Miami Athletics Annual Report 2008-09
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University of
Mission Statement The University of Miami’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is dedicated to developing and supporting its student-athletes in their efforts to achieve personal, academic and athletic excellence; resulting in the highest standards of achievement. Through its programs, the department will provide a foundation which prepares student-athletes for future success. We are committed to: • Providing a culture of well-being for student-athletes and staff • Complying with the rules and policies of all governing bodies and the University of Miami • Conducting ourselves as representatives of the University, its Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends with integrity, class and distinction • Supporting the mission of the University of Miami • Fiscal Integrity • Providing the opportunity and resources for student-athletes to achieve excellence through growth and development academically and athletically • Developing leaders in their fields and in their community • Providing equitable opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability or veteran status
Our Core Values are: • Integrity • Sportsmanship • Accountability • Pride • Diversity • Education • Professional Conduct • Ethics
In my first year as the Director of Athletics at the University of Miami, I was both amazed and impressed at the commitment and desire of our student-athletes, coaches and staff to achieve success in all aspects of life. I was equally impressed with the unyielding support our fans, alumni and donors have shown our program. Needless to say, it was truly a memorable 2008-09 season. This is the first University of Miami Athletics Annual Report, a yearly account intended to provide you, our stakeholders a unique look into our UM family. This report is a detailed, 40-page account of our 2008-09 season – in the classroom, in the community and in athletic competition. Inside you’ll find a comprehensive look into our athletic department, including teamby-team reports from this past season as well as inspiring stories of some of our impressive student-athletes. The 2008-09 season saw a number of student-athletes, coaches and teams at UM achieve success on the national stage. Two head coaches – Paige Yaroshuk-Tews (women’s tennis) and Nicole Lantagne Welch (volleyball) – were named ACC Coach of Year after stellar seasons on the court. Our student-athletes earned a total of 15 All-America honors this past year, while junior Laura Vallverdu reached the NCAA singles final in women’s tennis and senior track star Murielle Ahoure won the 200-meter event at the NCAA Indoor National Championship. For as much athletic success as our teams had this past season, there is an exceptional amount of time and effort our Hurricane family puts forth outside the lines. In the classroom, our football team achieved the seventh-highest Academic Progress Report score in the country and graduated an impressive 14 student-athletes, a mark we believe was the highest in the country. Five of our teams achieved a perfect Graduation Success Rate (GSR) score last year and for the second season in a row, Jack McClinton was the only ACC basketball player to be named to both the All-ACC First Team and the All-ACC Academic Team. In addition to the hard work our student-athletes put forth in the classroom, our commitment as an athletic department to give back to the South Florida community was something I take a great amount of pride in. That undertaking was surely evident this past year, when our student-athletes, coaches and staff spent countless hours taking part in a number of community outreach programs. One of the most important endeavors in my first year was the establishment of a master plan for major facilities improvements at the University of Miami. The construction of a basketball practice facility on campus was recently completed as well as a number of other upgrades including Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field, the Neil Schiff Tennis Center and Cobb Stadium. Our football team’s move into Land Shark Stadium was highlighted by the induction of a new Ring of Honor class, as we welcomed Hurricane greats Edgerrin James, Jim Kelly, Cortez Kennedy, Jim Otto and Gino Torretta into the prestigious class of UM football stars. For as rich as our history is here at UM, progress is an important part of our development as an athletic department. Going forward, this annual report will provide you with a detailed year-by-year summary of how we as a department are growing, improving and thriving. On behalf of the entire Hurricane family, we appreciate all that you do for us. Our success wouldn’t be possible without your steadfast loyalty and support. We look forward to another exciting year together in 2009-10.
Go Canes! Kirby Hocutt, Director of Athletics
University of
Miami Athletics
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Dear stakeholders and friends,
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University of
Miami Athletics
Throughout the year, the University of Miami’s student-athletes have achieved the highest standards of excellence in both the classroom and in competition. The following is a list of recent
Points of Pride that we want to share with all of our stakeholders. Our student-athletes, coaches and staff thank you for your continued support. According to the Division I 2008 Graduation Success Rate, the NCAA’s method of determining academic progress, University of Miami student-athletes achieved an overall score of 81%. That same report showed 13 of UM’s 14 sports achieving at least a 70% score with five teams having a perfect 100% mark.
The 2008 football team had 14 graduates on the roster, which we believe to be the most of any school in the nation. In 2007, the UM football team had 12 graduates participate.
In 2009, the Miami Hurricanes football team achieved the nation’s 7th highest Academic Progress Rate (APR), exceeded only by Stanford, Air Force, Duke, Rutgers, Rice and Navy. The Hurricanes also had a top 10 finish in the APR in 2007 and 2008.
For the second year in a row, Jack McClinton was the only ACC basketball player to be named to the All-ACC First Team and the All-ACC Academic Team. Jack was also named the 2009 Skip Prosser Award recipient, given to the top scholar-athlete in ACC men’s basketball.
UM’s football and men’s basketball teams each have an APR score that is at least 30 points higher than the national average.
UM women student-athletes have a cumulative grade point average of 3.11. Their Spring 2009 semester GPA was 3.19. For the fourth consecutive year, the UM soccer team has been named as a National Soccer Coaches Association of America College Team Academic Award Winner. Ten of 18 sports earned a 3.0 or higher grade point average in the 2009 Spring semester. In the 2009 Pro Bowl, UM was represented by seven former players—the most of any university. A league-high 46 former Hurricanes were on NFL rosters to begin the 2008 season. UM also had the most players on NFL rosters to have already earned their college degrees (32).
Senior sprinter Murielle Ahoure ran this season’s fastest time in the world in the indoor 200-meter dash (22.80 seconds) and the fifth fastest indoor 60-meter time (7.17 seconds). Murielle won both events at the ACC Indoor Meet and claimed the 200-meter national title at the NCAA Indoor Championships. She also won the 100-meter and 200-meter titles at the ACC Outdoor Meet and the East Regionals. She was named the USTFCCCA South Region Track Athlete of the Year for both the indoor and outdoor seasons. Senior diver Reuben Ross was named the 2009 ACC Men’s Swimming and Diving Scholar Athlete of the Year. Reuben, who finished his career as a seven-time All-American, was also named to the All-ACC First Team and the All-ACC Academic Team.
