Hampton Nation,
On Feb. 8, 2023, I humbly accepted the role of Director of Athletics at Hampton University, marking a significant milestone in my journey. My connection with Hampton goes beyond a mere professional commitment; it holds a special place in my heart, becoming integral to my personal and career narrative.
Accepting the responsibility to lead Hampton's athletic programs is an honor and a privilege. I hold immense respect and admiration for the institution, and the terms "rich legacy" and "new heights" signify my aspiration to build upon the existing foundation and propel the athletic programs to even greater accomplishments.
Approaching a year of service, I am excited to share the achievements and transformations we have accomplished within the Department of Athletics. Sharing our progress underscores what I hope you will see as my proactive and transparent approach to leadership. I believe in keeping the university community and stakeholders informed and fostering an environment of openness and inclusivity. Hopefully this conveys my gratitude, honor, and enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the university's legacy and guide its athletic programs toward a future marked by continued success and growth.
Moving on to our developments and achievements over the past year:
Compliance:
As we celebrate our victories, we must acknowledge the challenges we faced this fall, especially ensuring compliance with NCAA, CAA, and University policies. Despite some setbacks, rest assured that we proactively addressed these issues with a renewed commitment to eligibility and compliance. We are in a much better position in this area than when I arrived on campus.
The recent measures we implemented, such as increasing Compliance and Academic Support staff, consulting with experts, and collaborating with the NCAA National Office, reflect our dedication to overcoming challenges and paving the way for our student-athletes to return to competition, a goal that we successfully achieved.
Hampton University's commitment to NCAA rules and regulations remains unwavering. The department is actively implementing sound business practices in competition certification. Collaborative efforts across various university departments ensure that student-athletes are certified for competition and that policies and procedures are continuously updated to align with modern practices.
The challenges identified in the fall underscore our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of integrity. We are confident that we have successfully overcome these obstacles and are moving forward with the continued support of President Williams, who has provided all the necessary resources to rectify any issues we have identified. Our commitment to upholding the integrity of the athletic program remains steadfast, and we are optimistic about our positive trajectory.
Academics:
Our student-athletes have showcased remarkable academic achievements, emphasizing their commitment to excellence in both sports and academics. The university has significantly heightened its focus on academic success and bolstered its support system for student-athletes.
In the Fall 2023 semester, the tangible outcomes of these efforts became evident as 223 student-athletes attained a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. Noteworthy is the fact that thirty of these students went above and beyond, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA, highlighting their unwavering dedication to academic excellence.
The overall GPA for Hampton University's student-athletes stands impressively at 3.3. Additionally, a remarkable twelve teams have GPAs surpassing 3.0, showcasing the diverse spectrum of sports where academic excellence is a top priority.
Here are the notable GPAs for some of the teams:
Men's Tennis: 3.77 GPA
Triathlon: 3.69 GPA
Women's Tennis: 3.60 GPA
Women's Basketball: 3.60 GPA
Softball: 3.50 GPA
Women's Track & Field: 3.47 GPA
Women's Cross Country: 3.43 GPA
Sailing: 3.33 GPA
Men's Track & Field: 3.41 GPA
Volleyball: 3.25 GPA
Lacrosse: 3.12 GPA
Women's Soccer: 3.12 GPA
These outstanding academic achievements underscore the university's commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who not only excel in their respective sports but also thrive in the educational sphere. The emphasis on academic success, coupled with the support provided through programs like Academic Achievement and Leadership, contributes significantly to the holistic development of Hampton University's student-athletes.
Fundraising:
The launch of the Hampton Athletics Foundation has been a resounding success in fundraising for the 2023-24 season, securing approximately $1,225,000 in a relatively brief period. This accomplishment underscores a solid commitment to bolstering support for Hampton University's athletic programs and enhancing the overall fan experience.
Trustee Derek Lewis, the inaugural member of the Pirate Leadership Society, set a significant example by pledging $100,000 over five years. His generous contribution stands as a cornerstone for the foundation's efforts to engage supporters and alums further in advancing the university's athletic initiatives.
A pivotal element of the foundation's impact is its focus on transforming the fan experience. Notably, this includes the addition of the TowneBank Club for the football season and the courtside lounge for basketball season, elevating seating experiences for fans. These enhancements contribute to fostering a more enjoyable and immersive atmosphere for spectators, nurturing a sense of community and pride among supporters of Hampton athletics.
