The Altitude Adjustment blog is a new feature on GoRiverHawks.com designed to give you, the fans, a unique look at the transition to Division I, showcasing all of the behind-the-scenes efforts to help move the River Hawks into the America East Conference. Every Monday from now until the inaugural game (August 28 - Women's Soccer at Marist), a different representative from the University including staff, coaches and student-athletes, will provide insights and give you a better idea of what to expect both on and off the fields of play this year.

August 26 - Head Coach Elie Montiero (Women's Soccer)

For our final post in the Altitude Adjustment blog, we thought we'd take a look ahead. The women's soccer program has the honor of being the first on the pitch, kicking off their Division I career on Thursday with a road trip to Marist. We asked Coach Elie Monteiro for his thoughts as the date inches closer and the ball drops on UMass Lowell inaugural season in Division I and America East.

"It's exciting to think that we are only a few days away from our first game at the Division I level," Monteiro stated. "We'll be as ready as we need to be to take the field and compete on Thursday."

Thursday will make the end of whirlwind 2013 in which the University announced its intention to move into the America East Conference in February and has since prepped for the rigors of Division I in anticipation of the first games in August.

"It's been months of office work getting ready for this and the season is now upon us," added Monteiro. "We were thrilled to start pre-season and have been at it for a little over two weeks."

"The players have been pushing harder than during any other preseason since I've been involved with this program."

That hard work, however, doesn't mean Elie and his staff expect things to be easy. Everything about the shift to Division I is different. In addition to the caliber of play on the field, the expectations off the field and in the classroom are heightened for his players. They must not only navigate new opponents on the field, but also the landscape of being a complete student-athlete in America East.

"It will be the most challenging soccer experience they will have gone through. To make this season a success, we need to learn to get comfortable with and overcoming stressful situations on and off the field. We are going to be traveling more than we ever have which means the academic workload will need to be paid a lot more attention to."

Increased travel is one of the things coaches and student-athletes are looking forward to with new towns and new teams dotting the schedule.

"We're facing teams we haven't seen before so we'll need to quickly acclimate ourselves to tendencies and patterns of play in order to compete."

First up for the women's soccer team is Marist. The Red Foxes return 17 letterwinners from the 2012 MAAC championship team.

"Marist will give us everything we can handle. I'm sure the nerves will be felt by all of us," explaind Monteiro. "It is really important that we play good opponents who will test us on every level and that we will learn from. They have a winning mentality that we plan to replicate as we establish ourselves in the America East Conference."

 
August 19 - Rowdy the River Hawk, Mascot

August 12 - Jill Carlson (Women's Soccer), Christopher Maierle (Men's Soccer) and Arianda Darcy (Softball)

It's mid-August and the athletic department is abuzz. After a couple of months off, many of our student-athletes are returning to campus and those competing in the fall are beginning their pre-season practice schedule.
 
We spoke with a pair of veteran coaches last week; this time we wanted to get the perspective of the student-athletes. In February, their lives in athletics shifted dramatically. Many were recruited to compete in the Northeast-10 and now they are being asked to represent a thriving university at the highest level of NCAA competition. No small step.
 
However, we've found that they have not only taken it in stride, but also shown the same pride and enthusiasm that helped the River Hawks succeed in the past.
 
"UMass Lowell's introduction to America East made me proud of my team and my title as a student-athlete," said Jill Carlson, goalkeeper for the women's soccer team. "There are few college graduates who can claim they were Division I athletes and now we become a part of a respected, elite group."

Ariana Darcy of the softball team added, "Competing at the Division I level is always something I have thought about as I've progressed playing softball and, now that the opportunity is here, my teammates and I are ready."
 
The excitement is palpable and rejuvenating. The chance to play at the highest level of collegiate athletics is not one that many of the River Hawks anticipated when they came to UMass Lowell.
 
"This is my last year of eligibility, but it feels like I am a freshman again," suggested Christopher Maierle of the men's soccer team.
 
That excitement is coupled with a unique sense of purpose. There was some initial anxiety as is expected with the unknown. How will we fit in against the new competition? How will I fit in on the field? Why can't we win championships right away?
 
"Admittedly, I felt some apprehension. Being seen as the underdog presents a multitude of challenges," Carlson added.
 
Maierle expressed some regret about the inability to compete for titles: "I am a little disappointed that we will not be able to compete in the conference and NCAA tournaments right away. I believe we would have represented our school well in both."
 
Carlson, however, believed that these challenges represent "just another day at the office" for a student-athlete.
 
"We enjoy the pressure and thrive under it. After countless hours on the field, in the weight room and in the training room icing our wounds, I believe we are ready to take on America East."
 
Others saw not just their skill level, but also their game-plan as a reason they'll be able to compete right out of the gate.
 
"I feel that our team is going to do very well with the change," suggested Darcy. "The way we practice and play the game will be to our advantage when we start competing at the Division I level."
 
A sentiment echoed by Maierle.
 
"Our team is looking to keep the same culture and attitude that made us a strong force in the Northeast-10 and we're excited to see what America East has to offer."
 
