BEVERLY, Mass. – Over the last few weeks, our programs have effectively used different communication platforms to get the most out of their time despite being apart. Here are some of the ways that our programs have stayed connected.  

Aside from communicating via text and email, Zoom conferencing has proved to be an extremely effective resource for our student-athletes and their respective programs, as it has done so for many others outside of Endicott.

Some examples of the way our programs are using Zoom effectively include holding team meetings and individual meetings, having guest speakers weigh in on a variety of mental health and team-building topics, sharing meals together, coming together for game nights, team workouts, and weekly meditation, to name a few.

All of this programming has raised the spirits of our coaches and student-athletes alike. 

"We have successfully been able to use Zoom to stay connected as a team and check in with each other through these crazy times," said women's lacrosse senior Samantha Jones (Franklin, Mass.). "We use Zoom every week to continue our team meditation with Gail Cantor which has been great, giving us a little time out of our day to relax and reflect on everything that has been happening. Staying connected to one another has helped keep mentality strong and remind everyone that we are always a family, on and off the field." 

"I've really enjoyed our team meetings on Zoom," said Endicott head baseball head coach Bryan Haley. "These virtual meetings have given us all the opportunity to see each other's faces and to share some much-needed laughs together. I'm always energized and in better spirits after we meet together as a team."

The consistency and connection that video conferencing has given our programs have been key in trying to create a new normal. It also has shown everyone that the Endicott Community is here for one another while remote learning is taking place. 

"Zoom has been very important in these crazy times, it is a way for our team to stay connected and still feel like we are together. My favorite thing about Zoom is being able to see all my teammate's smiles and knowing that we're all still there for each other, said women's lacrosse junior Gabriella Prisco  (West Haven, Conn.)

"Zoom has given our tennis programs a consistent way to stay connected, which has been imperative for our well-being during the pandemic," said Endicott men's and women's tennis head coach Anthony D'Angelo.

It's oftentimes the best part of their day as women's lacrosse head coach Maureen Spellman eluded too. 

"Zoom is helping me stay connected with my team and see them on a daily basis. The best part of my day is sharing a meal with them, catching up, and discussing our lives and our new normal," said Spellman. 

Many of the athletic department's programs like the women's lacrosse team have also reached out and had video calls and check-ins with alumni, as well.  

These Zoom conferences have also helped the athletic teams and the entire athletic department continue to develop and further their already established work on culture, leadership, and mental health.

"Video conferencing has been a fantastic tool for our team and coaches to stay connected," said Endicott men's lacrosse head coach Eric Hagarty "Although physical distancing can be a challenge, we feel it's critical to maintain and build culture regardless of circumstance. To see each other regularly, check-in, have a lot of support, and also some accountability has been fantastic."

Just this past Monday, the entire athletic department had a Zoom conference meeting with Founder and CEO of "The Program" Eric Kapitulik. The conference covered such topics as leadership, setting appropriate goals, and how to build a strong team culture.  

The Athletic Department's L.E.A.D program will also have the ability to meet with Kapitulik next week as he will host the same conference that he gave our staff. 

Not only has our department used Zoom, but they have also used different platforms to make playlists for each other, and also to share videos and photos of each other to keep spirits high during these uncertain times.

Overall, throughout this pandemic, the Endicott Athletic Department has stayed in constant communication with one another on how to best move forward with the new normal that is in the athletics community right now.  

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(Photo Credit - Endicott Men's Soccer)