Moreover, the foundation is actively revamping the Hall of Fame induction process, emphasizing the commitment to recognizing and honoring excellence in sports. The anticipation builds for the upcoming Fall Hall of Fame Class of 2024 induction, an initiative that not only celebrates outstanding athletes but also inspires current and future student-athletes.
Looking ahead, a clear vision is set for the growth of the Hampton Athletics Foundation in the new year. The goal is to engage alums and friends of Hampton further, cultivating a sense of community and shared enthusiasm for the university's athletic programs. The foundation's fundraising success and transformative initiatives exemplify a dedication to enhancing the overall athletic experience at Hampton University and fostering a vibrant and supportive community around its sports programs.
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL):
Over the past two years, I've witnessed a significant shift in the NCAA landscape, granting student-athletes nationwide the chance to monetize their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Within Hampton Athletics, we've actively educated our student-athletes on optimizing their personal brands amidst the changing college athletics environment. Collaborating with INFLCR has allowed us to introduce the Hampton Pirates Exchange—a platform facilitating connections between local, regional, and national businesses and our student-athletes for NIL opportunities.
With the use of INFLCR's technology and our partnership with Teamworks, my aim is to contribute to the education and monitoring of our student-athletes NIL activities. Businesses now have the opportunity to engage directly in brand-focused activities, ensuring alignment with Virginia law and Hampton University's NIL policy.
The Hampton Pirates Exchange not only encourages collaboration with alumni-owned businesses, providing vital support to our athletics department but also opens up exciting prospects for student-athletes to enhance their personal brands through connections facilitated by INFLCR. Looking forward, the next phase of this evolution involves working with entities to establish a Collective component in our NIL structure—a crucial step as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of the NCAA.
Staffing:
We have implemented significant measures to strengthen the comprehensive support provided to our student-athletes by expanding staffing across various key areas. This strategic move clearly demonstrates the university's commitment to fostering the holistic development and well-being of individuals engaged in its athletic programs. The following is a list of the staffing areas that have been enhanced since last February.
Academic Counseling: The increase in staffing in academic counseling emphasizes the importance placed on the academic success of student-athletes. This additional support ensures that they receive personalized guidance, mentoring, and resources to excel academically while balancing the demands of their athletic commitments.
Athletic Training: The expansion of athletic training staff reinforces the priority placed on the health and well-being of student-athletes. A robust athletic training team is crucial for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and overall physical well-being, contributing to the athletes' long-term success on and off the field.
Sports Performance: The investment in sports performance staffing underscores the commitment to optimizing athletic performance. This includes strength and conditioning, nutrition, and specialized training techniques to help student-athletes reach their full potential in their respective sports.
Sports Psychology: The addition of sports psychology staff recognizes the importance of mental well-being in athletic performance. Sports psychologists can provide valuable support in areas such as mental resilience, goal setting, and performance optimization, contributing to the overall success and satisfaction of student-athletes.
Strategic Communications: Strengthening staffing in strategic communications was crucial for compelling storytelling and brand management. Clear and strategic communication helps highlight student-athletes' achievements, promote events, and maintain a positive image for the athletic programs and the university.
Marketing, Fan Development, and Promotions: With expanded staffing in these areas, Hampton University aims to elevate the visibility of its athletic programs and engage fans more dynamically. Marketing and promotions are crucial in creating a vibrant and supportive fan community, enhancing the overall experience for athletes and spectators. By expanding staffing across these diverse areas, we are trying to develop a comprehensive support system that addresses the multifaceted needs of its student-athletes.
Head Coaching Hires:
The strategic hires of Scot Vorwold for women's soccer and Ronaldo Pacheco for volleyball exemplify our unwavering commitment to excellence within the realm of athletics. These appointments go beyond filling coaching positions; they represent a deliberate effort to elevate the standards of our athletic programs.
Scot Vorwold, joining as the women's soccer coach, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in coaching. His expertise not only enhances the technical aspects of the women's soccer team but also introduces a new level of strategic thinking and leadership. Vorwold's past successes and proficiency in developing players contribute to the overall strength and competitiveness of the women's soccer program.
Similarly, the hiring of Ronaldo Pacheco for volleyball signifies a commitment to achieving excellence in this sport. Pacheco's extensive experience and demonstrated success in coaching volleyball add a valuable dimension to our coaching staff. His strategic approach, combined with a track record of fostering athlete growth and success, enhances the capabilities of the volleyball program and bolsters our overall athletic programs.
