Dare to be First.
Plastered throughout the University of Delaware’s Athletic Centers, apparel, and fan memorabilia this slogan is plastered. This slogan inspires many to be first, it is the fire that has and will continue to fuel Blue Hens for years to come.
Recently, the University of Delaware announced the launch of the Delaware First Campaign which is focused on “building our home”. The campaign has many academic and personal development goals, but one of the primary focus of Delaware First is the “front porch” of the University of Delaware- the Division 1 Athletics teams and facilities.
Being a part of the Blue Hen family is belonging to a cause bigger than yourself—hence Delaware FIRST. As a honorary member of the Blue Hen family means putting Delaware FIRST in our hearts and minds to help inspire ourselves, and others. Delaware First is not only a slogan, but it is a life style.
The Delaware First life style is one that has been welcomed with open arms within the Blue Hen Athletics community.
On May 15, the University of Delaware, as a whole, participated in “I Heart UD: Giving Day”. The purpose of this event was to gather supporters of Delaware to bring our international community closer by donating money to support programs within the university. The initial goal was to convince 2,750 to donate, in general. Rather, all 118 projects almost doubled the amount of donors at 5,230 to raise $969,107 in total.
“I think it is really awesome that we are advocating for ourselves, and giving back to a program that has given so much to us. Having 100% participation within our team really shows how we all can come together minus our differences to support a cause bigger than ourselves.”- Sarah Horgan, Junior on Women’s Field Hockey.
Within athletics, the baseball and field hockey team clearly embrace the Delaware First lifestyle. The 2016 Division 1 Field Hockey National Championship program capped all other programs with 85 donors, and has a 100% success rate of returning players giving back to the program. The baseball team slammed athletics with a grand total of $11, 235 given back to the program.
Together, the launch of the Delaware First and I Heart UD Day allow the construction to commence on updating the “front porch” of the University of Delaware.
$60 million, but impacts that will last a lifetime—the state-of-the-art Whitney Athletic Center.
“The projects will add great value to the University and showcase the commitment to the future of Athletics at UD.”- Head Blue Hen Football Coach, Danny Rocco.
Within this $60 million project, the entire scenery of athletics will be re-vamped. The end goal of the Whitney Athletic Center is to highlight student success, health, and well-being, while providing the athletes with resources that contribute to their on and off field success.
The Delaware First campaign will assist putting the student in student-athlete by providing Blue Hen athletes with an integrated space for academic support, while providing resources to allow for career development/preparation, and leadership development. Planned to be in this space will be space designated for mock interviews, a connection to potential employers, and resume workshops. To promote academic well-being amongst student-athletes a larger computer lab will be installed, as well as an academic lounge to promote community and bonding between teams. In addition, rooms will be developed where athletes can enjoy lectures from guest speakers, and host press conferences.
Health and well-being of the student-athletes will be highlighted, as well, with the installation of a 10,000 square foot strength and conditioning area to allow multiple teams to train at once. To accommodate athletes with injuries, the athletic training facilities will be enhanced, and the addition of a satellite area for on-site physical therapy will be provided. In between physical therapy, lift, and practice, the Whitney Athletic Center comes with a “grab & go” station provided by the nutritionist with healthy refueling options. Finally, the sports psychology area will be expanded with the addition of resources to ensure and raise awareness for mental health, as well as, providing a space for one-on-one meetings, team workshops, and integrated educational sessions for students.
This renovation to athletics would not be complete without some modification to Delaware Stadium—the home field of our football, men’s and women’s lacrosse teams. The stadium is to be completed in phases. Phase one of the renovations is to include seats with backs to the middle three sections on the west side of the stadium. In addition, the club area and press box is to be upgraded. The club area will move into Whitney Athletic Center fully equipped with exclusive seating, a bar, and food for club members. The press box is to be updated for improved productions for media staff on game day, along with higher quality views for coaching viewing, and other types of game-day productions. Finally, the restroom and concession areas will be improved to up the overall fan experience when visiting Newark.
Delaware First is a mindset, a lifestyle that reminds us- “This is our moment.”
I Heart UD Day image: https://www1.udel.edu/giving/iheartud/?cfcat=9352
Whitney Center images provided by: https://delawarefirst.udel.edu/priorities/athletics-facilities/