Athletics

December 9, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Launches Online Master of Arts in Sport Management Degree

Belmont Abbey College Launches Online Master of Arts in Sport Management Degree

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Belmont, N.C. (December 9, 2024) – Today, Belmont Abbey College announces the launch of its online Master of Arts (MA) in Sport Management degree, one of the few of its kind in North Carolina. Designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the dynamic field of sports management, the college will welcome its inaugural cohort in Fall 2025.

Students will develop essential leadership and management skills to excel in executive roles within sports teams, leagues, and organizations while learning to build powerful brands, engage fans, and drive sustainable revenue growth through innovative marketing and digital strategies. In addition, they will receive exclusive access to networking opportunities with industry leaders and professionals. Grounded in Catholic and Benedictine traditions, the program emphasizes the cultivation of character, virtue, and sound business principles, preparing graduates to navigate and influence the evolving landscape of contemporary sports.

“After an extensive career successfully leading sports medicine, sports representation, and sports business companies on a national and international level, as well as personal experience as a world-class athlete and coach, I know that Dr. Trey Cunningham and the faculty teaching in our new master’s degree program in sports management have the knowledge, experience, and industry relationships to give our students the very best opportunity to succeed in the world of sports management,” said Dr. Bill Thierfelder president of Belmont Abbey College.

Dr. Thierfelder underscores the distinctive approach the Abbey takes toward sports, stating, “At Belmont Abbey College, we believe that sport is a means for developing both world-class performance and virtue. It is about the development of the whole person in body, mind, and soul. Sport builds and strengthens virtue, character, and leadership, ensuring the best outcomes on and off the ‘field of play.’ This applies to athletes, coaches, directors, GMs, and owners. The launch of our MA in Sport Management reflects our commitment to helping shape professional men and women into outstanding ethical leaders who will transform the world of sport.” To ensure that sport is properly directed, our Master’s students will participate in a course titled Sport and Virtue. In this class, they will explore the connection between sports and the cultivation of virtue, gaining a deeper understanding of ethical leadership and integrity in sports management.

The online format of the program allows for flexibility, making it accessible to a diverse range of students, including working professionals and those seeking to advance their careers in the sports industry. The curriculum will cover essential topics such as sports marketing, event management, and strategic leadership in sports, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the sports business landscape.

“We are thrilled to offer this rigorous program, which reflects our commitment to providing a holistic education that meets the ever-changing needs of today’s students,” said Joe Wysocki, Provost of Belmont Abbey College. “The MA in Sport Management will prepare graduates to take on leadership roles in various sectors of the sports industry, from professional teams to community organizations.”

According to Dr. Trey Cunningham, Program Director of the MA in Sport Management at Belmont Abbey College, “This program offers a unique opportunity for students to gain industry knowledge while balancing personal and professional commitments. We aim to develop graduates who are not only skilled in sports management but also grounded in ethical leadership, ready to make a positive impact in the sports industry and their communities.”

The college tailored the MA in Sport Management for working professionals, offering an affordable, flexible, and fully online format. Students can complete the program in as little as 12 months, with the convenience of asynchronous learning. Students will prepare themselves for various careers, including Sport Operations Manager, Athletic Director, Youth Sport Program Director, Athletic Sports Information Director, and Sponsorship Coordinator, among others. For more information about this program, click here.

Belmont Abbey College is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2025 semester while the Master of Arts in Sport Management awaits final approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Apply here.

Press Inquiry Contact:

Sarah Bolton, Belmont Abbey College, sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.

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February 7, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Check out the latest Conversatio episode, where Dr. Julia Beeman and Coach Toni Fox are joined by student-athletes Ella and Anna for a conversation about the significance of National Girls and Women in Sports Day.

Listen now!

September 18, 2023 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Celebrates the Largest Total Enrollment in Over a Decade

Belmont Abbey College Celebrates the Largest Total Enrollment in Over a Decade

For Immediate Release – Belmont, N.C. (September 18, 2023) – Today Belmont Abbey College announces its largest total enrollment in over a decade and the fourth highest total enrollment in college history. Cumulating at a total of 1,654 enrolled students, this includes the traditional undergraduate, online undergraduate, dual-enrolled, non-degree seeking, and graduate populations. The private, Catholic, liberal arts institution reports a 9.5% increase in total student enrollment compared to fall 2022. This growth comes despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic and a decrease incollege enrollment among high school students nationwide in recent years. Growth extends to graduate studies as the college launches four new graduate programs in 2023 and welcomes those inaugural student cohorts.

