa '25 March 29, 2022

Iona College’s newly established esports team took home the MAAC championship title in Rocket League, proving that the Gaels are top contenders on a national stage despite only forming last semester. This win served as a display of teamwork and passion while showcasing the team’s talent, dedication and focus. Continue reading to learn more about how the Rocket League team became champions. Up next, Nationals! Go Gaels!

1. Who is on Iona’s Rocket League team?
The roster for the entire MAAC championship was Ryan Walker '22, Jake Teto '24, and myself. Our subs, John Paul Michura '24 and James Zerafa '22, were also in attendance. They did not play but were a big part of giving us the hype and the motivation we needed to win.

2. Can you describe Rocket League for us?
In simple terms, Rocket League is essentially soccer with cars that can fly. Players use “boost” –a tool that allows them to increase their speed when moving forward or fly for a short amount of time — in an enclosed soccer field. Then, players can jump from walls or the ceiling, and even attempt backboard redirects similar to using a backboard in basketball.

3. How does the team feel about the win?
We are all super stoked to have won for the College. We put in countless hours to practice and improve and it has certainly paid off. I cannot even begin to describe the emotions we all felt when that final game was over. Excitement, happiness and relief all rushed through my body while I held back tears of joy. It just felt surreal, and almost two weeks later, I still cannot believe we won our very first LAN (local area network) event, and won our very first season as the esports team at Iona.

4. What are some highlights of the championship game?
There were a lot of highlight plays that helped us secure a big win. Jake and Ryan both did phenomenal jobs on defense, stopping a significant number of shots that could have easily been goals. I have never seen such a defensive stand from a team before, so I am very proud of them for stepping up, especially under pressure.

Jake also did great with setting me up with perfect passes that led to a bunch of goals being scored. Being the main goal scorer on the team, I like to think I did an amazing job with scoring clutch goals that helped us make a statement that the new team in the conference is now the best team in the conference.

I am especially proud of our ability to stay locked in throughout each game we played. Playing on a main stage with a big screen, casters announcing, and a crowd cheering can be quite the distraction.

5. What happens next?
Next up, we are going to be competing in Nationals on April 29, which will include 16 teams across each participating conference. Each conference is having their own championship, where the top two from those events will lock in a spot for Nationals. Since we placed first in the MAAC championship, we have automatically locked in our spot.

Nationals will be a group stage round-robin consisting of four groups, which will lead to a playoff bracket with the top teams from each group competing in the semi-finals and grand final.

6. What does the team need to do to succeed in Nationals?
Going into Nationals, we know we are going to have to play at a top-tier level if we want to win the entire thing. There are players in the league that also compete in the Rocket League Championship Series, which is the main esports league for the game hosted by the creators. Luckily, we all have experience going up against the professional players, so if we play confidently, I’m sure we will be able to pull off some crazy upsets. We are going to be looking over our replays and playing scrimmages very often so that we are more than prepared to have a defining performance at Nationals.

7. How can the Iona community watch the team play in Nationals?
The community can watch on Twitch at either twitch.tv/officialegf or twitch.tv/egfrocketleague.