This story appeared in the 2023 President’s Report issue of Onyx Anneau.
Thirty years ago, the trustees and administration of Saint Mary-of-theWoods College (SMWC) bravely shifted the school’s enrollment strategy by establishing scholarship athletic programs.
The purpose? To grow the College and enhance the campus experience for all students.
From 1994 until 2014, SMWC’s Pomeroy Athletics program grew slowly as there was no athletic facility on campus. The program needed a significant boost to truly meet the needs of Woods students. The 2014 opening of the Jeanne Knoerle Sports and Recreation Center was the catalyst to an athletics explosion. Growth began with the addition of women’s volleyball, making it the eighth scholarship sport. One or two teams have been added each year since the 2015 decision to become fully coeducational, doubling the number to 16.
With the growth and success of Pomeroy Athletics, SMWC joined the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in 2021-2022, moving from the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) and becoming part of the River States Conference (RSC). Success was immediate.
Last year, the women’s cross country and softball team won their RSC championships and appeared in NAIA nationals. Women’s volleyball went to the NAIA nationals this fall.
“There is no doubt the Trustees’ vision in the mid-1990s is a reality today. Athletics is a significant factor in driving enrollment growth,” said Brennan Randolph, vice president for enrollment and institutional technology.
In August, the College welcomed a record-breaking incoming class of 252 students. Among those new Pomeroys were 172 student-athletes. Their arrival helped established a historical record of 569 students in the campus program. Today, approximately 50% of campus students are athletes with 290 students on team rosters.
“As the campus population grows, so does the student experience,” said Randolph.
In the fall of 2021, men’s basketball began to play; in the fall of 2022, sprint football made its debut and won the Midwest Sprint Football League Championship. In spring 2023, the men’s volleyball team will take the court for the first time.
“These new sports collectively brought SMWC significantly more students; however, the volume in students also creates a robust experience for all students. The growth of our Pomeroy nation impacts every aspect of the student experience as classrooms are filled and the dining hall is bustling with students. There are more activities for all students across the board, and many things that keep students engaged on campus during the weekends,” said Randolph.
“Athletics growth helps us meet the overall collegiate expectations of prospective students from Indianapolis and Chicago, internationally and even right here in our own Wabash Valley backyard,” he continued.
Today’s Pomeroy athletes represent 29 states, Puerto Rico and 10 countries, as the campus program draws from more geographic and international locations than ever before. This geographic diversity has led to an increase in overall diversity. Persons of color represented 38% of the new students who arrived this fall.
Dee Reed, associate vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, said that she is pleased with the increase in diversity and cultures represented at The Woods. “These visible and intangible changes provide great possibilities for students, faculty and staff.
“There is an opportunity for dialogue and interaction among the student body for students of all races and nationalities to learn about each other and to learn from one another,” Reed said.
The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion partners with the Office of Academic Affairs to conduct workshops and presentations for the faculty about inclusive teaching and belonging. Additionally, they are working with students to provide them with tools that will help create awareness of beliefs and assumptions.
Coaches Ashley and Ian Harris arrived at SMWC in June 2021. Their recruiting efforts have resulted in 48 student-athletes collectively arriving from around the United States and other countries. “We are a family, no matter where you come from,” said Coach Ashley. “The whole team has a sense of belonging, and each has a voice.” Coach Ian has had great success recruiting for the men’s volleyball team internationally. “We intentionally have diverse rosters to reflect the world. Everyone can fit into our family and culture.”
The men’s roster boasts players from seven different states, Puerto Rico and four different countries.
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