Tag: Department of Athletics

                                                                                               We are #ThePowerinBroward

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern Athletics has officially launched The Power in Broward campaign, a new era that celebrates the program’s rise as one of the premier powerhouses in NCAA Division II while uniting the community under a single identity. 

“Last year, Shark County united our community and put us on the national stage,” said Interim Director of Athletics Ryan Romero. “This year, with The Power in Broward, we’re building on that momentum to showcase the strength, pride, and impact of Sharks Athletics right here in Broward County.”

The journey began with #HungryForMore, a mindset that reflected the relentless drive of NSU student-athletes to compete, improve, and set higher standards every year. The next step was #SharkCounty, a campaign that connected NSU to its community and established the Sharks as Broward County’s team. 

Now, after countless national championships, All-Americans, and historic achievements, NSU has evolved into one of the nation’s elite Division II programs. #ThePowerinBroward campaign reflects that transformation. It represents more than athletics. It symbolizes strength, pride, and the bond between the Sharks and the county they represent. 

“This campaign is about more than championships,” said Athletic Communications Coordinator Josh Raphael. “The Power in Broward shows how far we’ve come and who we represent. We started hungry, we built Shark County, and now we stand as Broward’s team with the strength of this community behind us.”

Through The Power in Broward campaign, NSU Athletics continues to build on its championship tradition while embracing its role as Broward’s team. The Sharks are no longer just hungry. They have arrived, and the power is here. 
 

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ORLANDO, Fla. – The National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) and Collegiate Sports Communicators (CSC) announced their 2024-25 award recipients during the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Convention.  

Nova Southeastern Athletics External Operations team, which includes Assistant Athletic Director for External Affairs Robert “Bubba” Baroniel, Manager of Athletic Communications Jon Leatherman, the Coordinator for Revenue Generation, Marketing and Promotions, Kacie John, Athletic Communications Coordinator Joshua Raphael and Graphic Design & Digital Media Coordinator Joe Hausman, was recognized as a national finalist for the NACMA Multiplatform Brand Campaign and Membership Drives awards. NSU Athletics was awarded bronze in both categories.  

“It has been an honor to be named a finalist for two NACMA awards,” said Kacie. “Creating these campaigns and watching them evolve throughout the year has been incredibly fulfilling. Seeing these efforts recognized on a national level is incredibly rewarding.” 

The Multiplatform Brand Campaign’s submission was highlighted by the “Shark County” brand launch in August 2024. “Shark County” is a brand initiative focusing on connecting the Nova Southeastern community with the local Broward County and South Florida areas. 

Kacie added, “The #SharkCounty brand campaign, created by our external operations team, aimed to unite NSU and the local community, along with cementing that Sharks Athletics is an NCAA Division II powerhouse. #SharkCounty was implemented in all marketing, ticketing, and game day collateral throughout the school year, in addition to being shown on t-shirts for every sport and rally towels. To further push the brand identity, each ticket sold for a Sharks Athletic event ended in 954, further cementing the tie with Broward County.” 

In the membership drive category, NSU focused on strengthening relationships with season ticket holders, leading to a 206% increase across season ticket revenue. “We have something special here at NSU. We have an incredible brand of basketball, hosted in one of the best venues across the country,” said Baroniel. It was our team’s goal to capitalize on the moment and generate a significant increase in year two of selling season tickets. Thanks to the effort of our team, and the support of our fans, we were able to bring Shark County together and turn the Rick Case Arena into one of the toughest places to win on the road.” 

Hausman, the Digital Media and Graphic Design Coordinator, was recognized as a finalist for the Graphic Designer of the Year award for NCAA Division II. His portfolio is among the best across all levels of collegiate athletics.  

“I’m honored and proud to be recognized as a finalist for the Graphic Designer of the Year award,” said Hausman. I pride myself on maintaining a high standard when creating content that showcases our incredible student-athletes, coaches, and athletic department.”  

Hausman was awarded the most first place finishes of any individual representing a college or university across all divisions. Hausman was recognized with the best photo of the year, milestone and record graphic, major award and championship graphic, while finishing second in the designer of the year and best of NCAA Division II.  

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Ryan Romero, the Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Operations, has been named the Interim Director of Athletics. Romero has been a part of the Nova Southeastern University Department of Athletics since 2001.

“I am deeply humbled and truly grateful to accept the role of Interim Director of Athletics at Nova Southeastern University. Having been a member of this exceptional department for almost a quarter century, I have seen firsthand the dedication and excellence that define NSU Athletics. With our outstanding administrative team, amazing coaches, and dedicated support staff, I am confident we will continue providing our student-athletes with the resources for success. I sincerely thank our President, Dr. Harry Moon, for this incredible opportunity. I appreciate his trust and look forward to working alongside our talented staff to build upon the proud tradition of Nova Southeastern University Athletics.”

Romero began his career at Nova Southeastern as an assistant coach for the Sharks Baseball program in 2001, where he served on staff for 14 years. During his tenure, the NSU baseball team reached the NCAA South Regional Tournament three times – 2009, 2011, and 2012 – and won at least 30 games in 11 of his 14 seasons as an assistant.

