It is hard to beat summer on Long Island, where the beaches beckon by day and the evening weather practically begs you to come outside. Although there are countless activities and events that makes summers memorable, summer is also a time to focus on projects. In this case, I am speaking of facility enhancements.

Facilities play such a critical role for the growth of our department because they represent the physical spaces where our student-athletes spend most of their time while at Stony Brook. We want to create a first class experience, and that means creating first-class facilities. Our five-year strategy contains a number of facility projects, and I am pleased to report that several are in the works while others are in the conceptual phase.



The renovation of University Pool is one that I receive many questions about and it is exciting to know that the finish line is in sight. This project is expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year. We are in the process of finalizing our plans for how the pool will be used for campus and competitive purposes. Once we have all of the details worked out, we will be certain to share them.

Another project that is ready to kick into high gear in August is the LaValle Stadium end zone expansion. When completed early next year, LaValle Stadium will feature an additional 2,000 seats in the north end zone along with a new facility for concessions and restrooms that will significantly enhance the in-game experience for our fans. The work is set to begin in August and will continue throughout the fall. The impact on those attending football and soccer games in LaValle Stadium is expected to be minimal as the work continues through the fall.

What else is on the docket? There will be work done at Joe Nathan Field and University Field as we continue to make improvements that will serve to benefit our baseball and softball programs. Among our objectives for both facilities is to bring a new restroom and concession facility as well as an entry plaza. Inside the Indoor Sports Complex, we are developing plans for a student-athlete lounge and new office space for our growing staff.

The greatest priority is our Indoor Training Center, which we have spent the past several months raising money for after receiving the $5 million challenge gift from Glenn and Eva Dubin. We hope to move closer to making that project a reality, so I expect to have an update on our progress very soon.

"Building First Class Facilities" is one of the eight transformational elements in Together We Transform, and I remain very optimistic about our focus and vision as we relentlessly pursue our goals.

Welcome to Stony Brook!



Today marks one of my favorite days of the year as we welcomed 90 of our incoming freshmen and their families to Stony Brook for orientation. Orientation marks the official beginning of the Stony Brook journey for our student-athletes and I am so excited for them and all that the future holds in store for them.

My message to them is very simple: we are here to help you achieve your dreams. Anything is possible at Stony Brook, so if you can dream it, you can make it happen! I look forward to welcoming all of our student-athletes back in August when the real fun begins.

Jameel Warney Hits Las Vegas with the Dallas Mavericks



After signing last week with the Dallas Mavericks to play on their NBA Summer League Team in Las Vegas, Jameel Warney is ready to prove himself against some of the top young players in games starting this weekend. We all believe in Jameel and know that no one will work harder and make the most of the opportunity that he has earned. As a Dallas native, I am thrilled that Jameel chose to join the Mavs and know that he is the type of player and person that Mavericks fans would love.

Participating in the Summer League is an incredible chance for Jameel to showcase his ability in front of NBA coaches and general managers. Dallas was one of the teams that brought Jameel in to work out for them in advance of the NBA Draft so the fact that they signed him to their team in Las Vegas is a great sign!

Go Jameel! We're all cheering for you.

Together We Transform!


Warm regards,



Shawn