AMHERST, Mass. — In late April, the Massachusetts men’s soccer program held its 9th annual Alumni Mentoring Night for current players in the Football Performance Center.

The program brought back Ed Doherty ’74, Andrew Bing ’88, Shawn Bleau ’94, and Josh Jess ’17 to speak with the Minutemen about their careers and times at UMass. Ted Priestly ’94 led the Alumni panel, playing an integral role in organizing the event.

Priestly, a former college soccer head coach, now Founder and CEO of Fundraise4u which provides fundraising solutions for organizations throughout the United States, believes “this special event seamlessly connects the past, present, and future of UMass Soccer.” “The Alumni Mentoring Night provides the current squad with invaluable career advice and perspective that will help them navigate their lives as professionals after college. Further, it provides our alumni with a wonderful way to reconnect and give back to the program that means so much to us all.”

The most recent Alumni to reconnect through attending the Alumni Mentoring Night was 2017 graduate Josh Jess. A four-year defender for the Maroon and White, Jess is a Senior Manager Consultant at RBW Consulting in New York City.

“I was sitting in those same seats 9 years ago as a player, and so for it to come full circle and be invited to take part in this year’s event as a mentor, I couldn’t have said yes quick enough” said Jess. “The shared knowledge and connections made during the evening is what makes it a true success. I look forward to continuing to be a part of this supportive network for our program and its student-athletes!” 

1974 graduate Ed Doherty stated the Alumni Mentoring Night provides guidance he would’ve found instrumental during his time as a student-athlete. “The Mentoring Night was really exceptional.  I found myself wishing that such an event existed when I was on the team. It would have benefited me so much and saved me so much ‘guessing’ as my career progressed. I enjoyed it so much, I’d do it every year if they let me.”

Doherty served as a Chief Human Resources Officer, Director of Marketing, and Director of Operations throughout his professional career. Recently, Ed authored a book on his life experiences entitled “Observations at The Speed of Light”.

For Shawn Bleau ’94, the event was a strong reminder of the family bonds the Massachusetts men’s soccer program shares across eras. “I loved hearing everyone’s stories, sharing experiences, and seeing how much support exists across generations of players” said Bleau. “It reminded me why I’m proud to be part of this program and why giving back matters.”

Andrew Bing ’88, Senior Vice President for Kramer and Associates, reverberated the strong sense of pride felt around his long-standing connection to the program. “As a proud alum of the UMass soccer program, I was honored to be asked to participate in the Alumni Mentoring Night program. The Alumni Mentoring Night is one more way that the UMass Soccer Program excels; offering not only the opportunity to compete for championships, but also the opportunity to prepare for their post-soccer careers.”

The connection maintained between the UMass men’s soccer program and its Alumni is not lost on current players either, as returning fifth-year defender Matt Fordham states that “having former men’s soccer players return for the annual Alumni Mentoring Night and share their journeys on and off the field was a powerful reminder of the UMass family we are part of. Their stories, advice, and openness turned the night into more than just a Q&A, but a moment to reconnect and inspire everyone of us still wearing the UMass jersey.”

Junior defender Aidan Kelly stressed the importance of seizing the opportunity “to further our relationships with UMass soccer alums. Mr Priestly hosted an excellent panel of guests who shared a wealth of knowledge about their college and professional careers. It was great to listen to all of the alumni and take the lessons they shared into [his] life.”
 
Head Coach Fran O’Leary expressed immense gratitude to the Alumni who returned to campus. “What a great night for our UMass Soccer team! Many thanks to Ed, Andrew, Shawn and Josh for returning to campus and sharing their knowledge and wisdom” said O’Leary. “It was fitting that Ted Priestly’s ’94 brainchild of hosting an Alumni Mentoring Night saw him return to campus to moderate our 9^thannual event; Thank You Ted!

“We look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come. A terrific evening was rounded out with the presence of Mike Gibbons ’84 who was recognized for his sterling service to our Alumni Leadership group, Thanks Gibby!”