NSU Athletics Sets New Standard with Seventh-Place finish in LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The final standings for the 2022-23 LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup were released on Tuesday afternoon. Following a historic athletics year which featured NCAA Division II National Championships in Women’s Swimming, Men’s Basketball and Men’s Golf, the Nova Southeastern Athletics Department placed seventh overall, marking the highest finish in the department’s history.  

“To be nationally recognized as a top-10 athletic program for this prestigious award is something our entire university and our athletic department can celebrate and take tremendous pride in,” stated Director of Athletics and Associate Vice President for Advancement, Michael Mominey. “In this historic year for NSU Athletics, we certainly have established ourselves as a preeminent athletic program, founded on a mission to provide a first-class experience for our student-athletes.”

Overall, 15 sports are counted in the final standings for the LEARFIELD Directors Cup, four of which must be women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, and baseball. The next 11 highest scoring programs are added to the results.  

Nova Southeastern accumulated 717.50 points – recording 75 in the fall, 289.50 in the winter and 353 in the spring. The seventh-place finish by NSU topped all 11 Sunshine State Conference athletic programs.  

In the fall, women’s soccer totaled 50 points and volleyball added 25. The Sharks jumped to 13th place following the winter sports, after men’s basketball and women’s swimming both earned 100 points by winning their respective NCAA Division II National Championships, women’s basketball contributed 25 points and men’s swimming earned 64.5 points. In the spring, NSU Men’s Golf won the third NCAA Division II National title of the 2022-23 athletic year for the Sharks, earning 100 points, while both Women’s Golf and Women’s Tennis recorded 90 points by finishing as national finalists, Softball recorded 73 points by qualifying for the NCAA Division II Women’s College World Series for the first-time in program history.  

The Sharks also excelled in the classroom, as the department posted a 3.46 grade point average, the highest in NSU Athletics history and marked 26 consecutive semesters of a departmental GPA above 3.00. Mominey added, “Our coaches, staff, and administration continue to lead with passion, energy and a mindset that provides opportunities for our student-athletes to be successful in the classroom, in the community and on the fields of play.”

About LEARFIELD 

 LEARFIELD is a media, data, and technology services leader in intercollegiate athletics. The company unlocks the value of college sports for brands and fans through an omnichannel platform with innovative content and commerce solutions. LEARFIELD services include licensing and collegiate sports properties’ multimedia sponsorship management; publishing, audio, digital and social media; data analytics and insights; ticketing software; and ticket sales, premium seating, and fundraising services; branding; campus-wide business and sponsorship development. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for NACDA’s acclaimed LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup, recognizing athletic departments across all divisions. 

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Jordan Fee Steps Down to Join Gannon University as Head Coach

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Jordan Fee, the Associate Head Coach of the Nova Southeastern Men’s Basketball program, will step down from his role and take the Head Coach position at Gannon University (PA.). Fee has been on the coaching staff at NSU since the 2015 season and served under Head Men’s Basketball Coach Jim Crutchfield since 2017.  

“Jordan has been the foundation of NSU Basketball since I came aboard six years ago,” stated Crutchfield. “I consider Jordan to be the top assistant coach, in college basketball, at any level. He has not only been a great coach, but also a great friend to me in my tenure here at Nova Southeastern. I wish him the greatest success, until we meet up in the National Championship game.” 

Fee has been instrumental in the success for the Sharks over the last five seasons, helping guide the program to three Sunshine State Conference regular season titles (2018-19, 2021-22, 2022-23), two SSC Tournament Championships (2021-22, 2022-23), three NCAA South Region Titles (2018-19, 2021-22, 2022-23) and became the sixth-team in NCAA Division II history to finish as undefeated national champions in 2022-23, as the Sharks went 36-0 during the campaign.  

“I’m so incredibly thankful and grateful for the last eight years at NSU, we set out to change a program and culture, and we accomplished that goal. To the Administration at Nova Southeastern, Coach Crutchfield, Coach Tuell and Coach Kiffin, thank you for taking a chance on me and allowing me to be a Shark,” said Fee. “It has been an honor to work alongside such great coaches, staff and student-athletes throughout my time at NSU. To our alumni, support staff, colleagues, faculty, families, Sharkettes, and all of Shark Nation, thank you for everything; I will miss you all!” 

