Chestnut Hill College Lacrosse: Celebrating Success On and Off the Field

How does Chestnut Hill College’s lacrosse program contribute to student-athlete development. What achievements have the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams accomplished. How does CHC balance academic excellence with athletic performance.

Table of Contents

Championship Glory: Men’s Lacrosse Team’s Back-to-Back Victories

The Chestnut Hill College Men’s Lacrosse Team has etched its name in the annals of college sports history with consecutive Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) championships in 2021 and 2022. This remarkable achievement showcases the team’s dedication, skill, and unwavering spirit on the field.

What factors contributed to the team’s success? A combination of stellar coaching, player determination, and a supportive college community played crucial roles. The team’s ability to maintain focus and perform under pressure during these championship runs demonstrates the high caliber of athletes CHC attracts and develops.

Insights from Team Captains

To gain a deeper understanding of the championship experience, three team captains shared their perspectives in a Q&A session. Their insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring athletes and shed light on the team’s winning formula.

Leadership and teamwork
Mental preparation and resilience
Balancing academics and athletics
The importance of community support

Academic Excellence in Athletics: CHC’s Commitment to Student Success

Chestnut Hill College’s dedication to fostering well-rounded student-athletes is evident in their recent accolades. The institution’s emphasis on academic achievement alongside athletic prowess has yielded impressive results.

How does CHC support student-athletes in their academic pursuits? The college provides comprehensive resources, including tutoring services, flexible scheduling, and academic advisors who understand the unique challenges faced by student-athletes.

CACC Top XVI Awards

Three Griffins have been honored with the CACC Top XVI Award, recognizing their outstanding academic performance. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon student-athletes who achieve the highest cumulative grade-point average in their respective sports at the finals site of each of the CACC championships.

What makes these achievements particularly noteworthy? The ability to excel both in the classroom and on the field demonstrates exceptional time management skills, dedication, and a commitment to personal growth that extends beyond athletics.

Women’s Program Sportsmanship Award

In addition to individual academic honors, the CHC women’s athletics program has been recognized with the CACC Sportsmanship Award. This accolade highlights the program’s commitment to fair play, respect for opponents, and exemplary conduct both on and off the field.

How does sportsmanship contribute to the overall development of student-athletes? By emphasizing ethical behavior and respect, CHC prepares its athletes for success not only in their chosen sports but also in their future careers and personal lives.

Expanding Horizons: CHC’s Introduction of E-Sports

In a forward-thinking move, Chestnut Hill College has announced the addition of E-Sports as its 19th intercollegiate program. This decision reflects the growing popularity and recognition of competitive gaming in the collegiate sports landscape.

Why is the inclusion of E-Sports significant for CHC? By embracing this emerging field, the college demonstrates its commitment to innovation and providing diverse opportunities for student engagement and competition.

Benefits of E-Sports Programs

Attracts a new demographic of student-athletes
Develops strategic thinking and teamwork skills
Prepares students for careers in the growing gaming industry
Fosters a sense of community among tech-savvy students

How will the E-Sports program integrate with CHC’s existing athletic offerings? The college plans to provide dedicated facilities, coaching staff, and support services to ensure the program’s success and seamless integration into the broader athletic department.

Leadership in Action: Jesse Balcer’s Journey from Player to Athletic Director

The appointment of Jesse Balcer ’11 SGS as Chestnut Hill College’s new Director of Athletics and Recreation marks a significant milestone in the institution’s sports history. Balcer’s journey from student-athlete to administrative leader exemplifies the potential for growth and success within the CHC community.

What unique perspectives does Balcer bring to his role as Athletic Director? His experience as a former student-athlete at CHC provides invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by current Griffin athletes.

Balcer’s Basketball Legacy

Before assuming his current role, Balcer distinguished himself on the basketball court. His induction into the Jefferson University Athletics Hall of Fame serves as a testament to his skill and dedication as a player.

How does Balcer’s athletic background influence his approach to leadership? His firsthand experience navigating the demands of college athletics while pursuing academic excellence informs his strategies for supporting and developing current student-athletes.