Romero’s passion for collegiate athletics reached beyond coaching, as he was named the Athletic Equipment Manager in 2009. Romero served in that position for five years, before transitioning to administration as the Assistant Director for Athletic Facilities and External Operations in November 2017 to August 2023. Romero was then promoted to Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Operations before being named the Interim Director of Athletics.

During his time as the Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Operations, Romero managed the internal and external operations within NSU’s Athletic Department. His responsibilities encompassed a wide range of aspects, including oversight of Athletic Facilities, as well as the planning and implementation of Athletic Department initiatives.

Romero received his Master of Science degree in General Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in 2015.

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Welcome to Shark County. 

Nova Southeastern University Athletics launches its new brand campaign, #SharkCounty, to not just focus on reaching new goals but cementing the NSU legacy as the Power in Broward. #SharkCounty will connect and engage not only the NSU community but the local Broward and South Florida area.  

“We are proud to announce this exciting brand campaign, which will continue our efforts to strengthen our connection and impact in Broward County. NSU Athletics mission focuses on the balance between academic and athletic excellence, while serving as stewards both on campus and in our community,” said Interim Director of Athletics John Sung. “The “Power in Broward” campaign allows our department and athletic programs to continue striving for greatness across all areas and welcome people in the community to be a part of our Shark Family.”

To kick off the brand campaign, all ticketing collateral for the 2024-2025 school year, will be ending in “954” to convey the #SharkCounty message. Additionally, fans and students will get the chance to collect exclusive Shark County t-shirts at select home games this season. Finally, #SharkCounty will work alongside #HungryForMore to continue demonstrating the standard Shark athletics has created.  

“I’m excited to help launch our new #SharkCounty brand and see it reflected in all facets of the athletics department,” said the Coordinator of Revenue Generation & Marketing & Promotions Kacie John. “Creating this new campaign that’s meaningful to not only our NSU campus but the local Broward community is another step in bringing everyone together and showcasing NSU and the success of our athletic teams. Students and fans will get the chance to represent the brand through exclusive giveaways and through various promotions.”  

#SharkCounty showcases what being a Shark is all about. Defying the odds, overcoming adversity, and winning countless championships has molded NSU into the Power in Broward.  

 

It’s our time, our county. Welcome to #SharkCounty but we’re still #HungryForMore. 

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Robert ‘Bubba’ Baroniel, NSU Baseball alum and Manager of Revenue Generation, has been promoted to the position of Assistant Director of Athletic External Affairs, announced Interim Director of Athletics John Sung.

Roberto Baroniel joined Nova Southeastern University’s athletic department in August of 2021. A graduate of Nova Southeastern University, Baroniel was a four-year student-athlete and served as Chairmen of the NCAA Division II National Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

“I would like to thank John Sung and Dr. Brad Williams, for entrusting me with this amazing opportunity,” said Baroniel. “NSU is an incredibly special place for me and my family. Being in a position to help our department grow and positively impact the student-athlete experience is something that I have been passionate about since my time spent as an NSU student-athlete. I am ready to get things going and continue our mission to achieve more and dream big in providing the best possible experience for our student-athletes.”

Since his arrival, Baroniel has implemented and evolved all aspects of fundraising, marketing, ticketing, and special events for the department. His and his team’s efforts have lead to a 150% increase in corporate partnerships and a 30% growth in special event fundraising, with fan attendance and ticket revenue both rising by 22% in 2023-24. In his new role, Bubba will continue to lead our revenue generation and development efforts.

Prior to NSU, Baroniel served as the Sports Information Director at Lynn University; while having also served in roles focusing budget, equipment, facilities and gameday operations. Baroniel began his career as a Graduate Assistant in Student-Athlete Development at the University of Missouri from 2016-2018; and as an intern in Academic Advising at the University of Miami in 2018-19.

A native of Miami, Fla., Baroniel graduated high school from Belen Jesuit. Him and his wife and NSU alumnae Marissa, reside in Pompano Beach with their two kids, Levi and McKenna.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – John Sung, the Associate Athletic Director for External Operations at Nova Southeastern, has been chosen to serve as the interim Director of Athletics, announces Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, Dr. Brad Williams.

“We are excited for John to join the EMSAA Senior Leadership Team. John’s background and creativity will help us to reach President Hanbury’s vision of connecting our student-athletes and the greater student body to further create “1NSU,” said Dr. Williams.

Sung joined NSU Athletics Department in April 2023 and has elevated the External Operations areas since his arrival. Sung’s focus has been to lead annual giving, fundraising, athletic communications, department revenue generation, sponsorships, ticketing, name, image and likeness, and marketing. Under Sung’s leadership, the Sharks’ Athletic Department implemented season ticketing packages for both men’s and women’s basketball. Following those initiatives, ticket sales increased 40% during the men’s basketball regular season and over 120% during the postseason run. Also, Sung led efforts to develop new fundraising strategies to engage donors, local sponsors and corporate sponsors.

