by Alexis Barton
In honor of their dedication to Roanoke College Athletics, a few coaches sent their well-wishes to the Class of 2022!
Coach Zach Ullrich, Baseball: “Thank you for all that you have done for our program. You are all outstanding individuals and I am excited to see what life after college has in-store for you.”
Coach Clay Nunley, Men’s Basketball: “Nick has been a model student-athlete during his entire four-year career with us. He has always valued doing what is right to put both himself and his teammates in position to be successful. He has been a part of a lot of wins over the course of his career, and he had an immense impact on our program as a leader, defender, playmaker, and teammate. We are extremely proud of Nick and I’m thankful I had the privilege of coaching him!”
Coach Carla Flaherty, Women’s Basketball: “Congratulations on an outstanding four years. Your legacy is one where you revitalized a program, invigorated alumnae, and are passing a bright torch to the next wave of Maroons. Thank you and best of luck as you take flight!”
Coach Briana Banks, Field Hockey: “The Class of 2022 is a very special group of ladies that made a huge impact on our field hockey family at RC. Their leadership, loyalty, work ethic, and dedication to this team will always be remembered and we will miss them greatly. I wish them all the best in the next chapter of their lives! Forever a Maroon!!”
Coach Bill Pilat, Men’s Lacrosse: “We are sad to lose 7 great senior lacrosse players. These men have worked very hard through extremely difficult times for athletics. They have endured a season canceled after only 6 games and also a season cut short due to cancellations. Last season, due to safety reasons, our team was not able to use our locker room for home contests. Their leadership through this time has been admirable and their senior year has proven to be the best one yet because of this. We know they will be great Roanoke College Alums! Thank you all!”
Coach Zach Tamburello, Women’s Lacrosse: “Lilly, Emerson, Hallie, Riley, Brooke, Kaylie, Molly and Claire, thank you for your dedication, hard work, and more importantly support of one another on and off the field. The same drive and passion that has enabled your success on the field will be a driving force in your future careers. You chose the word “unfinished” to define this season. You have dedicated yourselves to this word, which reflects your relentless pursuit of excellence. We could not be more proud of the standard you have set and the legacy you leave behind. Thank you to our seniors!!”
Coach Ryan Pflugrad, Men’s Soccer: “This year’s seniors will be forever remembered for their leadership, commitment to the program and competitive nature on the field, as well as seeing the program through the difficult challenges presented through the COVID pandemic. The three that are graduating this May are Joe Carman, Joey D’Amour and Vincent Lamina. We are proud of them and are excited to follow them in their future endeavors. Several others have decided to return to campus next fall to play their additional seasons of eligibility grated through the COVID pandemic. We are thrilled for them to return to compete again next fall. A diverse group of young men, between them, have accomplished a lot at Roanoke. Including but not limited to:
-Every semester since they have been at Roanoke College, the Men’s Soccer team has earned over a 3.0 GPA.
-Helped the team to 49 wins, including 26 wins in ODAC regular season play against just 5 losses
-Earned All ODAC, All Region and Team Awards
-Earned a First Team Academic All America Award
-Showed great resilience in recovering fully from serious injuries
-Been inducted to Phi Beta Kappa
-Captained our team
-Been named to the Dean’s list multiple times
-Helped raise nearly $8,000 for Micah’s Backpack
-Earned 4.0 GPA in multiple semesters;
-Engaged in numerous on campus organizations and service opportunities.
-Provided leadership in all phases, especially during covid challenges
-Helped us to a 14-2-4 record in 2019 and reaching the program’s 7th NCAA Tournament”
Coach Phil Benne, Women’s Soccer: “This group of seniors left their mark on the Roanoke College Women’s Soccer program on the soccer field and in the classroom. They contributed to an overall team 4 year record of 37-23-7. In the fall of 2019 they finished 13-6-1, ranked 7th in the final DIII South Atlantic NCAA poll. In 2020, playing in a shortened spring covid-season, they reached the ODAC semifinals. In the classroom, the group of seven seniors have an impressive combined GPA of 3.57. They will go on to do great things!”
Coach Blair Trail, Volleyball: “All four seniors contributed greatly to our program. They were a very talented class that not only were strong athletes but leaders in the classroom. I wish them much success in the future”