University of
Miami Athletics
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In the five years that Frank Haith has been head basketball coach, 19 of 20 seniors have earned their degrees.
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Academic Achievements
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Football graduates (L to R) Demetri Stewart, Chris Barney, Spencer Adkins and Eric Houston.
Former NCAA Tennis Singles Champion Audra Cohen throws up the “U� at graduation. Cohen, who turned professional after three collegiate seasons, returned to UM to finish her degree.
Rowing grads (L to R) Olivia Arkell, Marleena Eyre, Laura Cordner and Rachael Sporko.
Seniors from various sports gather for one last picture at Lake Osceola.
Over the last five years, UM student-athletes have averaged at least a 2.84 Grade Point Average (GPA) each semester. In Fall 2008, UM had a 2.88 GPA. In the Spring of 2009, the athletes had a collective 2.89 Grade Point Average, the highest spring semester mark in school history. Student-Athletes were named ACC Scholar Athletes of the Year in three sports—Jack McClinton in men’s basketball, Reuben Ross in men’s swimming and diving and Laura Vallverdu in women’s tennis. Eleven of 18 teams earned at least a 3.0 semester GPA in Spring 2009. The Athletic Department had an 81% Graduation Success Rate (GSR) for all student-athletes in 2008. Thirteen of 14 teams achieved a 70% or higher 2008 Graduation Success Rate (GSR). Five teams had a perfect 100% score on the GSR – women’s basketball, golf, men’s track, men’s diving and women’s tennis. Football and men’s basketball both achieved a 70% GSR, placing them in 18th place out of at least 65 teams among the major athletic conferences.
Football achieved the 7th highest 2009 NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR) with a score of 977, improving from 8th place in 2008 and 10th place in 2007. In ranking 7th, only Stanford, Air Force, Duke, Rutgers, Rice and Navy finished ahead of Miami. The APRs of football, men’s swimming and diving, men’s cross country, men’s indoor track and men’s outdoor track ranked in the 90th to 100th percentile within their sports nationally. Volleyball ranked in the 80th to 90th percentile within its sport nationally. Football and men’s basketball scored at least 30 points higher than the national average in the APR (football: 977 to 946, men’s basketball: 964 to 933). Baseball was 24 points higher than the national APR average (970 to 946). Fourteen of 18 teams exceed the APR national average. Thirty-one students were named to All-ACC Academic Teams, an award given for having a semester and career Grade Point Averages of at least 3.0. In 2008-09, the football team had 14 players on the roster that had already received their undergraduate degrees, a number we believe to be the most of any NCAA Division I team.
Miami Athletics
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University of
Academic Achievements
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Baseball
Highlights
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HEAD COACH JIM MORRIS Won his 700th game at Miami when the Hurricanes defeated the Florida Gators 2-1 on February 28.
CHRIS HERNANDEZ Sophomore starter led the team in wins (7) and strikeouts (93).
KYLE BELLAMY Junior closer was named a First Team All-American by Baseball America in 2009.
YASMANI GRANDAL Sophomore catcher led UM and was among the ACC leaders with 14 home runs.
SCOTT LAWSON Junior second baseman led the ‘Canes in hits (75), doubles (21) and stolen bases (10).
On February 13, Alex Rodriguez Park was formally dedicated. Reached postseason play for the 37th straight year, the longest postseason streak in the history of collegiate sports. For the 39th straight year, won at least 30 games. In the season opener against Rutgers on February 20, head coach Jim Morris won the 1,200th Division I game of his career. He won his 700th game at Miami when the Hurricanes defeated the Florida Gators 2-1 on February 28. The team was ranked as high as No. 2 and was in the top 20 all season. Reliever Kyle Bellamy earned numerous first team AllAmerica honors and was named All-ACC First Team. Second baseman Scott Lawson, catcher Yasmani Grandal and pitcher Chris Hernandez earned All-ACC Second Team honors. Bellamy was also named a finalist for the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award and a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, the Dick Howser Award and the College Baseball Foundation National Pitcher of the Year Award.
Reached postseason play for the fourth time in five years advancing to the second round of the NIT. The team set a school record for three point field goals making 251 on the year. The Hurricanes played on network television a school record 13 times. Miami’s 27-point win over No. 6/7 Wake Forest on February 4 was the largest margin of victory over a ranked opponent in school history. It was also the biggest margin of victory over an ACC opponent. The Hurricanes played five games against teams that were ranked number one sometime during the season. Jack McClinton was selected First Team All-ACC for the second straight year and Academic All-ACC for the third consecutive time. Wrapped up his Hurricane career as the ACC’s all-time leader in three-point field goal percentage (.440). Led the ACC averaging 3.2 made threepoint shots per game. Finished his career as UM’s alltime leader in three point field goals (286) and career three-point field goal percentage (.440).
McClinton was the recipient of the ACC’s Skip Prosser Award as the top basketball scholar-athlete and was one of six ACC athletes selected as winners of the Weaver-James-Corrigan Award which also recognizes scholarship and athletic accomplishment. Adrian Thomas was chosen as the winner of the ACC’s Bob Bradley Spirit and Courage Award given to a male or female basketball student-athlete who has overcome significant injury, illness or adversity to become a valuable contributor to his or her team. McClinton was drafted in the second round by the San Antonio Spurs, becoming the 17th Hurricane basketball player and the fourth since 2002 to be selected in the NBA Draft.
HEAD COACH FRANK HAITH Has the most postseason wins in Miami basketball history.
JACK McCLINTON Senior guard tapped into Iron Arrow in 2009.
Men’s Basketball
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Highlights
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ADRIAN THOMAS Junior forward received the ACC’s Bob Bradley Spirit and Courage Award.
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Women’s Basketball
Highlights Head coach Katie Meier won her 50th game at UM when the Hurricanes defeated Virginia Tech 59-56 in Blacksburg on February 12. Shenise Johnson was named to the All-ACC Rookie Team and earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors. She led all ACC freshmen in points (12.8), free throw percentage (.825), steals (2.66) and assist/turnover ratio (1.3). Johnson was one of 12 players selected to the USA U19 team which won the Gold Medal at the Women’s World Basketball Championship in Bangkok, Thailand.
