Shaping the Future: THE HOLY CROSS ATHLETICS STRATEGIC PLAN
To our Crusader family, Since arriving in July 2019, I have quickly come to see what makes Holy Cross such a special place. I am consistently impressed by the pride, passion and resiliency of our extraordinary student-athletes, coaches and staff. I am equally energized by the continuous engagement and investment of our alumni, who ensure that every class of Crusaders has an even better educational experience than the one they now cherish. The totality of the Holy Cross community is powerful, and I am convinced that this group, working together, will continue to have a tremendously positive impact on our student-athletes’ development and success. Consistent with this spirit of conviction, I am excited to introduce this ambitious strategic plan to set a clear vision for the future of Holy Cross Athletics. In developing this plan, we identified aspirational values and clear strategic priorities that are essential to success, now and in the future. Our vision calls us to strive for more – to inspire people to succeed, to achieve a higher level of competitive excellence and to enhance the athletic experience for all student-athletes – and to do so ethically, in ways that promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive community. Our vision also implores us to think differently, to be aggressive and forward-thinking while pursuing our goals in a manner that is financially sustainable for our future. At Holy Cross, we pursue excellence in all that we do. We take great pride in our student-athletes as intellectually curious scholars, fierce competitors, inspirational leaders and exemplary citizens. Athletics has been, and will continue to be, an integral part of the college experience for students, alumni, families and friends. This plan, as outlined, is our roadmap for athletic success. We will act with urgency in our efforts to be great and to achieve more. I encourage all of you to support our endeavors and to be engaged partners as we shape the future of Holy Cross Athletics. Go Cross Go!
Marcus Blossom Director of Athletics
TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from the AD
Our Mission
The Standard of Excellence
Core Tenets
What it Means to be a Crusader
Our Vision
Strategic Priorities
Striving for More Together
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DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS
MISSION STATEMENT
The Department of Athletics is committed to a sustained culture of excellence in academics, athletics and personal development. We embrace Jesuit values and the principle of magis,“striving for more,” as we empower student-athletes to lead a life of purpose.
2021–2026
Holy Cross Athletics Strategic Plan
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THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE ACADEMICS Holy Cross consistently ranks among the top 10 in NCAA Division I for academic progress and graduation success rates. 227 teams have received NCAA Academic Progress Rate Public Recognition Awards since the program started in 2004. Holy Cross has maintained an overall academic progress rate of 99 percent since NCAA reporting started in 2003. The Crusaders have maintained an overall graduation success rate of 98 percent since NCAA reporting started in 1998. The average GPA for student-athletes has been 3.10 or higher for 17-consecutive semesters.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Holy Cross student-athletes selflessly dedicate their time and talents to our local community by volunteering to organizations such as Girls Inc. of Worcester and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Massachusetts. 74 percent of recent graduates are employed full-time, with 14 percent enrolled in graduate school. 74 percent of recent graduates participated in an internship during the course of their college career. 1 in 12 students devotes their spring break to immersion and service projects.
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Holy Cross Athletics Strategic Plan
ATHLETICS The Crusaders have won NCAA championships in both men’s basketball (1947) and baseball (1952), in addition to claiming the NIT title in men’s basketball (1954) and finishing ranked No. 1 in the nation in Division I-AA football (1987). Holy Cross is one of only seven schools to have ever won an NCAA baseball championship, an NCAA men’s basketball championship and an NIT men’s basketball championship, along with California, Michigan, Ohio State, Stanford, UCLA and Virginia. The Crusaders own 45 all-time NCAA Tournament appearances in team sports, in addition to having numerous individual qualifiers in Olympic sports. Holy Cross’ 27 varsity teams have combined to win 59 conference championships. Hundreds of Crusader student-athletes have gone on to play professionally, many at the highest level of their sport, including 2019 NBA champion Malcolm Miller ’15 and Detroit Lion Kalif Raymond ’16.
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DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS
CORE TENETS We are empowered by these shared beliefs that advance our College and its athletics program.
INTEGRITY We uphold the highest ethical standards and are accountable
for our actions. We are guided by Jesuit principles and our work promotes the College’s mission.
COMMUNITY Holy Cross is a living history of men and women for and with others. Teamwork and collaboration are essential to advancing our mission.
URGENCY We are not content with the status quo and will boldly pursue our goals. Our future depends on our present actions.
EXCELLENCE We strive to achieve the highest standards in academics and athletics and to provide an exceptional student-athlete experience.