Vision for the Future

As Athletic Director, Balcer aims to build upon CHC’s strong foundation in sports while fostering an environment of continuous improvement and innovation. His goals include:

Enhancing facilities and resources for student-athletes
Strengthening community partnerships and engagement
Promoting academic success and holistic development
Elevating CHC’s profile in collegiate athletics

Women’s Lacrosse: A Legacy of Excellence

The Chestnut Hill College Women’s Lacrosse program has established itself as a powerhouse in collegiate athletics. Their championship-winning legacy was recently honored with an induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame.

What factors have contributed to the women’s lacrosse team’s sustained success? A combination of skilled coaching, talented athletes, and a culture of excellence has propelled the program to new heights.

Hall of Fame Induction

The induction of the championship-winning women’s lacrosse program into the Athletics Hall of Fame serves as a fitting tribute to their remarkable achievements. Natalie Gozzard ’90, accepting the honor on behalf of her team, emphasized the importance of teamwork and intelligence in achieving championship success.

How does this recognition impact current and future players? The Hall of Fame induction serves as an inspiration and sets a high standard for upcoming generations of CHC lacrosse players to aspire to and surpass.

Community Engagement and Service: Men’s Lacrosse Team’s Off-Season Impact

The Chestnut Hill College Men’s Lacrosse team has demonstrated that their commitment to excellence extends beyond the field. During the off-season, the team actively engaged in community service initiatives, embodying the college’s mission and the spirit of the “Dear Neighbor.”

Why is community service an essential component of the student-athlete experience at CHC? Engaging in service projects helps athletes develop empathy, leadership skills, and a sense of social responsibility that complements their athletic and academic pursuits.

Service Projects and Impact

From September to January, the men’s lacrosse team participated in various service activities, including:

Local community clean-up efforts
Volunteering at youth sports clinics
Fundraising for charitable organizations
Mentoring programs in local schools

How do these service initiatives benefit both the community and the student-athletes? While the local community receives valuable support and resources, the athletes gain perspective, develop interpersonal skills, and forge meaningful connections beyond the campus.

Innovative Engagement: The Griffin Cup Competition

Chestnut Hill College has implemented a unique approach to fostering engagement and friendly competition among student-athletes through the annual Griffin Cup. This initiative goes beyond traditional athletic contests to promote a sense of community and school spirit.

What is the Griffin Cup, and how does it work? The Griffin Cup is a year-long competition that awards points to athletic teams based on their performance in various categories, including academic achievement, community service, and attendance at other sporting events.

Benefits of the Griffin Cup

Encourages cross-team support and camaraderie
Promotes a well-rounded student-athlete experience
Incentivizes academic excellence and community involvement
Builds school spirit and a sense of belonging

How has the Griffin Cup impacted the athletic community at CHC? The competition has fostered a stronger sense of unity among different sports teams and motivated athletes to excel in all aspects of their college experience.

Measuring Success

The Griffin Cup’s success is measured not only by participation rates but also by the tangible improvements in academic performance, community engagement, and overall student-athlete satisfaction. The initiative has become a cornerstone of CHC’s athletic program, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals.

What long-term benefits does the Griffin Cup offer to student-athletes? By encouraging a balanced approach to athletics, academics, and community involvement, the competition prepares students for success in their future careers and personal lives.

Preparing for Success: Women’s Basketball Summer League Participation

Following their most successful season in program history, the Chestnut Hill College Women’s Basketball team took a proactive approach to maintain their momentum. The team participated in the prestigious Philadelphia/Suburban Women’s NCAA Summer Basketball League, demonstrating their commitment to continuous improvement.

Why is off-season participation in competitive leagues important for college athletes? Summer leagues provide valuable opportunities for players to refine their skills, maintain fitness, and gain experience against diverse opponents in a less pressured environment.

Benefits of Summer League Play

Maintain and improve physical conditioning
Develop team chemistry and cohesion
Experiment with new strategies and plays
Gain exposure to different playing styles
Foster mental toughness and competitiveness

How does summer league participation translate to success during the regular season? The additional playing time and exposure to high-level competition help players sharpen their skills and build confidence, potentially leading to improved performance when the official season begins.