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HEAD COACH KATIE MEIER Won her 50th game at UM in 2009.
SHENISE JOHNSON Freshman guard/forward led the 2009 U19 World Championship Team to a Gold Medal in Bangkok, Thailand.
The women’s team won the Greentree Invitational on September 6 as Emma Steppe was the third collegiate runner to finish the race. The men’s team won the UCF Invitational on September 13 with Ryan Woodlee claiming the overall individual title. The men’s team posted a perfect 1000 in the Academic Progress Report.
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DIRECTOR OF TRACK AND FIELD/CROSS COUNTRY AMY DEEM One of just six women to run both the men’s and women’s programs at the Division I level.
EMMA STEPPE Sophomore was the Hurricanes’ top finisher in three races last fall.
The 2008 men’s and women’s cross country teams.
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Cross Country
Highlights
RYAN WOODLEE Senior was the overall individual champion at the UCF Invitational in Orlando.
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Football
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HEAD COACH RANDY SHANNON
SEAN SPENCE Freshman linebacker was selected 2008 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Highlights The team made its 34th bowl appearance playing the University of California in the Emerald Bowl. The Miami-Florida game on September 6 recorded a 5.0 rating which was the third most-watched college football game ever on ESPN. The Emerald Bowl recorded its highest rating ever, 4.63, which was the second highest rated bowl game of the season. Linebacker Sean Spence was named the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. Spence, Marcus Forston, Marcus Robinson and Travis Benjamin earned Freshman All-America honors. Benjamin led the ACC in punt returns with an 11.3 average.
TRAVIS BENJAMIN Wide receiver named a 2008 Rivals.com Freshman All-American.
MATT BOSHER Sophomore kicker selected 2008 Lou Groza Award Semifinalist, Jack Harding Team MVP and Second Team All-ACC.
Matt Bosher was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award and named Second Team All-ACC. Jake Byrne was named a semifinalist for the Draddy Award, the academic Heisman. The team ranked 8th in the 2008 Academic Progress Report and improved that ranking to 7th in the 2009 report. Xavier Shannon, LaRon Byrd and Brandon Harris were named to the All-ACC Academic Team. Antonio Dixon was one of six recipients of the Wilma Rudolph Achievement Award given out by college academic advisors to honor student-athletes who have persevered and made significant personal strides toward success.
MARCUS FORSTON Defensive tackle selected to 2008 College Football News.com, Rivals.com and FWAA Freshman All-American teams.
MARCUS ROBINSON Defensive end chosen to the 2008 College Football News.com Freshman All-American team.
The team won the largest collegiate women’s golf tournament capturing the title at the 43-team Edwin Watts/Kiawah Island Classic on February 24. Sophomore Maria Ronderos recorded four top-20 finishes and three top-10 finishes, while ranking in the top 25 in the ACC in stroke average. Sophomore Christina Hirano tallied three top-20 finishes and one top-10 finish. Her sixth- place finish at the Edwin Watts/Palmetto Intercollegiate tied for the best on the team. Freshman Jennifer Hirano recorded three top-20 finishes and one top-10 finish. She ranked in the top 25 in the ACC in stroke average. Maria Ronderos was named to the 2009 All-ACC Academic Team.
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Golf
Highlights
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(L to R): Brooke Stuart, Christina Hirano, Jennifer Hirano, Head Coach Lela Cannon, BegonĂĄ Sarabia, Anabelle Paulino, Maria Ronderos
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Rowing
Highlights
14 LAURA CORDNER Senior was two-time All-ACC Academic Team honoree.
The Varsity Eight crew finished third at the 2009 ACC Championships.
EMILY WINGROVE Sophomore named to 2009 All-ACC Academic Team.
Finished third at the ACC meet, matching the highest finish in school history. Laura Cordner and Emily Wingrove were named to the All-ACC Team. Opened the spring season with wins over Big East power Connecticut, Rochester and Dowling College. Varsity Eight crew defeated the Brazilian National Team at the Windermere Cup/Opening Day Regatta in Seattle, Wash. Rachael Sporko was named to the 2009 Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) All-South Region Second Team. Rachael Sporko, Laura Cordner, Allyson Hodgkins, Sarah Medland, Monika Sajincic and Emily Wingrove earned All-ACC Academic Team honors. Laura Cordner and Emily Wingrove earned back-to-back All-ACC Academic Team honors. Monika Sajincic was tabbed a CRCA scholar-athlete.
Recorded 10 wins for the fourth time in program history. Reached the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season. The defense posted the best goals against average in school history, giving up less than a goal per game (0.88). Freshman goalkeeper Vikki Alonzo set a school record with 11 shutouts. Alonso was named Third-Team Freshman All-America by Soccer Buzz. Five team members—Corynn Carino, Brittney Macdonald, Julianne Rickers, Lauren Singer and Brittney Steinbruch—were named to the All-ACC Academic Team.
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Soccer
Highlights
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HEAD COACH TRICIA TALIAFERRO Has led the Hurricanes to the NCAA Tournament two consecutive seasons.
BRITTNEY MACDONALD Sophomore defender was named to the ACC All-Academic Team for the second time.
BRITTNEY STEINBRUCH Sophomore foward led the Hurricanes in scoring for the second-straight season.
VIKKI ALONZO Freshman goalkeeper set the school record with 11 shutouts in 2009.
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Swimming and Diving
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REUBEN ROSS Senior claimed three All-America diving honors at the 2009 NCAA Championships.
BRITTANY VIOLA Junior named ACC Championships Most Valuable Diver.
Highlights The team had 10 dual meet victories for the first time since the 1995-96 season. UM swimmers turned in seven school-record performances at the ACC Championships. (Britta Boesing in 200 yard breaststroke and 100 yard backstroke, Deidre Novotny in the 200 yard backstroke, Dana Hatic in the 100 yard breaststroke, 400 and 200 medley relay teams and 800 yard freestyle relay team). Reuben Ross won the 1-meter, 3-meter and platform titles at the ACC Championships. Named the ACC Championships Most Valuable Male Diver and the ACC Male Diver of the Year. He also earned All-America status in all three events at the NCAA Championships. Ross collected a bronze medal with partner Alexandre
BRITTA BOESING Senior was a part of five school-record breaking performances in 2009.