The first games are just a few weeks away and what the future holds is unknown, but the excitement is palpable on campus and the confidence has never left.
 
"We're in a unique position being new to the conference, but I believe it is one of the best positions," concluded Carlson. "Nobody ever roots for Goliath."


August 5 - Head Coach Karen McNulty (Volleyball) & Head Coach Ken Harring (Baseball)

As the calendar turns to August and the countdown to UMass Lowell's first games in America East continues, we wanted to get the perspective of some of our head coaches as they prepare for Year One in Division I. We spoke with Karen McNulty (volleyball) and Ken Harring (baseball) as they prepped for their respective seasons.
 
With that said, the transition to America East has been a rapid one. With February's announcement, many teams werestill in-season, juggling a Division II schedule while trying to plan for a Division I future.

"It's been an adventurous transition for us, we still had our final season in the Northeast-10 ahead of us when the announcement came," said baseball head coach Ken Harring.
 
That led to some challenges, particularly for the spring sports.
 
"Scheduling was the biggest challenge as Division I baseball schedules their non conference opponents two or three years out," Harring added. "However, we were able to secure dates with 2013 NCAA Regional teams William & Mary and Virginia Tech."
 
In addition, the River Hawks will make their Division I debut as part of an eight-team tournament in North Carolina in February. Among the other attendees are Michigan State, Seton Hall, Wright State, Canisius (NCAA Regional team), St. Joseph, Monmouth and America East rival Albany.
 
 Certainly a broader reach of opponents than UMass Lowell ever saw as part of the Northeast-10 and that is exactly what makes this move so exciting for coaches and student-athletes alike.
 
"One of the things that I look most forward to is the opportunity for our student-athletes to be travelling to new venues," explained volleyball head coach Karen McNulty.
 
"We will be travelling to some very large universities and some very prestigious institutions.  Personally, I've had the opportunity to play and coach at these venues before.  I know it is a privilege a very select few partake in and I will emphasize that to our players – although, it won't be necessary….they are pretty pumped already."
 
Changes abound with the transition, not just with new opponents on the slate, but also with a broader recruiting footprint and upgraded facilities.
 
"The biggest change has been with recruiting. We have expanded our base," Harring asserted. "Our goal is going to be to control the state of Massachusetts and keep the best players at home, but we will hopefully have increased success in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey."
 
 McNulty took note of the many changes on campus as efforts that will positively impact the success of the athletic programs moving forward.
 
"All the new and positive changes cosmetically & otherwise taking place here at UMass Lowell play an important part of how our institution is viewed by our opponents and our own student-athletes."
 
"It is important that we take pride in our own institution because that pride is what motivates our athletes and that pride is apparent to those who visit us. The changes here on the campus signify that this is a place that is moving and growing and happening – this should be enticing and, hopefully, somewhat intimidating to our opponents!
 
To help with that growth and ease in the transition, each program has seen an increase in staffing for the upcoming season.
 
"The change in day-to-day operation has become much easier as my staff becomes assembled," said Harring.
 
Coach Harring's staff now includes Brendan Monaghan who comes from St. John's University, arguably the best Division I program in the Northeast of the past decade. Jamie Keefe remains on board while the addition of Kevin Barnaby as a volunteer shores up the staff for next season.
 
With a staff in place and a schedule taking shape, the coaches and student-athletes, like the fans, are just anxious to get the ball in play and start the season. The countdown to August 28 (Women's Soccer at Marist) is on!


July 29 - Ted Priestly, Director of Athletic Development

As Director of Athletic Development, my main focus is on fundraising for each of our River Hawk athletic programs. I have spoken with many members of the UMass Lowell community (past and present) about their feelings on what is happening at UMass Lowell and three key terms and concepts have become a common River Hawk mantra: we are deeply proud of UMass Lowell, extremely excited for what lies ahead and truly happy to be a part of it. 
 
In addition to their pride, excitement and happiness, people have also expressed a clear sense of reality. They understand that playing and succeeding at any level of sports takes investment, and the thrill of competing at the Division I level brings with it a considerable cost. 
 
This year, we re-launched the River Hawk Club as the official fundraising program for UMass Lowell Athletics, and we were encouraged by the philanthropic support that our teams have received from alumni, families, friends, and fans. Donations to the River Hawk Club create scholarships, improve athletic facilities, increase operating budgets and enable our teams, coaches and student-athletes to go the extra mile and reach beyond what they thought was possible. Every gift to UMass Lowell Athletics makes a difference.
 
Having served as a head coach for 12 years at UMass Lowell, I can describe from a first-hand standpoint the direct, immediate and lasting impact that donations to our program played in our success. The X's and O's in coaching mean very little without talented, committed student-athletes. Donations to the River Hawk Club help us attract the best-possible student athletes to campus, support them once they get here and provide a first-class experience from start to finish.
 
In short, we would not have achieved a fraction of what we have without the generous financial support of our alumni, families and friends. If you have given to the River Hawk Club in the past, thank you – and please continue to do so. If you have not yet done so, please make a donation to the program or program(s) of your choice today. You can help us celebrate the past, succeed today and transform tomorrow.
 
