By MAKENNA WILLIAMS
Sports Editor
There are roughly 430 student athletes at the College of Saint Rose. All of which have created a family here at this small school in Albany, New York. The Saint Rose Athletics program had joined the Northeast 10 conference shortly before 2000.
Saint Rose offered 19 intercollegiate sports at the Division II NCAA level, and the Saint Rose Golden Knights have made an impact on so many people’s lives along with the community. There have been more than 50 student athletes named as All-Americans.
The Saint Rose women’s soccer team won the first national team championship in school history in 2011. The Golden Knights ended the season 24-1-1, scoring a school record 90 goals. The Saint Rose women’s soccer team has also made seven NCAA Tournament Final Four trips in the last 12 years and won an unprecedented eight Northeast-10 Conference Championship postseason crowns in the last 14 seasons.
In March 2007, Brandon Birchak won the one and three-meter diving events at the NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving Championships in Buffalo, giving the College its first national championship in any sport. These are just some achievements from former student athletes at Saint Rose.
With Spring sports coming to a close, many athletes have stepped off the field for the last time or for the last time in black and gold. Many student athletes walked off the field with tears falling down their faces and hugging their teammates and friends that will forever be remembered. While others walked off the field with smiles on their faces knowing that even though it’s over at Saint Rose, their career isn’t.
Many students have packed their entire lives up and moved countries to somewhere that is unknown to them, while others may have traveled across states or even just a few hours away to come to Saint Rose. Student-athletes have spoken about how The College of Saint Rose introduced them to the best people that they could have ever met even with the ups and downs of going through multiple coaching changes throughout their careers. Athletes at Saint Rose have endured so much pain in the last two years from losing friends and a teammate and losing the school and place they were able to call home. Regardless of what has happened everyone is extremely proud of everything that you have accomplished on and off the field and collegiate sports will never be the same without you all.
As I say goodbye to Saint Rose Athletics, my heart is filled with appreciation and memories. As a sportswriter, I’ve had the opportunity to see incredible victories, heart-stopping situations, and the undying passion of players committed to their job.
Each game, match, and tournament left its own mark on Saint Rose history, and I’ve been lucky to put those stories into words. From the thundering applause ringing through Plumeri to the quiet intensity on the field, each event has left an unforgettable impact on my soul. The camaraderie of players, the devotion of coaches, and the unwavering support of families have all contributed to a memorable voyage.
Along with my recollections, I leave with a deep sense of respect for the athletes who gave their best for their sport and motivated us all with their tenacity and commitment. I’m grateful to Saint Rose Athletics for letting me be a part of your amazing adventure. Even if my career as a sports writer may be coming to an end, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for rivalry and friendship. Farewell, and may you have many successes and treasured memories forever.
Once a Golden Knight, Always a Golden Knight