JENNA DREYER Senior earned 2009 All-America honors in the 1-meter.
Despatie representing Canada on the synchronized 3-meter springboard at the FINA World Championships in Rome. Brittany Viola won the 1-meter and platform events at the ACC Championships and was named the meet’s Most Valuable Female Diver. Viola was named to the USA World Championships team at the FINA World Championships. Swimmer Annika Saarnak competed for Estonia at the FINA World Championships. Jenna Dreyer finished second in the 1-meter and 3-meter events at the ACC Championships. She earned All-America status with an 8th place finish in the 1-meter at the NCAA Championships.
HEAD SWIMMING COACH CHRISTIE SHEFCHUNAS
HEAD DIVING COACH RANDY ABLEMAN
Made its fourth straight postseason appearance. Defeated the Florida Gators in Gainesville to win Regional play and advance to the Sweet 16 in College Station, Tex. Finished the year ranked 19th. Compiled a UM record tying 9-2 win-loss mark in ACC play. For the fourth consecutive year, senior Daniel Vallverdu was selected to compete in the NCAA Tennis Singles Championships. He finished the 2009 season ranked 13th among singles players. Daniel Vallverdu and Carl Sundberg were selected to the All-ACC Team. Carl Sundberg had a team best 9-1 mark in ACC play. Ignacio Taboada recorded 23 wins to become just the 9th player in program history to win 20 or more matches in their freshman year. Sophomore Keith Crowley finished the 2009 season with a 23-9 record in dual matches.
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Men’s Tennis
Highlights
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HEAD COACH MARIO RINCON (R) with ASST. COACH C.J. WEBER
DANIEL VALLVERDU Senior was program’s first five-time All-American.
CARL SUNDBERG Sophomore selected to All-ACC Team.
KEITH CROWLEY Sophomore posted team-best 23-9 singles record in 2009.
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Women’s Tennis
Highlights
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HEAD COACH PAIGE YAROSHUK-TEWS 2009 ACC Coach of the Year.
BIANCA EICHKORN Sophomore advanced to the NCAA Singles Sweet 16.
JULIA COHEN Sophomore was an NCAA Singles Semifinalist.
LAURA VALLVERDU Junior finished runner-up in the NCAA Singles Championship.
Reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament. Bianca Eichkorn, Julia Cohen and Laura Vallverdu were among the final 16 players in the NCAA Singles Championship. Cohen advanced to the semifinals and Vallverdu reached the Championship match. Ended the regular season with a 21-3 record, the best mark since 1984. Head Coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews won the 150th match of her career with a win over North Carolina on March 20. Ranked as high as No. 5 in the nation and finished seventh. Won the regular season ACC title and advanced to the conference title match. Paige Yaroshuk-Tews was honored as the ACC Coach of the Year. Four players—Julia Cohen, Bianca Eichkorn, Michaela Kissell and Laura Vallverdu—were named to the All-ACC Team. Had a school-record four players selected to the NCAA Singles/Doubles Championships—Julia Cohen, Bianca Eichkorn, Michaela Kissell and Laura Vallverdu in singles, and the doubles team of Kissell and Vallverdu.
Senior Murielle Ahoure won the 200 meter event at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in a time of 22.80 seconds and earned All-America honors in both the 60 and 200 meter events. Ahoure won the 60 and 200 meter dashes at the ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships. Ahoure set a school record in the indoor 60 meter dash with a time of 7.17 seconds. Ahoure won the 100 and 200 meter events at the ACC Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Ahoure was named the ACC Indoor Track Performer of the Year and the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association South Region Performer of the Year. At the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, sophomore Ti’erra Brown was the runner-up in the 400meter hurdles, earning All-America honors. Katharine Woodard set a new school record in the 3,000 meter steeplechase with a time of 12:08:78. Junior Cory Nelms won the 60-meter hurdles at the ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships. Junior Mikese Morse set a new school record in the indoor long jump with a mark of 7.90 meters.
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Track and Field
Highlights
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DIRECTOR OF TRACK AND FIELD/CROSS COUNTRY AMY DEEM One of just six women to run both the men’s and women’s programs at the Division I level.
MURIELLE AHOURE Senior won the 200-meter NCAA Indoor National Championship in 2009.
TI’ERRA BROWN Sophomore was the runner-up in the 400-meter hurdles at the NCAA Championships.
KATHARINE WOODARD Sophomore set the school record in the steeplechase in 2009.
MIKESE MORSE Junior set a new school record in the indoor long jump.
CORY NELMS Junior was the ACC Champion in the indoor 60-meter hurdles.
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Volleyball
Highlights
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CASSIE LOESSBERG Junior libero is UM’s all-time singleseason digs leader.
GENNY MAYHEW Junior outside hitter was selected to the 2008 All-ACC Second Team.
HEAD COACH NICOLE LANTAGNE WELCH 2008 ACC Coach of the Year and AVCA East Region Coach of the Year.
ANGELICA ELLIS Senior middle blocker was named 2008 AVCA East Region All-America Honorable Mention.
LANE CARICO Freshman outside hitter earned 2008 ACC Freshman of the Year and 2008 AVCA East Region Freshman of the Year honors.
Completed the best season since joining the ACC, finishing in a tie for third place. Won 26 matches on the year, including 13 straight to start the season. Won three tournaments during the year—Century Tel Premier, the Hurricane Invitational and the Asics/CocaCola Invitational—to tie a school record. Cassie Loessberg set a new individual single-season digs record (554), breaking her own mark set in 2007. Head coach Nicole Lantagne Welch won her 150th career match when the team defeated NC State on November 21. Lantagne Welch was named ACC Coach of the Year and AVCA East Region Coach of the Year. Lane Carico was chosen the ACC Rookie of the Year, selected to the All-ACC Freshman Team and earned a spot on the All-ACC Academic Team. Carico, Angelica Ellis and Genny Mayhew were named to the All-ACC Second Team.