Classes began on August 21st, and Belmont Abbey College welcomed 397 first-time degree seeking students. Julie Fleming, Director of Admissions at Belmont Abbey College, expresses her enthusiasm about the new class. “We have a special community at Belmont Abbey, and we are passionate about finding new students that support the mission and values of this institution. This new class of students is incredibly talented, and I know that they will use their skills, talents, and abilities to make a positive impact on campus and on society at large,” Fleming said.

The fall 2023 first-time, first-year degree cohort comes to Belmont Abbey with an impressive academic record and strong ties to leadership, athletics, and civic engagement. Results from a survey of the incoming class reveal that 85% participated in athletics with 75% serving as team captains. Additionally, 44% participated in community service work including local park and river clean up and working with children and youth at summer camps. Lastly, 29% are members of National Honor Societies and almost one quarter of the incoming students report being the first in their families to attend a four-year college. These qualities are a reflection of the college’s core values to welcome a diverse student body. “We are thrilled to welcome this dynamic class of individuals and we look forward to building relationships with them over their four years here. We know that with mentorship from our faculty and spiritual guidance from Campus ministry, the monastic community, and campus leaders, these students will develop into strong advocates and leaders that will make the world a better place,” says Dr. Travis Feezell, Provost at Belmont Abbey College.

Ranked #3 in Undergraduate Teaching in the South by U.S. News & World Report, the college consistently holds a top position in this category due to the holistic teaching approach that relies on exceptional faculty. Also ranked #17 in Best Value Schools in the South, Belmont Abbey is committed to making quality, private education affordable for all students. These new students are coming to Belmont Abbey during a time of exceptional growth. The college recently added new Undergraduate and Graduate programs, 4+1 pathway options for students, and enhancements to its dual enrollment programs. The campus community recently celebrated the opening of the newly renovated Wittenberg-Shevchenko Microbiology Lab, made possible through the generosity of Dr. Peter and Betty-Ann Wittenberg. Construction on two new residence halls and the Dining Hall are nearing completion, and a new astro turf sports complex is expected to open on campus in 2024. For more information on these initiatives, visit our website at www.bac.edu/.

About Belmont Abbey College: Founded in 1876, Belmont Abbey College is a private, Catholic baccalaureate and liberal arts institution. Our mission is to educate students in the liberal arts and sciences so that in all things God may be glorified. Guided by the Catholic intellectual tradition and the Benedictine spirit of prayer and learning, we welcome a diverse body of students and provide them with an education that will enable them to lead lives of integrity, to succeed professionally, to become responsible citizens, and to be a blessing to themselves and to others. Our beautiful and historic campus is conveniently located just 10 miles west of Charlotte, N.C., and is currently home to more than 1500 students. For more information, visit
https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/.

Download the press release.

August 31, 2023 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Honors Dr. Peter and Betty Ann Wittenberg with Dedication Ceremony For Renovated Microbiology Lab

Belmont Abbey College Honors Dr. Peter and Betty Ann Wittenberg with Dedication Ceremony For Renovated Microbiology Lab

Belmont, N.C. (August 29, 2023) – Belmont Abbey College celebrated the dedication ceremony for the newly renovated Wittenberg-Shevchenko Microbiology Lab on Tuesday, August 29th, 2023. The lab was named in honor of Dr. Peter and Betty Ann Wittenberg for their extraordinary leadership and generosity that will help continue the tradition of excellence in the sciences.

Peter and Betty Ann have been longtime friends of the monastic community and college, with interests in the science field as a retired pathologist and nurse, respectively. Thanks to their generous support, the funds to renovate the microbiology lab was made possible. During the ceremony, Peter shared that this investment was a personal one, “The Benedictines educated me and I wanted to use this money on something good, to have an impact on the future of these kids. The way the sisters took me in and taught me English, I wanted to do something for the future of this generation.”

The newly renovated microbiology lab will serve many purposes among faculty and students and will ensure improved student experience and academic success. The lab will provide students with the opportunity to conduct research and experiments in a state-of-the-art facility, allowing them to gain hands-on experience and develop their skills in the field of microbiology.

Dr. Heather Ayala, Chair and Associate Professor of Biology and Biochemistry at Belmont Abbey College, expressed her gratitude for the Wittenberg’s contribution, stating, “We are so grateful for the generous gift by the Wittenbergs. This lab will allow us to expand our current Microbiology offerings as well as help us to support our growing nursing program. The new facilities will help us continue to provide our students with skills and hands-on experience that will prepare them for careers in the sciences and health sciences.”