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Holy Cross Athletics Strategic Plan
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WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A
CRUSADER
"
Being a Crusader to me means having an
unwavering desire to help others. Throughout my time on The Hill, I saw acts like these every day. Whether it was assisting a teammate during a drill at practice, helping a Little with her homework at Big Brothers Big Sisters, or simply holding a door open for a fellow student around campus, examples of these acts of kindness and support are everywhere.
be men and women for and with others, and I believe that Our Jesuit education has taught us to
this is a value engrained in every Crusader. We are challenged to look beyond helping
to better the world for everyone. I am proud to be
ourselves
a Crusader and hope to continue living our mission in everything I do. —Philomena Fitzgerald ’20 field hockey
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Holy Cross Athletics Strategic Plan
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Some of the best years of my life came during my time as a student-athlete on The Hill. Like any college student, I had ups and downs, but every single day, I was blessed by how close the Crusader community really was. I was constantly pushed by my
strive for greatness on and off the field. The togetherness of the
teammates and coaches to
students and faculty allowed me to develop strong communication skills that have set me up for life after Holy Cross. Holy Cross has
put me in the position to excel in whatever career I choose, and words can’t express how grateful I am for my experience and to officially call myself a Holy Cross Crusader Alum. —Domenic Cozier ’20 football
Our present-day definition of a Holy Cross Crusader is one who makes a noble effort to support a cause, to right a wrong or to make a difference. Crusaders strive for greatness in competition, advocate for social justice in the community and serve those in need. We asked several student-athlete alumni to reflect on their experiences at the College and their personal embodiment of these ideals.
"
At Holy Cross, community work was important. Through helping others,
I found my passion in bridging gaps where I found them, whether in race, gender or ethnicity. I learned how to navigate tough spaces and communicate effectively. That is a very important skill to have, especially with everything that’s happening in the world today. —Jehyve Floyd ’19 men’s basketball
"
Being a Crusader means embracing every element of Holy Cross – friendships with classmates and staff members, reverence for campus traditions and unforgettable memories with teammates. It also means learning to
look towards
others first
– understanding the legacy of Crusaders past, appreciating the community of Worcester and sharing my genuine enthusiasm for this fantastic place. For me, Holy Cross was not just a destination, it was a starting point. A remarkable place that showed me a new way of looking at life. A place where living the Jesuit principle of being men and women for and with others carries real meaning and is lived
Being a Crusader is a transformative experience that changes people for the better. every day.
—Kelly Crowley ’20 women’s soccer
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DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS
VISION
To deliver a transformative student-athlete experience driven by competitive success.
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Holy Cross Athletics Strategic Plan
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STRATEGIC PRIORITIES We are embarking on a crusade for change within athletics. To realize our vision, we have identified four strategic priorities:
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PRIO CREATE A HIGHR I T Y PERFORMANCE CULTURE
PRIO ACHIEVE AND SUSTAIN R I T Y COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE
EXTERNAL PRIO INCREASE SUPPORT AND R I T Y COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
PRIO ENHANCE FACILITIES R I T Y FOR EQUITY AND SUCCESS
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PRIO RITY
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1
CREATE A HIGHPERFORMANCE CULTURE The College’s mission promotes the development and care of the whole person. Athletics is an integral part of this educational experience. Our student-athletes’ health, their well-being, their growth as leaders, and their commitment to learning as men and women for and with others is paramount. We are committed to providing an environment that inspires student-athletes to maximize their full potential in mind, body and spirit.
