As a soon to be graduating senior approaching the conclusion of a four year career as a Geneseo student athlete, I am humbled to sit back and reflect on my amazing time here. Choosing Geneseo to continue my athletic career was without a doubt the best decision I have ever made. On and off the court, my teammates and I have cultivated lifelong friendships and created memories that we will talk about in reunions for years to come.
The most important thing I can reflect upon is that at the start of each year, we were simply teammates competing in the sport we love. By March, however, we became closer than brothers. No matter the situation, I knew I always had a teammate—and more importantly, a friend—there to support me and for that, I am thankful beyond words. The bonds and relationships I have created with teammates and coaches while playing the game I love is something that can never be taken from me. That’s something most college students won’t experience.
I am fortunate enough to have contributed to some great teams that have had tremendous success on the court. To finish in the top third of the league in each of my four seasons and making a trip to the NCAA Division III Tournament as a junior are priceless memories. The endless bus trips all over the state and country were some of the best hours with incredible people that I desperately wish I could experience again.
I remember stepping onto campus four years ago. Even today, I can still feel those nervous and excited emotions. Something that makes being a part of the athletic program here at Geneseo so special is the comfortableness and inclusiveness that teams emphasize to freshman from the very start. This is especially prominent in men’s basketball program.
Making the transition from high school is something that would have been much more difficult for me without my teammates there by my side. As I write this, I reflect on how I changed as a person throughout my four years here. Being a student athlete allowed me to test and shape myself as both a quality leader and as a young man with character and morals preparing to take on the next chapters of my life.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family and friends who have supported me throughout my incredible journey here at Geneseo. I am so thankful for the support of my parents—who drove to each game from Long Island—and for my sister Allison whom I can share these wonderful memories with.
Geneseo is a remarkable place with exceptional students of great talent and character. Leaving this place after graduation is something I am dreading, but all I can do is sit here and smile, be thankful that it happened and reminisce on the wonderful memories I have made. Thank you, Geneseo.