His sophomore season he was known as one of the top
Then as a junior, Bellamy turned in arguably the best
set-up men in college baseball. A year later, he was feared
season of any reliever in the nation. Among the national
by opponents and recognized by nearly every national pub-
leaders with 16 saves, Bellamy went 3-1 with a miniscule
lication as the top closer in the country. All of that almost
0.97 ERA, allowing just five earned runs while striking out
never happened.
63 in 46 1/3 innings. His performance would earn him
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Baseball
Almost never happened
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First Team All-America honors by Baseball America, the Using the traditional over-the-top delivery when he came to UM the fall of 2006 as a recruited walk-on, Kyle Bellamy – a Davie native and graduate of Cypress Bay
NCBWA and Rivals.com. Then on June 10, Bellamy was selected in the fifth round of the 2009 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox.
High School – was nearly cut twice by pitching coach J.D. Arteaga. But Arteaga couldn’t pull the trigger.
Persistence and hard work surely paid off. In looking back on a career that almost wasn’t, Bellamy is appreciative.
That decision turned out more than beneficial for both sides. But it wasn’t until Arteaga saw Bellamy experi-
“I didn’t know how close I was to getting cut until J.D. told
menting with his now famous side-winding delivery that
me last year,” said Bellamy. “I pretty much owe my base-
the move would prove to be the right choice. The towering
ball career to him for keeping me. I’m pretty sure he’s
6-foot-5 Bellamy spent the next year honing his new
thanking himself for making that decision, too.”
delivery and after an impressive summer in the New York Collegiate Baseball League, returned to Coral Gables and his resume since speaks for itself. As a sophomore, Bellamy went 6-0 with a 1.86 ERA as the set-up man to an eventual first-round draft choice.
Coach Jim Morris is equally grateful for Bellamy’s career. “We didn’t have any idea that he was going to turn out like this,” Morris said. “But neither did anybody else. I sure am thankful he wanted to be a Hurricane and we stuck with him.”
KYLE BELLAMY Was among the NCAA’s leaders with 16 saves in 2009.
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Men’s Basketball
Working class The hard work never ends, just ask Jack McClinton.
be perfect, but you can keep preparing yourself. Be prepared or prepare to fail. That’s how I look at it.”
Miami’s first two-time First Team All-ACC selection – and 22
arguably the best Hurricanes basketball player since Rick
Often overshadowed and considered undersized coming up
Barry’s heyday, this Baltimore native has already wrapped
through the basketball ranks – from high school to prep
up his collegiate career as the ACC’s all-time most accu-
school, from Siena to the ACC and the University of
rate three-point shooter.
Miami, McClinton has taken the long road to success, spending countless hours in the gym along the way.
But the work is far from over as McClinton makes his way to the gym everyday, regardless of where he is, in
“I was always picked last because people thought I was
preparation for professional basketball.
small,” said the 6-1 guard. “But that has motivated me, and since then I always try to prove the doubters wrong
“I’ve done this my whole life,” said McClinton. “That’s just
whenever I step onto the court.”
who I am – always working to be perfect. I know you can’t After leading the team in scoring for three-straight seasons, getting tapped into Iron Arrow – the highest honor attainable at the University of Miami – and winning the men’s three-point contest at the 21st Annual College Slam Dunk and Three Point Championships as a final exclamation point to his storied collegiate career, McClinton will tell you there’s more to do, more to accomplish. And so he heads back to work. JACK McCLINTON Also excelled in academics and was honored at graduation. (Shown with President Donna E. Shalala).
Expectations are high for any McDonald’s All-American.
Championship Team. As one of the 12 players selected to
But all too often those expectations are too much for a
compete for this elite team in Bangkok, Thailand,
college freshman to bear.
Johnson returned home with a gold medal. The UM representative averaged nearly 10 points per game in the
That is not the case with Shenise Johnson. The Rochester, N.Y. native led her high school team to three-
nine-game tournament as she became the first Hurricane in program history to represent the United States.
straight state championships and came to Miami with a winning attitude. “I love Miami and I want to get UM women’s basketball on the map,” said Johnson. “I’ll do whatever it takes.” The freshman phenom did not disappoint. All she did was lead the Hurricanes in every single major statistical category including points, rebounds, assists and steals. She also led the team to a four-game improvement in the win column. In addition to being named the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Week on three occasions, Johnson was chosen All-ACC Honorable Mention and to the ACC AllFreshman Team. This summer, she had the opportunity to represent her country as a member of the USA Under-19 World
SHENISE JOHNSON Led the Hurricanes in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals in 2009.
Women’s Basketball
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Whatever it takes
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Football
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Growing up At 6-foot-3 and 322 pounds, you couldn’t tell from looking
In his four-year playing career at UM, Dixon played in 40
at him, but Antonio Dixon has rarely had the upper-
games, garnered 10 starts and tallied 62 career tackles.
hand in life. That is until now.
But those statistics are only a small part of the story.
In and out of homeless shelters growing up, constantly
His own willpower and the constant encouragement from
changing schools and a father in prison, it appeared he’d
those around him – including his mother Corenthia and
be destined for trouble. Add in a stuttering problem, a
coach Randy Shannon – are the reasons for why he is
learning disability and constant ridicule from classmates
where he is today.
and the scenario is one that few, if any, children could endure. Unless your name is Antonio Dixon.
``If I didn’t have the support here and have people here to tell them my problems, I don’t think I would have made it,”
ANTONIO DIXON Received his degree in the Spring of 2009. (Shown with President Donna E. Shalala).
A graduate of Miami’s Booker T. Washington High School,
Dixon said. “I overcame a lot. I’m ready to conquer any-
Dixon’s path to UM is an arduous yet inspiring story that
thing that life throws at me.’’
has taken him from poverty to prosperity. Despite such a tough upbringing and having to face more obstacles by age 15 than a person should have to face in an entire lifetime, Dixon overcame it all. He became the first member of his family to earn a college degree when he accepted his Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree on May 15, 2009.
Whether Dixon will earn money as a professional football player or just as a professional is yet to be determined. He signed a free agent contract with the Washington Redskins and has hopes of continuing his playing career. But the day football ends for Antonio, he’ll enter the ‘real world’ with confidence in himself and support from those around
He was one of six college athletes to receive the Wilma Rudolph Student Athlete Achievement Award, honoring Was a recipient of a 2009 Wilma Rudolph Award.
college athletes who have overcome great personal, academic and/or emotional odds to achieve academic success.
him to persevere down any path he chooses in life.