During his tenure, Fee established himself as one of the top assistant coaches and recruiters in NCAA Division II, coaching several All-Conference student-athletes, seven All-Americans, and two Players of the Year. Since the 2015-16 season, Fee and the Sharks have accumulated a record of 153-57.  

Fee will take over the Gannon Golden Knights Men’s Basketball team beginning in the 2023-24 season.  

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NSU Athletics Announces the Hiring of John Sung

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla – Nova Southeastern Athletics is proud to welcome John Sung as the Associate Athletic Director for External Operations, announces Director of Athletics and Associate Vice President for Advancement, Michael Mominey. Sung joins the Sharks athletic department after two years at Carthage (WI.), where he served as the Assistant Athletic Director for External Affairs.

Sung will oversee external operations at Nova Southeastern, which includes Athletic Communications, in addition to Marketing and Promotions.

“I am excited to welcome John Sung to the Shark Family,” stated Mominey. “John will be an integral part of our senior leadership team and he will be working on a day-to-day basis with a team of very talented individuals within our department.”

Sung brings 20 years of intercollegiate experience to the Nova Southeastern Athletics Department and oversaw several projects while at Carthage. During his time at Carthage, Sung was instrumental in the creation of the Nutrition, Exercise Science and Treatment (NEST) Recovery Room, increased annual giving by 135%, improved the student section at Tarble Arena, and contributed to fundraising campaigns for all 28 athletic programs. In addition to his role as the Assistant Athletic Director, Sung also led the Carthage Women’s Lacrosse team.

“It is truly an honor to join the Nova Southeastern Athletics family. I am grateful to Michael Mominey, Danielle Daniel, Rachel Fineberg, and the entire search committee to be a part of such an elite athletics department,” said Sung. “I’m impressed by the outstanding coaches, staff, and student-athletes, who are consistently competing for conference and national championships.”

Sung has worked within athletic departments at all levels of the NCAA, having served as the Head Women’s Lacrosse coach at Adrian (MI.) (2007-11), Winthrop (SC.) (2011-16), and Virginia Tech (2016-21). Sung is the winningest women’s lacrosse coach at Virginia Tech, going 45-39 for the Hokies and also assisted in raising over $500,000 for operational funding.

Sung continued, “I’m thrilled to be at the ground level of launching our newest sports, Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, and with our strong academic profile, paired with elite athletic facilities, I know I can continue to add to Nova Southeastern’s rich athletic history.”

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Six Weeks, Six Stops, and Six Limited-Edition NSU Giveaways – Hungry for More Scavenger Hunt 2023

The Nova Southeastern Athletic Department is proud to announce the Hungry for More Scavenger Hunt starting on February 6, 2023. This exciting activity is open to all NSU faculty, staff, and students.

NSU is thrilled to offer an engaging way to bring the community together. Participants are invited to stop by select local sponsors as they are featured for one week at a time from February 6, 2023 – March 13, 2023, to pick up limited-edition Sharks gear and special promotions and discounts from select sponsors.

Week #1 – Playa Bowls (2471 S. University Dr. Davie, Fla. 33324)
February 6, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

  • 50% off any item for NSU students
  • NSU Beach Towel

Week #2 – Off the Wall Social (9130 W. State Rd. 84, Davie, Fla. 33324)
February 13, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

  • Timecard allows them to play in the Arcade area in Social/Game Zone all video games except for price games.
  • NSU Blanket

Week #3 – Jersey Mike’s Subs (5840 S. University Dr. Unit 104, Davie, Fla. 33328)
February 20, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

  • NSU Bucket Hat 

Week #4 – Courtyard By Marriott (7780 SW. Sixth St. Plantation, Fla. 33324)
February 27, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

  • NSU Socks 

Week #5 – Kovac Automotive (2770 Davie Rd. Davie, Fla. 33324)
March 6, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

  • NSU Visors 

Week #6 – Lime Fresh Mexican Grill (801 S. University Dr., Davie, Fla. 33324)
March 13, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

  • Free Taco card with one lucky winner of a LIME $10 Gift Card
  • NSU Water Bottle 

NSU Athletics encourages scavenger hunt participants to follow along to learn more about the amazing giveaways! Each week limited-edition NSU gear will be announced weekly via Instagram for the following Monday’s location and giveaway.