These hires are a testament to our dedication to providing student-athletes with top-tier coaching and mentorship. By bringing in individuals with a proven ability to drive success, we aim not only to enhance the performance of specific teams but to elevate the overall standard of our athletic programs. This commitment to excellence is a pivotal part of our vision for our student-athlete's continued success and growth on and off the field.
Team Success:
Triathlon: Coach Jodi Jensen's triathlon team not only competed but left an indelible mark on the Collegiate National Championships. Junior Jordyn Bryant's exceptional performance throughout the season, consistently securing the top spot, showcased the team's prowess. Bryant's 188th-place finish at the nationals highlighted her individual achievement and contributed significantly to Hampton's 21 points in the team standings. The historical nature of this achievement underscores the resilience and dedication of our triathlon team.
Sailing: Under the adept leadership of Coach Alessandro Ambrosi, our sailing team had a standout fall season. Victories at the Kingsmill Cup and the Luce Regatta were pivotal moments, establishing Hampton as a force to be reckoned with in collegiate sailing. Valerio Palamaro's journey to nationals, marking Hampton's first national qualifier since the 2021-22 season, reflects the dedication and skill embedded in our sailing program. Palamaro's sixth-place finish at nationals solidified the team's reputation and set the stage for future successes.
Football: Coach Prunty's football team demonstrated improvement with a 5-6 record in their second season in the Coastal Athletic Association. The Pirates' dominance in rushing, led by Elijah Burris, showcased the team's prowess on the field. Burris, Qwahsin Townsel, and Brandon Hardy receiving All-CAA honors underscore the individual excellence within the team. The invitation extended to senior Darran Butts and Qwahsin Townsel to play in the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl is a testament to the recognition of our players on a national stage.
Expressing heartfelt gratitude, I want to highlight the unwavering support from our various stakeholders—a testament to the collaborative effort propelling the success of the Hampton athletics program. My appreciation extends to different groups, each playing a vital role in the development and achievements of our program.
Alums, Boosters, and Friends: Your support forms a crucial foundation for the sustainability and growth of our athletics program. Whether through financial contributions, event attendance, or ongoing engagement, your commitment to the university's sports initiatives creates a strong sense of community and pride. Your loyalty is instrumental in building a lasting legacy for Hampton athletics.
Student-Athletes: I want to recognize the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes, emphasizing the central role you play in the success of our program. Your commitment to both academic and athletic excellence, coupled with your perseverance and sportsmanship, reflects the values instilled by our athletics program. Your achievements contribute significantly to the overall reputation and pride of our university.
Coaches: A heartfelt acknowledgment goes to our coaches for their hard work and dedication. You play a crucial role in shaping not only the athletic skills but also the character of our student-athletes. As mentors, motivators, and leaders, you guide athletes toward success both on and off the field, and your commitment is integral to the overall development of individuals within our program.
Campus Partners: I want to thank our esteemed campus partners, including University Administrators, Faculty, and Staff. Your dedicated efforts in shaping the development of our student-athletes are truly appreciated. You play a pivotal role in fostering the character of individuals within our program. Your guidance significantly contributes to the success and overall development of our athletes. Your collective commitment is invaluable in enhancing the success of our department.
Parents: I want to recognize the essential support system provided by parents. Your involvement and encouragement contribute significantly to the well-being and success of our athletes. Your commitment to your children's journey in sports adds a familial dimension to the overall athletic experience.
Benefactors: A special thank you to our benefactors. Your philanthropic contributions are vital, enabling the growth and enhancement of our athletics program. Your pivotal role in providing resources for facilities, scholarships, and program development ensures that our programs continue to thrive.
As I anticipate the commencement of another year, I am filled with excitement and optimism about the journey ahead. The collaborative efforts and achievements of the past year have set a strong foundation, and I am eager to see how we can build upon these accomplishments together.
Year two presents a canvas upon which we can paint new stories of success, resilience, and growth. It is a chance to learn, innovate, and further enhance the overall athletic experience at our institution. The enthusiasm and commitment that everyone brings to the table are the driving forces behind our potential, and I am genuinely looking forward to the collaborative journey that lies ahead.
As we embark on this next chapter together, I am confident that our collective efforts will shape a year filled with accomplishments, camaraderie, and the continued pursuit of excellence. Here's to the beginning of the second year and to all the exciting possibilities that await us!
Go Pirates!
Anthony D. Henderson, Sr.
Director of Athletics
Hampton University