UMass Lowell is an extraordinary place with an exciting future. The River Hawk Club offers us an opportunity to create the type of pride and success that we all so desperately crave, and a spirit that lives on in each of us long after we are gone.
 
Here's looking forward to a successful, historic year for UMass Lowell Athletics!

Please click here to make a gift to the UMass Lowell athletic program(s) of your choice, and make a difference for the next generation of River Hawks.


July 22 - Bob Bradley, Project Manager

Turf Project - Live Cam

I know that Brad Navis spoke to the indoor enhancements to Costello Athletic Athletics and I'm happy to provide a progress report on the outdoor facilities as well. We have undertaken two major projects this summer - installing new turf in both the field hockey and soccer/lacrosse playing areas.

The project began in late May. The early stages saw the team installing new drainage and a high-flow irrigation system (a requirement for Division I field hockey). The system consists of six high-volume sprinkler heads that dampen the field before the start of each game and also at halftime to provide the optimal (read: slick, fast) playing conditions.

Fans will quickly notice the color of the new field. Blue field turf is a common medium for field hockey play in Europe with many top teams using it as their surface. Coach Shannon Hlebichuk reports that, in addition to the bold look, the color also makes the ball easier to see as it moves around the field. In fact, the field design and materials are the same products utilized for field hockey during the 2012 Olympics in London.

The field hockey field is (weather permitting) expected to be completed on July 30. At that point, the sprinkler system will be completed, programmed and tested.

Just across the track, there is more work being done. A similar process is in place for the new soccer/lacrosse fields though they will feature the more traditional green color. In fact, it is the same brand, model and cut of turf as the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in Louisiana, home of Super Bowl XLVII. That turf is scheduled to be laid down on July 29 with an anticipated completion date of August 9.

Finally, each facility will feature upgraded LED scoreboards, similar to what fans have enjoyed at River View Field (home of UMass Lowell softball) for the past couple of years.


July 15 - Scott Donnelly, Marketing

One of the most exciting things about moving into Division I is the increased exposure on a national level that UMass Lowell can now expect to receive. Much of this comes from moving outside of New England and expanding the reach of our program to the rest of the country.

Our coaches have wasted little time in establishing UMass Lowell as a university willing to take on all comers. In addition to a conference slate boasting the likes of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and more, the upcoming fall sports schedules reflect this attitude with perennial powers, Ivy League contenders and big-time BCS brands dotting the calendar.

Field hockey opens the season at home with Big 10 contender Northwestern. Nothing like dipping a toe in the water first! Coach Shannon Hlebichuk's squad will also head to Rutgers later in the season.

The Scarlet Knights aren't the only member of the American Athletic Conference to welcome the River Hawks. Coach Elie Monteiro's women's soccer squad will pay a visit to Cincinnati as will the men's basketball team under Coach Pat Duquette.

Duquette made headlines early on in his tenure by securing a season opening bout with 2013 NCAA Finalist and Big Ten champion Michigan at the newly-renovated Crisler Center in Ann Arbor.

"I think it's great for our players," said Duquette. "We are really excited for the opportunity, especially with Michigan coming off its run in the NCAA Tournament. We have to let everyone in our program know that this is what Division I is like."

Not to be outdone, the women's program will take on a slew of recognizable names in their inaugural season in America East. Coach Sarah Behn has booked dates with Midwest foes Oklahoma State and Nebraska as well as 17-time conference champion Old Dominion.

Closer to home, the River Hawks have several dates (home and away) with the Ivy League. Harvard, Yale and Brown will all visit Lowell over the course of the year with Columbia, Penn and Dartmouth also on tap on the road. With hockey headed
to Princeton in November, only Cornell remains off the docket.

Quite a challenge ahead as UMass Lowell jumps in with both feet for its first year in Division I. With a higher profile (and a few wins), these early games will grow the university's brand and continue to broaden its horizons in terms of recruiting and future scheduling.

Go River Hawks!


July 8 - Brad Navis, Facilities

Photo Gallery (courtesy of Bob Ellis)

We have a host of projects going on this summer as the North Campus athletic facilities get a face-lift in anticipation of the 2013-2014 school year.

While the turf field work is ongoing, I am happy to report that the gymnasium floor in Costello Athletic Center is now open for business once again.

Work began on Tuesday, June 4 as the floor was completely sanded to remove the old finish and paint. Two coats of finish went down first and then the contractor repainted the entire floor with blue as the primary color (instead of red).

In addition, the logo at center court will now feature the more familiar logo (see right) and the letter on the baselines has been updated. Less dramatic court maintenance was also done to the auxiliary gym floor.

Drying time took approximately two weeks, but the court is ready to go. You will notice something missing....the America East logo. We expect that stencil later and it will be applied in early August to complete the job.

In addition to the court, the red stripe and red flooring throughout the building will be replaced by blue as the summer wears on.


July 1 - Rowdy the River Hawk, Mascot

It's official! My friends and I at UMass Lowell are officially a part of America East. Another day at the office for this bird, but what a thrill to come home to this special gift from some good friends!