Upon arrival at each business, NSU Students must connect with the attending NSU Athletics staff member and let them know they are there to participate in the Hungry for More Scavenger Hunt by showing their NSU Shark card or event pass.

Please keep in mind that the limited-edition gear is only available on a first-come-first-serve basis and there is a limit of one item per participant each week.

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Nova Southeastern Athletics Hosts 37th Annual Scholarship Golf Classic Presented by DELL

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Hosted at Grande Oaks Golf Club, the 37th Annual Nova Southeastern University Scholarship Golf Classic, Presented by DELL took place on Monday, April 4. The proceeds from the Scholarship Golf Classic directly impact NSU student-athletes by way of scholarships and academic support.
 
To view a full photo gallery of the 37th Annual NSU Scholarship Golf Classic, Presented by DELL, CLICK HERE

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“I am humbled and honored by the generosity of our sponsors and supporters of NSU Athletics,” said Director of Athletics/Associate Vice President for Advancement Michael Mominey. “The Golf Classic has been a long-standing tradition for the university and certainly is our signature event celebrating and supporting our student-athletes. An event such as this is an affirmation of what truly defines our One Shark Family.”
 
The support and success of the Scholarship Golf Classic is essential to the sustainable success of NSU’s NCAA Division II athletic program. Nova Southeastern currently sponsors 16 teams, as well as the Sharkettes spirit squad. The Sharks have captured eight NCAA Team National Championships, 27 Individual NCAA National Championships, and 41 Sunshine State Conference Championships.

NSU student-athletes live out the core values and mission of the university by realizing their potential on and off the field. In addition to athletic accomplishments, they are driven to perform at the highest level in academics. As a result, NSU Athletics has achieved a collective departmental GPA of 3.0 or higher for the past 19 consecutive years, and for the past five years has achieved a 3.20 GPA or higher including a department-wide GPA of 3.44 this past fall.  
 
Nova Southeastern would like to thank its “Title Sponsor” – DELL, its “Mako Sponsors” – C. Davis Electric and Truist, its “Event Sponsors” – MS Cable & Wire Installations, Grycon and Encompass, as well as a multitude of corporate sponsors including OAI Visual Branding, JWR Construction Services, Gallo Herbert Architects, Kovac Automotive, Eddie DiMiglio Collisoin Experts, Kibler Construction, the Lafferty Family, IST Management, Chartwells, Barnes & Noble, BSN Sports, Pantropic Power, CSPi Technology Solutions, Juniper, Rubrik, Hill York, DEX Imaging, City Electric, Juneau Construction Company, Fortinet, NSU University Advancement, Foreman Cook Group at Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Moss & Associates, Lighting Dynamics, South Dade Lighting, TK Elevator and the McDonald Family Foundation.

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COVID UPDATE

In order to add an extra layer of protection against community spread of the COVID Omnicron virus, and with an abundance of caution, Nova Southeastern will be requiring face masks in all NSU indoor and outdoor facilities, regardless of vaccination status. 

For more information, visit this link

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Support the Sharks this Giving Tuesday

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Fourty-one years ago, then-Nova Southeastern President Abraham S. Fischler, and the Board of Trustees, set out to establish a sports program. Today, after what began as a single men’s basketball team, has grown in a 16-sport, NCAA Division II powerhouse.

Since the inception of the athletic programs, Nova Southeastern has won eight NCAA National Championships, 38 Sunshine State Conference Championships, one Peach Belt Conference title, and 30 Florida Sun Conference Championships. NSU Athletics has also seen over 200 student-athletes earn All-American honors.

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of philanthropy. Today marks the annual celebration of #GivingTuesday, and you have your opportunity to contribute to the next generation of Sharks success at Nova Southeastern University.

On this day of giving, make a gift to help us continue our mission to be one of the most successful intercollegiate athletic programs in the country. We would like to invite you to become a part of our team by joining the Shark Club, a program that was recently redesigned to focus on offering experienced-based benefits.

Your donation to the Shark Club directly impacts the lives and collegiate experiences of more than 300 student-athletes participating on 16-varsity teams, in addition to the Sharkettes Dance Team. The ability of our programs to continue, and build upon their successes, relies on contributions from alumni and friends like you. Your support is our strength, and together we can continue the tradition of NSU Shark Athletics excellence.

To make your donation and support Nova Southeastern student-athletes, click here and see below for more information on the benefits on the Shark Club. Thank you for your contribution and Go Sharks!