For University of Miami women’s golfers Christina
enrolled at Miami for the 2007-08 school year, and
Hirano and Jennifer Hirano traveling across the
Jennifer joined her one year later. Playing golf together is
country to play a couple of rounds of golf in Miami always
something that has driven their development in the sport.
seemed like a “no-brainer”. Those few rounds a year helped develop the Hiranos’ love for the city which eventually led them to Lela Cannon’s golf program.
“Christina was always good competition for me growing up, which has always helped with my mentality and focus,” Jennifer said.
“I had been coming to Miami for about 12 years and always had played in golf tournaments here,” Christina said.” I loved the Miami area, so I just really wanted to come to school here and play.”
“I was always very competitive with my sister and that really kept me going,” Christina said. “I had some really good years in high school, and I just want to play as well now.”
The sisters, who hail from Pinole, California – the same hometown of UM Heisman Trophy winner Gino Torretta, became mainstays in Cannon’s lineup during the 2008-09 season. Christina made sophomore strides as she recorded three top-20 finishes in tournaments which included a sixth-place finish at the Edwin Watts/Palmetto Intercollegiate. Jennifer capped off a freshman season by also recording three top-20 finishes, which included a sixth place finish at the Ryder Canes & Cardinal Classic. Coming out of Acalanes High School, the sister duo helped Acalanes to an undefeated season in 2003-2004. Christina
CHRISTINA HIRANO
JENNIFER HIRANO
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Golf
“No brainer”
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Soccer
“Cancer has its perks” Most would think that is an insane statement. But if any-
made it back to the practice field in 2008 and she will be
one spent time with the fascinating spirit that is Austen
playing in her senior season in 2009.
Everett, they would know that it’s fairly accurate. Everett pitched her business model to the UM senior staff 26
Everett, a goalkeeper on the University of Miami women’s
and coaches in March and left with rave reviews. Her
soccer team was told in May of 2008 that she would need
foundation launched in May and starting this fall, children
emergency surgery to remove a football-size tumor from
will be enjoying Hurricane soccer games for free, with
her abdomen.
plans for even bigger venues in the works.
Later on it was found that the tumor was non-Hodgkins lymphoma and Everett would need to start chemotherapy immediately. The emotional roller coaster that comes with the territory never affected the outward mood of this charismatic individual. “Cancer is a gift,” says Everett. “I need to do something with it.” That is exactly what she has done. Earlier this year, the Washington state native started the Austen Everett Foundation, an organization that works with professional and collegiate sports teams to provide tickets to children with cancer. AUSTEN EVERETT Has beaten cancer and is now giving back with the Austen Everett Foundation.
Everett’s cancer is officially in remission and she even
The list of All-Americans and National Champions for the
As student-athletes, both divers have upheld the tradition
University of Miami diving program is long and filled with
of excellence inside the classroom for UM as well. Each
names of some of the sports biggest names; names such as
earned a spot on the 2008-09 ACC All-Academic Team for
Greg Louganis and Wendy Williams—both Olympic
swimming & diving, while Ross was selected as the diving
medalists. But as current divers Brittany Viola and
ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Viola will spend the
Reuben Ross continue to step onto the board and plat-
2009-10 year serving as the President of the Student-
form for the Hurricanes, the list only gets longer.
Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for both UM and the ACC.
In 2009, Ross became just the fifth male diver in school history to sweep All-America honors in all three diving
The list of accomplishments go on and on for this excep-
events at the NCAA Championships—having already
tional duo. And if the past is any indication of the future,
been named the 2008-09 ACC Male Diver of the Year just
Ross and Viola are destined for something greater than
weeks prior. As for Viola, she was named the Most
most student-athletes could ever dream.
Valuable Diver at the 2009 ACC Swimming & Diving Championships following first-place finishes in the 1-meter and platform events. Viola also collected an NCAA title in 2008. Viola and Ross climbed even higher this summer, competing in the FINA World Championships in Rome. Viola served as team captain for the United States team, while Ross competed for Canada, earning a bronze medal in the 3-meter synchronized competition.
BRITTANY VIOLA 2009 ACC Championships Most Valuable Diver.
REUBEN ROSS Claimed three All-America diving honors at the 2009 NCAA Championships.
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Diving
Dream the impossible
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Tennis
All in a name There have been many great players throughout the tradi-
the All-ACC Men’s Tennis squad all four years of his colle-
tion-rich history of the University of Miami men’s and
giate career. He earned a program-best five All-America
women’s tennis programs. Looking through the rosters you
honors and was selected the 2008 ITA Southeast Region
will find national champions, All-Americans, conference
Player to Watch. He wrapped up his Hurricane career as
champions… and a couple of Vallverdus.
the fourth-winningest player in both singles and doubles
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competition, while being ranked as high as No. 1 in douDaniel Vallverdu and his younger sister Laura have
bles play and No. 3 in singles competition.
been instrumental to the success of the Hurricanes tennis program over the last few years. Since their arrival in
As for Laura, she is the only women’s tennis player in UM
Coral Gables from their native Valencia, Venezuela, their
history to have been named to the All-ACC list three
teams have continued their climb in the nation’s Top 25
times. She has also been selected for three consecutive All-
and have gone deep into the NCAA Tournament.
America teams. In picking up her latest, she became the seventh player in UM women’s tennis history to earn three
Dani made an immediate impact, earning ACC Freshman of the Year honors in 2006 and has since been named to
or more All-America honors in a career. She concluded the 2008-09 season ranked No. 10 in the ITA, placing sixth alltime at UM for career singles wins (96) en route to her first NCAA Singles Championship runner-up title. “Having the advantage of my brother next to me is great,” said Laura. “He helps me with my tennis, my life, my school.”
LAURA VALLVERDU NCAA Singles Championship Runner-up.
DANIEL VALLVERDU Five-time All-American and four-time All-ACC honoree.