Champion ethical conduct, diversity, equity and inclusion in the athletics culture, distinguishing Holy Cross as an unsurpassed destination for living, learning and service Foster an uncompromising commitment to NCAA rules compliance and accountability by student-athletes, coaches, staff, donors and representatives of athletics interests Conduct a diversity, equity and inclusion review with campus-wide involvement that challenges our community to seek justice in our everyday lives Develop an infrastructure that promotes growth, open dialogue and respect for the views of others Strengthen relationships with students whose passions and interests enrich the college experience outside of athletics
Provide innovative programming that drives studentathletes to excel in all facets of life and prepares them for lives as servant leaders in their communities Develop new Leadership Development Academy through expanded programming with the Office of Academic Services & Learning Resources, the Office of the College Chaplains and the Center for Career Development Recognize and celebrate scholastic achievements and community service by individual student-athletes and teams Connect student-athletes with campus partners to broaden their cultural competency and sense of connection and belonging Sponsor team retreats and evenings of reflection at the Joyce Contemplative Center Foster faith-based team environments with support from the athletics chaplain at practices and competitions
Offer first-class healthcare to address student-athletes’ physical, mental and emotional needs Improve individualized medical care by decreasing the ratio of sports medicine staff to student-athletes Increase accessibility and visibility of mental health support services with broad-based programming
Broaden the scope of strength and conditioning work to provide the safest and most effective sports performance programming Improve individualized training by decreasing the ratio of certified strength coaches to student-athletes Design and implement sport-specific programs that support optimal nutrition, injury prevention and peak performance Invest in sports performance analytics and technologies to outperform competitors
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PRIO RITY
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2
ACHIEVE AND SUSTAIN COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE Holy Cross is consistently recognized as one of the best Catholic and liberal arts colleges in America. Each year, our studentathletes receive public recognition from the NCAA for their exceptional academic successes. We proudly celebrate these accomplishments and consider them part of our identity. Just as we do for academics, we will uphold higher standards for athletic performance. Competing at the highest level contributes to the personal development of our student-athletes. Winning gives us national exposure and is essential to our progress. We must secure the most talented student-athletes, coaches and staff to contend for championships each year and raise our profile even higher.
Recruit, develop and retain quality student-athletes who are academically and athletically competitive Provide additional resources that allow coaches to increase contact with prospects and their families and build relationships established on respect and trust Work collaboratively with admissions to identify and attract outstanding individuals whose talents enrich the geographic, racial, ethnic and social diversity of the student body Engage faculty and other key individuals across campus to showcase the acclaimed academic, pre-professional and certificate programs that set Holy Cross apart from its competitors Win head-to-head recruiting battles against other programs that excel academically and athletically Develop efficient and effective processes to research and recruit transfer student-athletes Be positioned to appropriately respond to Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) legislation as it develops
Recruit, develop and retain successful coaches and staff
Provide salaries that are competitive with both peer programs and programs with which Holy Cross aspires to compete Increase professional development opportunities for coaches and staff Set annual goals for each head coach that include competitive metrics and professional development expectations Expand collaborative opportunities designed for coaches to share best practices, success stories and recruiting strategies Recognize and reward outstanding and milestone staff achievements
Consistently compete for – and win – conference championships and earn NCAA tournament appearances Emphasize the importance of success in basketball to the overall success of all other sports and to the elevation of the College’s profile Become the preeminent basketball and football programs in the Patriot League Assess the programmatic needs of both ice hockey programs, pursuant to the goal of elevating the programs' positions within the national landscape Invest in scholarships for and the operational needs of Olympic sports at conference-peer and/or NCAA-maximum levels to drive sustained success in-conference and throughout the region. Develop and implement operating budgets that are competitive with both peer programs and programs with which Holy Cross aspires to compete Identify all revenue-generating and expense-limiting opportunities within the current department budget to supplement the resources needed to support strategic priorities and new initiatives
Conference Championships and NCAA Tournament Appearances in basketball and football MEN'S BASKETBALL regular-season and conference tournament titles 1977, 1980, 1990, 1993, 1994, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2016
NCAA Tournament berths 1947, 1948, 1950, 1953, 1956, 1977, 1980, 1993, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2016
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL regular-season and conference tournament titles 1984, 1985, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007
NCAA Tournament berths 1985, 1989, 1991, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007
FOOTBALL conference titles 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 2009, 2019
I-AA/FCS Playoff berths* 1983, 2009, 2019 * From 1986-1996, the Patriot League Champion did not participate in the I-AA Playoffs
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PRIO RITY
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3
INCREASE EXTERNAL SUPPORT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT To enhance the athletic experience of our student-athletes, we must maximize external revenue opportunities to secure the resources necessary to support the strategic priorities of this plan. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and fans gather at our athletic events to celebrate our teams and show their pride in the College. Our game day traditions play an integral role in developing connections, continuing relationships and attracting local support. We will explore opportunities to reinvigorate our presence in the community while advancing the Holy Cross brand.