Shark Club Benefits

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NSU Hosts Inaugural Sharks Sporting Clay Tournament

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Hosted at the South Florida Shooting Club, Nova Southeastern’s inaugural Sharks Sporting Clay Tournament, presented by JD Backhoe, Inc., was successfully held on Fri., Oct. 29 in Palm City, Fla.

In its first year, the Sharks Sporting Clay Tournament delivered on a unique experience that maintained the excitement and fun that defines the tradition of NSU Athletics Special Events. Overall, the tournament brought in over 90 participants and generated an impactful amount in funds to benefit student-athlete scholarships and academic support.

To view a full photo gallery of the inaugural Sharks Sporting Clay Tournament, presented by JD Backhoe, Inc., please CLICK HERE.
 

Jeff Dixon from JD Backhoe

“Thank you to everyone who participated and made our inaugural event a special one,” said NSU Director of Athletics and Associate Vice President of Advancement Michael Mominey. “The success of our fundraising events truly lies within the passion and purpose that our generous donors and supporters continue to demonstrate. We look forward to continuing the tradition of having first-class events that are fun, but most importantly, directly benefit and impact the experience our student athletes.”

The support of Sharks Athletics’ special events is essential to the sustainable success of NSU’s NCAA Division II athletic department. NSU currently sponsors 16 athletic programs, as well as the Sharkettes spirit squad. The Sharks have captured eight NCAA team national championships, 23 NCAA individual national championships, and 37 Sunshine State Conference titles.
 
NSU student-athletes live out the core values and mission of the university by realizing their potential on and off the field. In addition to their athletic accomplishments, they are driven to perform at the highest level in academics. As a result, NSU Athletics has achieved a collective departmental GPA of 3.0 or higher for 19 consecutive years, and for the past nine years, has achieved a 3.15 GPA or higher.
 
NSU would like to thank its “Title Sponsor” – J.D. Backhoe, Inc., its “Golf Cart Sponsor” – C. Davis Electric, its “Breakfast Sponsor” – The Lafferty Family, its “Lunch Sponsor” – Brasfield & Gorrie, and its “Gift Sponsor” – City Electric Supply.
 
 
 
 

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NSU Athletics Postpones Induction of 2021 Hall of Fame Class

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – As a precautionary measure in regards to the health and safety of all parties involved, Nova Southeastern Athletics has postponed the induction of its 2021 Hall of Fame class.

The restrictions and limitations forced upon by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic ultimately played a vital role in the difficult move, as well as the commitment to preserve the integrity and quality of this important celebration of the rich history of NSU athletic excellence.

The event is expected to be rescheduled for November of 2022.

“Unfortunately, we needed to make the difficult decision to postpone this signature event,” said NSU Director of Athletics Michael Mominey. “Given the nature and the significance of the Athletics Hall of Fame, we felt it was in the best interest of all parties to wait until we can appropriately celebrate the 2021 class.”

Originally announced back in August, the 2021 Hall of Fame class includes men’s swimmer Esau Simpson, women’s basketball player Danielle Robinson-Pratt, women’s golfer Abbey Gittings, rower Lauren Boudreau, and the inaugural men’s and women’s swimming coach Hollie Bonewit-Cron.

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NSU Athletics Announces Reorganization

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. –  With sights set on immediate success now and into the foreseeable future, Nova Southeastern Director of Athletics Michael Mominey has announced the restructuring of his Senior Staff team, along with additional administrative hires.

“I believe change lends to opportunity and opportunity leads to growth,” Mominey expressed. “The opportunity in this case involves resetting our organizational structure, which will position the athletic department for continued success now and well into the future.  I am certainly proud of the culture of success that we have built in a student-centered way, but what I am most excited about is the promise we have made for the future.”

Coupled with the recent announcement of Mominey’s new expanded role as Associate Vice President of Advancement, the reorganization of the department will allow for an improved streamline of operations, create organizational efficiencies, provide opportunities for young professionals to grow, and ultimately provide a platform for continued growth and success.

Mominey added: “Our mission is to provide a first-class experience for our student-athletes through participation in a highly competitive athletic program. To me, this starts with putting your leaders in the best position to be successful in order to provide that experience for your student-athletes. With this organizational restructure, we did just that.”