In 2000, political unrest led to violence in the Ivory Coast,
Deem has guided Ahoure into the Miami record books as
a small West African nation.
well. During the indoor season, Ahoure broke Hurricane
Track and Field
CHAMPIONS ARE MADE HERE
“I love Miami.” legend Lauryn Williams’ indoor 60-meter dash record and Feeling that her family was no longer safe, Chantal Doue took her family, including 13-year old Murielle Ahoure
is second to only Williams in three other races (indoor and
29
outdoor 200m and 100m).
and emigrated to the United States. Some of her accolades on the year include being named the While in middle school in Bristow, Va., Ahoure realized that she had a special talent on the track. Ever since, she has been sprinting her slender frame to All-American honors and even a national championship.
Atlantic Coast Conference Indoor Track Performer of the Year and the USTFCCCA South Region Performer of the Year after winning both the 60- and 200-meter ACC titles. During the outdoor season, she won both the 100- and 200-
After transferring from George Mason in 2008, Ahoure
meter titles at both the ACC and NCAA East Region
would claim the 200-meter NCAA Indoor National
Championships and was named the USTFCCCA South
Championship and earn a total of four All-America acco-
Region Outdoor Performer of the Year.
lades in her lone season as a Hurricane.
After her collegiate career, Ahoure plans on officially
“I love Miami,” said Ahoure. “Coming here has been noth-
becoming an American citizen so she can one day repre-
ing but a blessing for me. I knew coming here and working
sent the country in the Olympics. She also plans to stay in
with Coach Amy Deem would be good for me, but I never
South Florida so she can continue to train with Deem and
imagined that I would have been this successful. I just feel
her idol, Williams.
so grateful.” MURIELLE AHOURE Was named an All-American four times in 2009.
30 CHAMPIONS ARE MADE HERE
Hurricane Club
The mission of the Hurricane Club is to strengthen the University of Miami’s commitment to student-athlete excellence both academically and athletically. Through the Hurricane Club, local and national volunteers, alumni and former student-athletes collectively seek to increase scholarship support, improve facilities and provide the operation and maintenance funding vital for all 18 varsity sports. The Hurricane Club solicited and processed an all-time high $10.94 million in annual giving and increased its number of donors to a record 6,153 contributors. Scholarships provided through charitable contributions to the Hurricane Club’s Student-Athlete Scholarship Fund allow our 443 tremendously talented student-athletes the opportunity to receive a high quality education and compete in one of the top athletic programs in the country.
LINDSEY WILLIAMS Associate Athletic Director for Development
AMY FERGUSON Assistant Athletic Director for Development
SARAI CRANEOSUNA Manager of Donor Relations
CRYSTAL DEMPS Admimistrative Assistant
SAL SANDATE Assistant Director of Development for Major Gifts
BRENT VICINO Hurricane Club Intern
CHRIS COHEN Director of Development for Major gifts
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Hurricane Club
Development in the Hurricane Club
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Hurricane Club
Annual Giving Donors from 2006-2009
Amount Raised in Millions 2006-2009
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7,000
$12.00 $10.9
6,153 5,813
6,000 5,000
4,653 4,698
$9.70
$10.00 $8.00
4,000
$6.30 $6.00
$5.68
3,000 $4.00 2,000 1,000
$2.00
0
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 Number of Donors
2006 2007 2008 2009 Total Raised
The Hurricane Club successfully increased the number of events and participation to reach our most loyal and dedicated fans and donors to the program.
Championship Team, and by inducting five new members into the Ring of Honor, the most prestigious football award at the University.
Complimentary events
Golden Canes
Hosted complimentary events including an exclusive Season Ticket Holder Football Practice, Hurricane Club pregame tailgate party and Countdown to Signing Day party.
Enhanced the Golden Cane football gameday experience with VIP hospitality pregame and halftime. Hosted new exclusive parties for Golden Canes during the fall to build camaraderie within this elite giving group, including a Membership Society Breakfast at the Season Ticket Holder Practice and a Membership Society Holiday Party.
Fundraisers Organized fundraising events, including the Hurricane Club Golf Tournament, BasketBowl, Dinner on the Diamond featuring Alex Rodriguez and UM Celebrity Waiter Dinner featuring head coaches Randy Shannon, Frank Haith, Katie Meier, Nicole Lantagne Welch, Tricia Taliaferro and Christie Shefchunas, as well as a host of talented student-athletes.
Salute to Champions Proudly honored our championship legacy with our “Salute our Champions” this season with our 25th Anniversary of our 1983 National Championship Football Team, 1999 Baseball
DINNER ON THE DIAMOND Head Baseball Coach Jim Morris, Alex Rodriguez and Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt .
BASKETBOWL 2008-09 University of Miami Men’s Basketball team with the Sunsations.
Hurricane Club
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Hurricane Club Events
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UM Alumni Association Partnered with the UM Alumni Association to conduct a national tour featuring new Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt in New York, Philadelphia, Palm Beach, Atlanta and Chicago. Hocutt met hundreds of UM alumni who support us so generously and passionately throughout the United States. 1983 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL TEAM REUNION
CELEBRITY WAITER DINNER Head Football Coach Randy Shannon interacts with donors.
RING OF HONOR MEMBERS Inductees were honored at halftime of the game versus Virginia Tech on November 13.
1999 BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM REUNION
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Hurricane Club
Facility Improvements Facilities make a significant impact when recruiting student-athletes and often times are the distinguishing factor in a young person’s decision on where to attend college. This past year the Hurricane family, both student-athletes and fans alike, have benefited from significant upgrades to many facilities. The University of Miami enjoyed its inaugural season at Dolphin Stadium in 2008 where our football studentathletes, coaches, staff and of course our thousands of loyal fans witnessed an immediate upgrade to our game day Football facility. The stadium boasts state-of-the-art locker rooms used by professional athletes and athletic training facilities with the latest medical technology. Additionally, the stadium has one of the largest hi-definition video boards in the world, more than 2,000 flat-screen TV monitors and a recently renovated, ultra-modern, Club Level offering fans an environment that redefines stadium luxury. Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field had its grand opening with a sold out “Dinner on the Diamond” event to start the 2009
Baseball season. With generous donations from Alex Rodriguez, Paul DiMare and Wayne Huizenga as well as many others the baseball facility includes a new club house, weight room, computer lab, conference room, luxury suites, fieldbox seating as well as a new press box and much more. The new Basketball Practice Facility was completed in March 2009 and stands proudly next to the BankUnited Center on the Coral Gables campus. This impressive 30,000 square-foot space serves as a fully dedicated practice facility for our men’s and women’s basketball programs. The Practice Facility features two full sized courts, 14 retractable goals, state-of-theart audio and video technology as well as a 7,500 square-foot multipurpose room.
