From the Desk of Olivia Winkfield - Assistant Athletics Director

Since I started my role as Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance and Student-Athlete Welfare in February 2022, I haven’t had the chance to experience the start of a school year yet. All summer long, I anxiously waited for our Tigers to return. Now that they are back, it’s great to see them walking the hallways, playing music in their lockers rooms, and bringing so much energy into our facilities. The smiles, handshakes, and high-fives are endless and the culture and community within our department is uplifting every day when I come to work. I am so happy to be a part of the Tiger Family!

In my role, I am responsible for compliance and student-athlete development. In collaboration with Bethany Marren, Associate Director of Athletics/NCAA Compliance, we ensure that the department adheres to all rules and regulations set forth by the NCAA, conferences, and RIT. Since RIT is multidivisional (Division I and Division III) it is our job to make sure that the rules are applied to the respective teams and that we continue to keep coaches educated and informed on rules within their division. Another aspect of my role is academic monitoring for our student-athletes. I enjoy getting time to be a part of helping our student-athletes have a successful academic career here at RIT.

Currently, I have been working on developing a student-athlete development plan for the athletics department. Throughout the year, student-athletes will be able to take part in various educational and social programs as well as community services opportunities. In the coming weeks, student-athletes will be able to engage in leadership development and academic support opportunities, drug and alcohol education, Title IX education, as well as various workshops and events. The best part about the programs happening in athletics is that they are coordinated with our fantastic campus partners to be tailored specifically for our student-athletes.

The student-athlete experience is at the forefront of department’s mission and values and it is an incredible experience to be a part of. My favorite aspect of my job is getting to work with our student-athletes on a daily basis whether it’s related to compliance and academics, event management or programs, the student-athletes here are an extraordinary group of individuals and make my role very rewarding.

I look forward to watching our teams compete this year and excited for the future of RIT Athletics!

Go Tigers!

Greetings From RIT Women's Soccer

It’s a new season here for the RIT women’s soccer program, and “memory” is what I’m thinking about as a coach.

It is my 13th year at RIT, and getting to this point in growing a program is rewarding in a way I had heard of, but could never identify with myself. That reward is in the memory of a program.

Part of my reflections on “memory” this fall is that we have two alumnae on the staff: Monica Cook ‘10 and Morgan Monteith ‘22. They both wore the RIT uniform at different times in the program, each leaving legacies of their own behind. Monica’s level-headed leadership as a player, her commitment to the team, and her openness to change are all qualities the team still embodies to this day. Morgan, having just finished her playing career, came into the program at a different time. She was the benefactor of Monica’s efforts, just as the current team benefits from her consistent competitiveness and championship mindset.

I love thinking about lessons we learned in previous seasons that this year’s team does not have to relearn. I love watching a center-back run through a ball, knowing the risk it took our center-backs to do in previous seasons. I love watching the players have trust in our way of playing, recalling the effort required of former players to get us to this style. No doubt, the struggles the team face this year will become part of the collective memory.

I don’t know the entire history of RIT Women’s Soccer, but I do know that the program today is built on the memory that precedes my time here. It is a gift to be part of a process like the building and evolution of a college soccer program like the one here at RIT. Thirteen years and counting, the memory bank is growing, and the best feels yet to come.

GO TIGERS!!!!!

Liz Masterson - RIT Women's Soccer

Update on RIT Cross Country

The men's and women’s cross country teams are off to a strong start to the 2022 season. The women placed second, while the men finished third at the St. John Fisher Terry Rodenbeck Invitational.  Many of the returners showed significant improvement in their times this year as compared to this time last season.  The success at St. John Fisher added to the team’s drive and determination, and they are eager to see what the season will bring.

The women worked hard over the summer with the goal of coming back stronger in 2022.  That hard work has been visible in the team’s daily practices, and I have no doubt it will have a major impact on our upcoming season.  With the loss of some key team members to graduation, the second and third-year returners have risen to challenge and are filling the gaps.  Our newest team members are also displaying lots of potential and are proving to be a strong addition to the team.

Team morale has risen noticeably with the reduction of COVID-related restrictions, allowing for a more positive team atmosphere.  Team sessions with the RIT sports psychologist, Dr. Jason Rich, have also brought a more mindful and cohesive element to our team dynamic.

Like the women, the men had a great summer of training.  After two seasons of co-op and COVID restrictions, the men are looking forward to fielding a full team for the first time in several seasons in 2022. The level of training this year has been noticeably better even in the early season as athletes challenge themselves and each other to find their place on the team. 

Overall, our teams are prepared for a successful season and we will meet the challenges it brings head on.  

Amanda Haller – RIT Women's Cross Country

Tigers In The Crowd