Coaching Perspective

For the coaching staff, summer league games offer a unique opportunity to evaluate players in a competitive setting, identify areas for improvement, and assess the team’s overall progress. This valuable insight informs training strategies and player development plans for the upcoming season.

What strategies do coaches employ to maximize the benefits of summer league participation? Coaches often use these games to experiment with different lineups, give playing time to less experienced players, and implement new tactical approaches in a low-stakes environment.

Nurturing Future Leaders: New Coaching Hires at CHC

Chestnut Hill College has recently welcomed a new class of coaches to lead various men’s programs and the men’s and women’s tennis teams. These strategic hires reflect the institution’s commitment to providing top-tier leadership and expertise to its student-athletes.

Why is the selection of quality coaches crucial for collegiate athletic programs? Skilled coaches play a pivotal role in athlete development, team success, and the overall reputation of the college’s athletic department.

Impact of New Coaches

The introduction of new coaching staff brings fresh perspectives, innovative training methods, and renewed energy to CHC’s athletic programs. These changes can have a significant impact on:

Team performance and competitiveness
Recruitment of talented student-athletes
Player development and skill enhancement
Program culture and team dynamics

How do new coaches adapt to the existing culture while implementing their vision? Successful coaches strike a balance between respecting established traditions and introducing new ideas to elevate the program’s performance and athlete experience.

Coaching Philosophy at CHC

Chestnut Hill College’s approach to coaching emphasizes not only athletic excellence but also character development and academic success. The new coaching hires are expected to embody these values and contribute to the holistic growth of student-athletes.

What qualities does CHC prioritize when selecting new coaches? The college seeks individuals who demonstrate:

Proven track record of athletic success
Commitment to academic excellence
Strong leadership and communication skills
Ability to mentor and inspire young athletes
Alignment with CHC’s mission and values

By investing in high-quality coaching staff, Chestnut Hill College reaffirms its dedication to providing an exceptional athletic experience that complements its academic offerings and prepares students for success beyond their college years.

Sports News | Chestnut Hill College

Championship Reflections

In 2021 and 2022, the Chestnut Hill College Men’s Lacrosse Team won back-to-back Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference championships. You can read the full story in the CHC Magazine. Below is a Q&A with three of the team captains during the championship run.

CHC Director of Athletics and Recreation, Jesse Balcer ’11 SGS, Inducted into Jefferson University Athletics Hall of Fame

For many incoming students, college can be a bit of a daunting experience in its own right. Add to that the pursuit of a national basketball championship, and it certainly makes for an eventful rookie/freshman year. Such was the case for Chestnut Hill College Director of Athletics and Recreation, Jesse Balcer ’11 SGS, who walked onto a team with big personalities and even bigger expectations.

Chestnut Hill College Announces Addition of E-Sports Starting this Fall

Chestnut Hill College Director of Athletics and Recreation, Jesse Balcer, is pleased to announce E-Sports as the 19^th intercollegiate program in the College’s athletic catalog.

Three Griffins Win CACC Top XVI Awards for Academic Excellence; Women’s Program Wins Sportsmanship Award

Focusing on the student first and the athlete second, our Griffins are encouraged to achieve success in the classroom, the community and the courts/fields. We are so incredibly proud of how CHC student-athletes always manage to maintain the perfect balance between all three, and this year we are thrilled to announce the recognition of three athletes in particular as winners of the CACC Top XVI Award. We also are proud to recognize the women’s athletics program for the CACC Sportsmanship Award.

Sen. Haywood, Rep. Rabb welcome Reign to Philly, CHC

Sen. Art Haywood and Rep. Chris Rabb visited CHC last week to welcome the Philadelphia Reign, the city’s first professional women’s basketball team in more than two decades. The team will play its home games in Sorgenti Arena.

Jesse Balcer Named CHC’s New Athletic Director

After an exhaustive search process which took into account many qualified candidates, Chestnut Hill College is excited to announce that Jesse Balcer, M. S., has been appointed as the new full-time athletic director.