Cobb Stadium is home to our men’s and women’s track and cross country teams as well as the women’s soccer team. The 500-seat stadium includes a full 70 yard x 115 yard soccer field and 400 meter, eight-lane track which received a new Tartan surfacing in 2008. The Football Facilities have seen a dramatic improvement with the tremendous support from former football studentathletes and fans. Facility enhancements include upgraded audio/video technology for the coaches’ offices as well as new graphics and signage pieces throughout the facilities and weight training room. Neil Schiff Tennis Center experienced a number of upgrades in 2008 targeted at the student-athletes and coaches. Improvements included renovations to the student-athlete
lounge, locker rooms and men’s and women’s coaches’ offices.
Coming soon The University of Miami Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is developing a master plan to renovate our athletic facilities with the goal of providing state of the art academic, sports medicine, training and competitive facilities to support our student-athletes and coaches in our quest to become the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the nation. We have hired Heery International, a leader in the design and architecture of sports facilities, to assist in the master planning process.
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Hurricane Club
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DOLPHIN STADIUM
ALEX RODRIGUEZ PARK AT MARK LIGHT FIELD
BASKETBALL PRACTICE FACILITIES
COBB STADIUM
EDGERRIN JAMES FOOTBALL TEAM MEETING ROOM
NEIL SCHIFF TENNIS CENTER
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Hurricane Sports Properties
HSP-Miami Hurricane Sports Properties, a joint venture of Learfield Sports and ISP Sports, has served as Miami Athletics’ multimedia rights holder since 2003. The HSP-Miami Athletics agreement includes inventory or management of athletic venue signage, print sponsorships, event marketing, corporate hospitality, corporate sponsorships, official athletic Web site advertising via hurricanesports.com, radio play-by-play broadcasts and coaches’ shows, as well as certain live television broadcasts. We would like to thank our key partners: Publix Bacardi McDonald’s Miller Brewing State Farm Presidente Miccosukee Nike Florida Lottery Coca Cola Comcast Gatorade UHealth RICOH Perry Ellis Ryder
On August 20, 2007, the University of Miami announced that the football team would move its home games to Dolphin Stadium (now Land Shark Stadium) beginning with the 2008 season. Miami defeated Charleston Southern, 52-7, in its first game at the stadium on August 28, 2008. Land Shark Stadium, located in Miami Gardens, Florida, is a world-class sports and entertainment facility that hosts a wide variety of events including Miami Dolphins football, Florida Marlins baseball, University of Miami football, the FedEx Orange Bowl, the Bowl Championship Series game in 2009, 2010 NFL Pro Bowl and the 2010 Super Bowl. The stadium has also been the home of two Major League Baseball (MLB) World Series, four National Football League (NFL) Super Bowls, and numerous concerts. The stadium boasts one of the largest hi-definition video boards in professional
sports and the world’s longest LED ribbon display. Owned by Stephen M. Ross, Land Shark Stadium completed a $250 million renovation and improvements project in 2007.
Dolphin Stadium
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Dolphin Stadium move
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Community
UM in the Community Community outreach is a priority for everyone in the University of Miami family. That commitment follows after graduation with many of our former student-athletes forming charitable foundations. Among those former student-athletes is Olympic Silver Medalist and World Champion 100-meter star Lauryn Williams, who founded the Fun4Kids Mentoring Program which pairs up middle school students with current members of the football and track and field programs.
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FOOTBALL SUMMER COMMUNITY OUTREACH TOUR
FUN4KIDZ
FIT TO PLAY, FUN FOR LIFE
FIT TO PLAY, FUN FOR LIFE
FOOTBALL SUMMER COMMUNITY OUTREACH TOUR
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY WOMEN BUILD
In addition to Lauryn’s organization, members of the department made numerous appearances during the year at community events. Among those were the Miami-Dade Parks Department’s “Fit to Play, Fun for Life” summer program which was attended by student-athletes representing nearly every sport, the “Habitat for Humanity Women Build” initiative, football’s 26-stop summer community outreach tour and participation in scores of youth clinics.
Five former Hurricane football greats—Edgerrin James (running back 1996-98), Jim Kelly (quarterback 1979-82), Cortez Kennedy (defensive tackle 1998-99), Jim Otto (center 1957-59) and Gino Torretta (quarterback 1989-92), were honored for having been selected to the University of Miami Ring of Honor on November 13, 2008. A luncheon was held at the Turnberry Isle Resort and Club that day and the five were honored at halftime of that evening’s game versus Virginia Tech, which the Hurricanes won 16-14. Only eight former players had previously been chosen for the award. Selected to the inaugural class in 1997 were Jim Dooley (halfback 1949-51), George Mira (quarterback 1961-63), Ted Hendricks (defensive end 1966-68) and Vinny Testaverde (quarterback 1982-86). Two years later another four players were chosen for the Ring of Honor— Ottis Anderson (running back 1975-78), Don Bosseler (fullback 1953-56), Bernie Kosar (quarterback 1982-84) and Burgess Owens (defensive back 1970-72).
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Ring of Honor
UM Ring of Honor
39
2008 RING OF HONOR BANQUET Held at the Turnberry Isle Resort and Club.
THE RING OF HONOR Back row (L to R): Gino Toretta, Burgess Owens, Cortez Kennedy, Ted Hendricks, Jim Kelly, Jim Otto, Vinny Testarvede. Front row (L to R): George Mira, Julie James (mother of Edgerrin James), Ottis Anderson, Elaine Dooley (wife of Jim Dooley), Don Bosseler
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University of
Miami Athletics University of Miami Sports Media Relations Office Mailing Address: P.O. Box 248167, Coral Gables, FL 33124-0820 Street Address: 5821 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146 Phone: (305) 284-3244 Fax: (305) 284-2807 Website: hurricanesports.com