The new Senior Staff with new duties will be comprised of the following individuals:
 
Tony Vecchione, Deputy Director of Athletics – The former general manager of the Arena at the Don Taft University Center, now more commonly known as the Rick Case Arena, from 2006-11, Vecchione returns to NSU as the new Deputy Director of Athletics after spending the past six years in the same role at NCAA Division I Manhattan College. Vecchione will oversee all external operations, including Athletic Communications, Athletic Facilities and Operations, in addition to Marketing and Promotions, and serve as the sport administrator for both baseball and men’s basketball.

Danielle Daniel, Associate Athletic Director for Sport Administration/Internal Operations/Business Services – Entering her third year within the department, Daniel will remain in her role as Associate Athletic Director for Sport Administration, Internal Operations and Business Services. She will now oversee the Sports Performance and Sports Medicine departments, as well as new Human Resources and Business Coordinator, Stephanie Ponce. Daniel’s sport administration duties now include men’s golf, men’s and women’s swimming, women’s soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball.  

Rachel Fineberg, Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services and Student-Athlete Support/Senior Woman Administrator/Title IX Coordinator – Beginning her fourth year as a member of NSU athletics, Fineberg has been promoted to Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services and Student-Athlete Support. She will maintain her additional positions as Senior Woman Administrator and Title IX Coordinator, while officially becoming oversight of the Compliance department as well. Fineberg will act as sport administrator for men’s soccer, women’s basketball and women’s golf.

Dustin Gatens, Assistant Athletic Director for Sport Medicine – A former Head Athletic Trainer for the Sharks as recently as 2017, Gatens returns to the department as the new Assistant Athletic Director for Sport Medicine. He will oversee NSU’s five additional athletic trainers and will work directly with the men’s soccer and tennis programs. Gatens originally joined the department back in 2006.

Yashiva Edwards, Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and NCAA Rules Education/Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designation – Adding to her role in Compliance, Edwards has been appointed as the NSU Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee (ADID). Edwards will serve as the program’s primary contact and conduit for diversity and inclusion-related information pertaining to national, local and campus-level issues. In the ADID role, Edwards will serve as the primary contact for information related to initiatives, programming and resources from the NCAA, specifically from diversity-related committees and the office of inclusion, and may include scholarship and grant opportunities, professional development opportunities, as well as national trends and their impact on student-athletes. Edwards will also act as the sport administrator for cross country and track & field. She was initially hired to the NSU staff in the fall of 2019.

Additional administrative promotions and hires welcomed to the Shark family:

Jameson Carter, Manager of Athletic Communications – Carter will lead the athletic communications department, which will include oversight of digital media, branding and graphic design. He will continue his sport coverage of men’s basketball, men’s and women’s golf, and men’s and women’s soccer, while adding both softball and tennis into the mix. Carter has been with the Sharks since 2016 and has continued to be a valuable member of the staff.  

Jon Leatherman, Athletic Communications Coordinator –- NSU welcomes Leatherman after spending nearly three years as the Manager of Athletic Communications at nearby St. Thomas (Fla.), where he oversaw 25 varsity teams. Leatherman was named the 2019-20 Sun Conference Sports Information Director of the Year and has previously worked with the Miami Marlins and Major League Baseball. With the Sharks, he will provide sport coverage for baseball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s swimming, men’s and women’s track & field, women’s basketball and volleyball.

Robert Baroniel, Revenue Generation and Business Development Coordinator – A four-year pitcher for the NSU baseball program from 2012-15, Baroniel was the most recent hire within the department. His new role as Revenue Generation and Business Development Coordinator is a brand-new position to the department, and will work in direct correlation with Manager of Marketing & Promotions, Abbie Lawson. Baroniel most recently spent two-plus years with Lynn athletics.

Stephanie Ponce, Human Resources and Business Coordinator – Ponce is an NSU alumni and brings over 10 years of experience in Employee Relations across non-profit and educational institutions. Most recently, she served in NSU’s Office of Residential Life and Housing (ORLH) and managed hiring for all residential communities and daily operations of the main housing office. This role was instrumental in fostering relationships, collaborating with campus partners and supporting leadership in revenue generation.  Her level of professionalism and dedication to staff and students has made a lasting impression in Student Affairs. She will be working closely with Daniel in providing our employees and athletes with the best NSU experience.

For all updates related to Sharks athletics, please visit NSUSharks.com.
 

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