From the Desk of Pat Sofia - Assistant Director of Athletics/Athletics and Hockey Operations

It’s amazing to think back to August of 2016 when I started as the Director of Hockey Operations for the women’s hockey team that I would be an Assistant Athletic Director five years later. At the time, I didn’t know where that position would take me in my young career, but I did know that RIT was the place I wanted to be. This department has provided me many opportunities to grow professionally and also to continue my education. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in leadership and management.

In my current role, I oversee various functions in the daily operations of our athletic department. One aspect I like about my job is that no two days are the same. College athletics is a fast-paced environment and decision making sometimes happens in pressure situations. I would not have it any other way. I find value in overcoming challenges.

I oversee the scheduling, maintenance, and upgrades of our indoor facilities, including locker rooms, Clark Gym, and our Auxiliary Gym. Exciting changes are currently in the works for these facilities from a branding standpoint. Our goal is to strategically capture areas that are in need of displaying our primary logos and embrace the history of our programs and department. As we make these advancements, we will be featuring digital marketing throughout the facilities, which provides a greater opportunity to display our accomplishments, including our student-athletes of the week.

I also oversee our athletic laundry operations, including laundry facilities and a staff of 30 student-athletes. I sought out an opportunity to conduct an internal study a few years ago on our previous product. This led to the transition of new laundry products for our uniforms and apparel that has since improved the quality of our results.

Our student-athletes are an amazing group of individuals who put in a lot of time and effort into their craft. I enjoy getting to know them on a personal level and try to make a small impact on their growth as people and as student-athletes. We continue to be destined for greatness here at RIT.

Go Tigers!

Fifth Year Senior Making Her Mark

As we kick off the postseason after playing through a two-year long pandemic, I can’t help but pause and have gratitude for the amazing coaches and players I get to work with every single day. Through a cancelled 2020-21 season, navigating cancelled and rescheduled games this season, I am in awe of their perseverance through near impossible circumstances and their continued desire to compete through it all.

Fifth-year senior Sarah Henretta chose RIT for academics and had plans to run cross country. Basketball wasn’t really a part of the plan as she played a few seasons in high school but was committed to running. When she reached out to me to inquire about playing basketball, Sarah did what I didn’t realize at the time was just part of who she was – she took a risk, she set goals for herself, she relentlessly put in the work to achieve those goals, and she ultimately achieved all of them.

As a first-year player, Sarah didn’t play at all. But it didn’t stop her from putting in the work, learning from great players and mentors like Brooke Stanley, Cori Okada and Jess Glaz. We went to the Sweet 16 that year. After that experience, Sarah continued to improve her game.

She placed her entire focus on becoming an incredible defender. In doing so, she earned more and more minutes. Then, she worked on her offensive skills, (driving the ball to the basket and finishing moves) and was able contribute on that end of the floor. Her minutes kept increasing.

Last but certainly not least, she added a three-point shot to her game. She became a trusted leader and captain of our team. This season, she has started every game, and plays nearly 40 minutes a game.

Sarah is living proof that success is never by accident. She is an inspiration to us all, and it has been so incredible to watch her grow and exceed her potential and to lead herself and others with integrity and courage. She will never be replaced, but I am certain there are many younger players who will follow in her footsteps and carry on her legacy.

GO TIGERS!

Amy Reed - RIT Women's Basketball

An Update on RIT Men's Basketball

The 2021-2022 season recently came to an end with some disappointments, but with great optimism for the future.

Due to the challenges of not playing last year, along with training restrictions associated with the COVID pandemic, this year's roster was included 11 new players who had not competed in a college game. This team literally battled right to the very last second of the season with an overtime win versus Bard.

There is great excitement for next season with the experience learned and the understanding of what it takes to be successful at the college level. Every student-athlete this year should be applauded for their ability to overcome the obstacles they were confronted with and still compete at a high level.

First-year players Brock Bowen, Matt Caggiano and Andrew Fox were recognized as Liberty League Rookies of the Week throughout the season. Sophomore Kevin Ryan led the conference with a 56-percent field goal percentage and a 79-perent free-throw percentage, while ranking seventh with 15.2 points per game. Bowen led the conference with a 42-perecnt three-point field-goal percentage, while senior Michael Young was third in the conference with 1.4 blocked shots per game.

Junior Keegan Ocorr maintains a 4.0 grade-point average in biomedical engineering and was named to the 2021-22 CoSIDA Academic All-District team earlier this month.

The RIT basketball staff and players are already looking forward to next season and are ready to challenge for a Liberty League Championship. With continued development, a dedicated off-season in the weight room, and the experience of this year, the future is bright.

GO TIGERS!

Bob McVean - RIT Men's Basketball

Tigers In The Crowd