“I would like to thank Dr. Brad Williams, President George Hanbury, and President-Elect Harry Moon for their unwavering support and confidence in my leadership. Their guidance and vision have been instrumental in our accomplishments, and I look forward to working closely with them to further advance our athletic programs,” said Sung. “I am truly honored to step into the interim Director of Athletics role at Nova Southeastern University. Over the past year, we have seen tremendous growth and success.  I am excited to continue this momentum. Our team’s dedication to enhancing the experience for our student-athletes and our community has been inspiring, and I am committed to building on these achievements. Together, we will strive to elevate NSU Athletics to even greater heights.”

Sung joined NSU Athletics Department in April 2023 and has elevated the External Operations areas since his arrival. Sung’s focus has been to lead annual giving, fundraising, athletic communications, department revenue generation, sponsorships, ticketing, name, image and likeness, and marketing. Under Sung’s leadership, the Sharks’ Athletic Department implemented season ticketing packages for both men’s and women’s basketball. Following those initiatives, ticket sales increased 40% during the men’s basketball regular season and over 120% during the postseason run. Also, Sung led efforts to develop new fundraising strategies to engage donors, local sponsors and corporate sponsors.

Sung’s efforts led to growth in all areas of external operations, including a 30% increase in special event fundraising and 45% growth in social media following across all Sharks’ Athletics accounts.

Sung continued, “I want to thank Michael Mominey for his years of service and leadership to the Nova Southeastern University Athletics. He has been instrumental in laying the foundation and building Sharks Athletics into a preeminent athletics department and leaves a lasting legacy. I look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence for Nova Southeastern Athletics.”

Sung serves as the Nova Southeastern Athletics liaison to the Office of Public Relations, Marketing, and Creative Services, university Publications and Marketing, and the United Soccer League (USL) Professional Women’s Soccer team.
Prior to NSU, Sung worked as the Assistant Athletic Director for External Affairs at Carthage College (WI.) from 2021 to 2023, where he led an increase of 135% in annual giving during the 2021-22 academic year. Sung oversaw all crowdfunding campaigns for 28 athletic programs and created the “NEST” nutrition and recovery area for all 870 student-athletes.

Sung began his career as the Assistant Women’s Lacrosse Coach at the University of Michigan, serving in that capacity for five years before taking the Head Women’s Lacrosse Coaching position at Adrian College (MI.). Sung was the Head Coach for Adrian for five seasons, starting the program and built it into a conference championship winning team, claiming the Midwest Women’s Lacrosse Championship in 2011. As head coach, Sung raised over $80,000 for operations, elevating the program’s overall budget. Sung then transitioned to assume the Head Coaching job at Winthrop (SC), guiding the program to a pair of Big South regular season and tournament titles. Sung generated over $150,000 in operating funds for the program. After five seasons at Winthrop, Sung took over the Virgina Tech women’s lacrosse program. Sung left VT as the winningest coach in program history, becoming the first coach to lead Virginia Tech into the NCAA National Tournament. Sung raised over $500,000 for the Virginia Tech women’s lacrosse program, while also overseeing administrative aspects of NCAA regulations, compliance, budget, program marketing, recruiting, community service, alumnae outreach among other tasks.

A native of Troy, Michigan, Sung now resides in Plantation with his wife Tina, has three stepsons; Darek, Devin and Zachary, and a daughter, Abby
 

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – After 24 years of servant leadership, Michael Mominey will be stepping down as the Director of Athletics and Associate Vice President at Nova Southeastern University, effective August 2^nd.  Mominey will be leaving NSU to pursue other opportunities in intercollegiate athletics.

“My time at Nova Southeastern University has been filled with joy, growth, lifelong memories, and opportunity. I want to thank all the administrators, coaches, staff and student-athletes, that I have had the privilege to lead and interact with throughout the years – you truly are my reason WHY. I believe I have received more than I have given.”

During Mominey’ s illustrious career as the Director of Athletics at NSU (2002-2024), the Sharks have won an unprecedented 13 NCAA DII National Championships in seven different sports, all since the programs’ transition into the NCAA in 2002. The athletic program has also won 51 Sunshine State Conference Championships since joining the league in 2004 and has finished in the Top 10 of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Directors Cup three times in the past 10 years, including a seventh-place finish in 2022-23. Mominey was recognized as the 2022-23 NACDA Athletics Director of the Year in June 2024.

From an academic standpoint, Shark student-athletes have outperformed the competition. For the past five academic years, the athletic department GPA has been a 3.40 or higher and during the 22 years of being a member of the NCAA, the departmental GPA has been over a 3.00.

“I am beyond grateful for the opportunities that NSU has afforded me and my family, and I am blessed to have worked with transformational leaders and educators, who have all been part of this journey into building NSU Athletics into a national recognized and preeminent intercollegiate athletic program. “Once a Shark, Always a Shark.”

Mominey began his Nova Southeastern career as the Head Baseball Coach in 2000 and served in that role for 10 seasons, transitioning to solely focus on leading the department in 2010. He accumulated over 300 wins on the field, finished at the time of stepping down as head coach, ranked in the top 10 in NCAA Division II in winning percentage and had three former baseball student-athletes gone on to play at the MLB level.

Nova Southeastern University Athletics thanks Michael Mominey for his two decades of service to the institution and establishing NSU as a preeminent athletics department in NCAA Division II.

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