Grow annual athletics giving through the Crusader Athletics Fund and develop a major gift program Create a five-year plan for growing annual support through the Crusader Athletics Fund to $3 million Develop an annual leadership giving program and major gifts program to support the department's strategic needs, including facility projects, scholarship endowments, and coaching and senior leadership positions Examine and refresh the stewardship process Create a benefit structure that encourages the growth of athletics annual giving and the development of a major gift donor pipeline Utilize high-level volunteer councils and committees to cultivate and solicit annual leadership donors and major gift prospects
Develop a digital platform that communicates CAF’s case for support
Cultivate and enhance an invested fan culture
Identify a base of engaged student partners to foster and support a student-driven, student-led fan organization Introduce a reimagined Kid’s Club focused on engaging families, driving attendance and creating fans who bond with Holy Cross early and remain lifelong fans Implement an extended brand strategy and identity that embraces and connects with our extended community Design opportunities that reward those who strongly engage with our programs Implement a faculty/staff program to activate and connect community members with athletic programs Create a Crusader Fan Experience Committee to open dialogue between athletics and Holy Cross alumni, fans and students
Enhance the fan experiences on football, basketball and ice hockey game days Implement versatile and consumer-friendly ticket offerings such as subscription-based models, mini-plans, and mobilefirst solutions Deliver engaging in-game content through videoboards and other forms of technology Offer premium experiences by capitalizing on opportunities for exclusive seating areas and associated benefits Improve food and beverage offerings Restructure the current model of in-person and online merchandise consumption Enhance wireless internet access at Fitton Field and inside the Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex
Engage with local community partners to re-establish Holy Cross Athletics within the fabric of Worcester and Central Massachusetts Partner with local organizations to provide unique communitybased events Retain existing corporate sponsorships while developing new partnerships for increased revenue and community exposure Partner with current and prospective corporate sponsors to foster engaging events for alumni and campus communities Continue collaboration with the City of Worcester and local venues to host regular-season competitions, conference tournaments and NCAA championships
Strengthen the consistency and power of the Holy Cross brand Develop updated brand guidelines for internal and external constituents Manage consistent application of the Holy Cross Athletics brand through internal and external partnerships Finalize the full phase-out of all retired logos and marketing campaigns on campus and throughout the digital community Increase brand reach and recognition through a robust, progressive and innovative social media and marketing strategy Resource and leverage high-quality event broadcasts that can connect fans with Holy Cross regardless of location
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PRIO RITY
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 4
ENHANCE FACILITIES FOR EQUITY AND SUCCESS Our student-athletes need practice and competition venues where they can thrive athletically and capitalize on home team advantages. Developing facilities of the highest quality and standards will strengthen pride in our community and our history. We must enhance and, in some cases, renovate our athletics facilities to continue the progress that began with the construction of the Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex.
Create a plan to address facilities that fall short of providing a quality training and competition environment Create short- and long-term master facility plans that prioritize projects, forecast costs and establish timelines, including, but not limited to:
Initiating a funding plan to build a new softball competition facility
Improving the soccer and lacrosse facility
Resurfacing the field hockey playing surface and outdoor track
Assessing the ice hockey facility pursuant to its capability to aid the department in achieving its competitive goals
Researching the feasibility of replacing grass surfaces with artificial turf surfaces
Revitalize venues to enhance the game day environment
Modernize venues and amenities through the use of updated and evolving technologies, making Holy Cross facilities more appealing to fans, students and recruits Create exclusive viewing areas to promote the connection between fan and team Introduce videoboards at venues to engage with fans through original content and game day programming Develop concessions infrastructure that maximizes fan convenience and service efficiency
Create, upgrade and maintain on-campus spaces that optimize support services Identify and prioritize facility modifications to facilitate team building and student-athlete development, including:
Creating student-athlete lounges and study areas
Renovating and embellishing locker rooms and meeting spaces
Increasing access to nutrition stations with improved food and drink offerings
Reconfiguring office spaces to support mental health and other medical consultations
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STRIVING FOR MORE TOGETHER We are forever grateful to all members of the Holy Cross community who have given generously so that our student-athletes may pursue their dreams. We are especially thankful for those who contributed to this strategic plan, sharing your conviction that Holy Cross Athletics can and will achieve more in the years ahead. We have experienced a challenging time for our College, our country and our world. As we join together again as a community, we are resolute in our quest for excellence in the academic, athletic and personal development of our student-athletes, above all else. Together, we will invigorate our athletics program to create an experience that enriches the lives of our student-athletes and the greater Holy Cross community. This clear, strategic focus and plan, when executed, will transform our athletics programs. We embrace the work we will do in collaboration with our campus partners as the College moves forward with its own comprehensive strategic planning process. We are excited for the road ahead, knowing that our shared vision will have a lasting impact on the lives of the students we serve.
WE ARE TRULY STRONGER TOGETHER.
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