The dedication ceremony was attended by members of the Belmont Abbey College community, including faculty, staff, and students. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a tour of the newly renovated lab.

Belmont Abbey College has a long-standing tradition of excellence in the sciences, and the newly renovated microbiology lab will help continue this tradition. The lab will provide students with the resources they need to succeed in their academic pursuits and prepare them for careers in the sciences.

About Belmont Abbey College: Founded in 1876, Belmont Abbey College is a private, Catholic baccalaureate and liberal arts institution. Our mission is to educate students in the liberal arts and sciences so that in all things God may be glorified. Guided by the Catholic intellectual tradition and the Benedictine spirit of prayer and learning, we welcome a diverse body of students and provide them with an education that will enable them to lead lives of integrity, to succeed professionally, to become responsible citizens, and to be a blessing to themselves and to others. Our beautiful and historic campus is conveniently located just 10 miles west of Charlotte, N.C., and is currently home to more than 1500 students. For more information, visit https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/.

Download the press release.

August 22, 2023 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Announces Inductees for Dr. Michael P. Reidy Athletics Hall of Fame

Belmont Abbey College Announces Inductees for Dr. Michael P. Reidy Athletics Hall of Fame

Belmont, N.C. (August 22, 2023) – Belmont Abbey College announces the induction of three exceptional individuals and one remarkable team into the Dr. Michael P. Reidy Athletics Hall of Fame this fall. On September 23, 2023, the Belmont Abbey community will gather to honor and induct the following into the Hall of Fame:

1989 Men’s Soccer Team
Frank Zinke ’69
Theresa Breslin ’09
William Collins ’66

The Dr. Michael P. Reidy Athletics Hall of Fame celebrates excellence and outstanding achievements within Belmont Abbey College’s Athletics program. Vice President and Director of Athletics, Stephen Miss, highlights the importance of recognizing these inductees for their personification of ‘The Abbey Way’ and their impact on the college. “The evening of Saturday, September 23rd will be a momentous occasion, providing us an opportunity to Raise the Red collectively in honor of some of Belmont Abbey College’s finest! These Crusaders’ induction in the Dr. Michael P. Reidy Athletics Hall of Fame serves as a recognition and reminder – not only of their outstanding athletic achievements on fields and courts of competition but also of their tremendous professional and personal accomplishments and contributions, which are attributable, in part, to the holistic formation and development of body, mind, and soul afforded all those blessed to receive a Belmont Abbey College education.”

The 1989 Men’s Soccer Team went 20-4 and was undefeated in both Conference Carolinas and District 26 regular season play, rising as high as #7 in the National polls. They also claimed the Area VIII Championship, advancing to the 12 team National Tournament Finals – the first school from North Carolina to break through qualifying since the 1966 Abbey Hall of Fame team. Dozens of honors followed, including: National Coach of the Year, 3 All Americans, an Academic All American, 6 All-South, 7 All Conference & All District performers, as well as the 2 time District & Conference Player of the Year, and the National Tournament MVP-Goalkeeper. Their remarkable achievements on the field were instrumental in defining Belmont Abbey College as an elite soccer program.

Frank Zinke, one of the leading scorers in basketball history at the Abbey, demonstrated exceptional talent and work ethic throughout his athletic career. Zinke’s field goal percentage placed him among the greatest college players of his time, being ranked first and second in the nation in his junior and senior years. His basketball achievements, alongside his off-court involvement and well-known humor and kindness, make him a true role model as a student-athlete who exemplified the mission of Belmont Abbey College.

Theresa (Nolan) Breslin, a standout athlete from the class of ’09, consistently displayed exceptional skill as a three-time All-American on the Women’s Lacrosse team. A member of the team since its inception, Breslin served as team captain before graduating from the Abbey cum laude. She now practices her unwavering commitment to excellence as an attorney of the Florida and Illinois bar and strongly supports the Abbey’s lacrosse program.

William “Bill” Collins, a distinguished student-athlete from the class of ’66, left an indelible mark on the Abbey’s baseball program. He was a member of the 1966 team that won the District 26 Regional Championship and produced the first winning season (18-12) since Belmont Abbey reinstated the program after World War II. A two-time Team MVP, Collins won the Marty Thomas Award in 1966 and earned District 26 First Team All-Regional honors that year. A faithful supporter of the baseball program, Collins’ talent and dedication show the essence of a Belmont Abbey Crusader.

These individuals and team have significantly contributed to the thriving culture of athletic excellence and virtue at Belmont Abbey College, and this induction ceremony honors their contributions to their respective programs and Abbey Athletics.

Download the press release.