Dear Cardinal Supporters, As our student-athletes gear up to conclude the initial quarter of the 2024-2025 academic year, numerous accomplishments deserve recognition, obstacles require reflection, and thrilling prospects await us in the coming year. This edition of the Athletic Director’s Newsletter will share the most recent news from our department as we navigate through the […]
Dear Cardinal Supporters,
As our student-athletes gear up to conclude the initial quarter of the 2024-2025 academic year, numerous accomplishments deserve recognition, obstacles require reflection, and thrilling prospects await us in the coming year. This edition of the Athletic Director’s Newsletter will share the most recent news from our department as we navigate through the constantly evolving realm of collegiate athletics, and uphold our commitment to shaping champions in life through an exceptional student-athlete experience.
UPDATE ON FALL SPORTS
This fall ushered in a remarkable era for Stanford Athletics as our fall programs faced off against new rivals in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Farm welcomed thrilling conference competitors from all over the nation, spotlighted by significant home triumphs, including a dramatic game-deciding goal that clinched a victory against No. 2 North Carolina for women’s soccer, a viral midfield shot for men’s soccer to best Notre Dame, a win against No. 3 Louisville by women’s volleyball to finish an undefeated home season in Maples Pavilion, and football’s thrilling comeback over the No. 22 Louisville Cardinals to honor the program’s senior night.
We have several teams currently vying for national acclaim, including women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, and men’s water polo. A number of these teams will be competing in postseason events right here on The Farm, and I encourage you to come out and cheer for them as they strive for championships.
While our student-athletes rose to the occasion and excelled in a new conference, our coaches and staff worked closely on the most apparent adjustment with the ACC transition: travel. By leveraging scientific studies, research, and insights from our sports medicine and performance specialists, our teams are discovering the best practices for their extended journeys to compete at peak levels. We’re fine-tuning approaches to lessen the effects of student-athletes being away from campus, such as recording selected classes and improving communication with faculty regarding travel. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our faculty athletics representative, Professor Jay Mitchell from the law school, whose support, along with Provost Jenny Martinez, has been crucial in preparing us for this new competitive landscape.
With the increased travel demands on many of our student-athletes, the support network on The Farm is essential not only for their athletic and academic achievements, but also for their overall well-being and personal growth. This Stanford Momentum feature illustrates how our remarkable team of professionals and experts in sports performance, athletic training, sports psychology, nutrition, sports medicine, and academic advising & student-athlete welfare utilize research and data to ensure the best possible experience and resources for nearly 900 Cardinal student-athletes every year.
