Bryant Men's Lacrosse & Field Hockey Programs Complete Division I Transition

It’s official. Bryant University Director of Athletics Bill Smith received notification this week from the N.C.A.A. confirming that the Bulldog men’s lacrosse and field hockey programs have completed their two-year reclassification and now officially belong in the ranks of Division I. Both programs will be eligible to compete in their respective N.C.A.A. Division I championships beginning this fall, when field hockey opens its 2010 season at Davidson University on August 27. The men’s lacrosse team will kick off its season this spring on February 19 at Saint Joseph’s. “I know I speak on behalf of the men’s lacrosse and field hockey coaching staffs when I say that we are very excited about the opportunity for our student-athletes to compete for a national championship at the highest level,” said Smith.

Northeast Conference Bestows Annual SAAC Honor upon Bryant's Kundayi Mawema

Kundayi Mawema   The Northeast Conference (NEC) named Bryant's Kundayi Mawema (Harare, Zimbabwe/Dominican Convent) the recipient of its Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Student Athlete of the Year award. The field hockey goaltender became the eighth student-athlete in league history to earn the honor, which recognizes individual excellence in both the academic and athletic realms as well as contributions to one’s community. The NEC honor comes two months after the Rhode Island Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (RIAIAW) deemed Mawema its Distinguished Athlete of the Year. “Kundayi has a powerful presence on the field and is well respected by teammates and opponents alike,” said Bryant’s head field hockey coach Shaunessy Saucier.  “Her sound skills coupled with her incredible leadership qualities and commanding presence are incredible assets to our team.”