Sports Connections – Farewell to Beloved Athletics Administrator

The Chestnut Hill College Department of Athletics and Recreation has announced the departure of nine-year athletic director, Lynn Tubman, who has been appointed to the same role at Muhlenberg College, an NCAA Division-III (D-III) institution in Western Pennsylvania.

Championship-Winning Women’s Lacrosse Program gets Hall of Fame Induction

The great Michael Jordan once said, “Talent wins games but teamwork and intelligence win championships.”

That was the sentiment quoted by Natalie Gozzard ’90 when accepting her induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2018.

Sports Connections: CACC Series Puts a Spotlight on “Inspiring Courses”

In February, four Chestnut Hill College student-athletes were chosen to take part in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference’s (CACC) new series, “Inspiring Courses,” designed to put a direct spotlight on the academic side of being a student-athlete.

Sports Connections: Commitment to Service Highlights Off-Season for Men’s Lacrosse

From September to January, the CHC men’s lacrosse team embodied the college’s mission and embraced the true spirit of the “Dear Neighbor” by giving back to those who matter most to them.

Sports Connections: November Roundup

It’s been a busy month for GriffinNation. Here is a roundup of the top things that happened in November.

Sports Connections: Sprint Football Season Wrap-Up

Following last year’s full, and somewhat bumpy, introduction into the Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL), CHC’s 2017 campaign was full of success and record-breaking moments.

Sports Connections: The Race for the Cup

How do you engage student-athletes? Through competition, of course, and that’s exactly what the Athletics Department has done with the annual Griffin Cup

Sports Connections: Get to Know New Griffin Head Coaches

With a new season comes new faces as Chestnut Hill College recently welcomed in a whole new class of student-athletes this semester. But the students weren’t the only ones to change as this offseason, several of the men’s programs as well as men’s and women’s tennis, found themselves looking to the future with brand new coaching hires.

Sports Connections: Women’s Basketball Participates in Summer League

Coming off its most successful campaign in program history, CHC’s women’s basketball team participated in the well-recognized Philadelphia/Suburban Women’s NCAA Summer Basketball League, to prepare for the upcoming season.

Sports Connections: Celebrating Athletic Achievement

Sorgenti Arena was the site of a night of celebration as CHC hosted its annual Athletics Award Reception to recognize individual and team achievements over the course of the 2016-17 academic year.

Sports Connections

Men’s Tennis Makes History with First CACC Championship
The moment had finally arrived. Fifteen years after elevating to NCAA Division II status, Chestnut Hill College had won its first DII and Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) championship.

Men’s Tennis Wins CHC’s First NCAA Division II Championship

Following a successful regular season, the men’s tennis team did something no other team has done before them, as they captured Chestnut Hill College’s first-ever CACC championship.

Sports Connections: Annual NCAA Workshop Encouraging Student-Athletes to “Step-Up!”

When it comes to life on campus, Chestnut Hill College student-athletes are always ready to be leaders and step up to the plate in order to help create a positive impact and college experience for all of their peers.

Sports Connections: Women’s Basketball Celebrates Veterans

On the morning of December 7, members of the Chestnut Hill College Women’s Basketball team served breakfast to military veterans and later hosted the College’s first Military Appreciation Night in Sorgenti Arena.

Sports Connections: NCAA Representatives Present Campus-Wide Retreat

When Mike West, head women’s basketball coach, returned from the NCAA Identity Workshop last summer, he brought back the opportunity for Chestnut Hill to participate in the NCAA D-II Campus Retreat Program.

Sports Connections: Sprint Football Earns Home Opening Victory Over Cornell

Not even the rain could dampen the spirits of the Chestnut Hill College community as they came out in large numbers to support the sprint football team in their home opening win over the Cornell Bears, 29-24.

New Challenges, New Opponents Await Griffins on the Gridiron

When Mike Pearson, head sprint football coach, first got the job in November 2014, he had a two-year plan in mind to build the program from scratch.

Student Spotlight: Dexter Harris ’16 Shows Courage in the Face of Adversity

Most 21-year-olds don’t expect to be told they can no longer pursue their lifelong passion, but that is what happened to Dexter Harris ’16, who was diagnosed with a blood-clotting disorder two years ago. He was told he could never play basketball again.

Student-Athlete Leadership Training Benefits Entire College

Thanks to the $30,000 NCAA CHOICES grant received by the College in 2012, student-athletes have been able to promote alcohol education programs on campus, as well as attend conferences around the country, as several CHC student-athletes did at the end of January.

Sprint Football Earns Seven Honorable Mentions in First CSFL Season

As a result of a successful inaugural season, seven student athletes, sophomore Domoree Hill, and freshmen, Raevon Floyd-Bennett, Brian Layden, Jon Baldwin, Kevin Meredith, Kevin Clancy and Dasantae Callis, were given all-CSFL distinction as honorable mentions on the conference-wide team.

Fitness Center Redesign a Huge Hit

With the addition of two new athletic programs earlier this year, Chestnut Hill College saw the need to increase the offerings in the Jack and Rosemary Murphy Gulati Complex Fitness and Recreation Center to better suit the needs of its athletes and the entire campus population.

Men’s Soccer Just Misses Championship Gold

Julian Fernandez ’11, new head men’s soccer coach and four-year star of the team when he was a student, did something he had never accomplished as a player — he took the team to the program’s first-ever playoff victory and all the way through to the conference championship.

Sprint Football Adds Excitement, Excellence to Campus This Fall

The inaugural sprint football season may be over but the excitement and uncommon excellence it brought to the College is still very much felt among the students, the athletes and everyone else on campus.

Griffins Come Back in Thrilling Fashion to Win Inaugural Sprint Football CACC-Bowl

Against their CSFL and CACC rival, Post University, Chestnut Hill College orchestrated a stunning come from behind victory in their road-debut.

Chestnut Hill Kicks Off Inaugural Sprint Football Season with Victory over Princeton

Chestnut Hill College kicked off its sprint football season in front of a crowd over 600 strong, treating those in attendance to a home opening rout of Princeton University, 48-13.

Rookies Rally Men’s Soccer to Home Opener Victory

The greenest members of the Chestnut Hill College men’s soccer team paved the way for a red-hot second half in the team’s home opener opposite University of the District of Columbia (UDC) as it was the freshmen thay tallied all three goals en route to giving first-year head coach Julian Fernandez, his inaugural victory.

Successful Scrimmage with Penn puts CHC Sprint Football One Step Closer to Kick-Off

On Saturday, September 5th, on a day that could only be described as having that perfect football weather, the Chestnut Hill College Griffins traveled to Penn Park to take part in an organized practice/scrimmage with the University of Pennsylvania Quakers.

Baseball Enjoys Record-Breaking Season

Building off of a strong foundation established by the program’s only ever head coach, Bob Spratt, the baseball team capped off the 2015 season, the best in the program’s eight year history, with a record in wins, their first ever ranking in the NCWBA Poll and their second trip to the CACC Championship in the past three years.

Concussion Education Program Awarded $25,000 Prize in NCAA-DOD Challenge

A team of faculty and staff led by William Ernst, Psy.D., was selected as a winner in the NCAA’s ‘Mind Matters’ Challenge

For Chestnut Hill College, Sprint Football is a Dream Come True

One year after announcing the addition of sprint football as the College’s newest athletic offering, the team of coaches and players, alongside a supportive College community, has been preparing for its first-ever home football game, against Princeton University on September 19.

Men’s Lacrosse History vs Chestnut Hill College from Apr 10, 2021 -
Apr 28, 2023

Last Matchup

Apr. 28,2023

vs.

Score By
Period
Teams	1	2	3	4	F
caldwell caldwell	1	0	1	1	3
chestnut hill chestnut hill	4	2	5	3	14

Full Box Score

Recap

Losses

Streak

Longest Win Streak

0 Games

N/A

Longest Losing Streak

3
Games

4/10/2021 – 4/28/2023

Home Record

0-2

Away Record

0-1

Conference Record

0-3

First Matchup

L 9-23

4/10/2021

Last 3 Matchups

0-3

4/10/2021-4/28/2023

Largest Margin of Victory

N/A

Smallest Margin of Victory

N/A

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