Long Beach State University Athletics
Athletics Update From Ted Kadowaki
1/12/2023 10:11:00 AM | General
Long Beach State's Interim Director of Athletics provides an update as we enter a new calendar year.
Happy New Year and welcome to 2023!
It has been an absolute pleasure to return to Long Beach State Athletics and immerse myself in such a fantastic department. I've had the opportunity to learn a lot, reconnect with old friends, and meet new people who all share a common bond - a deep love and care for Beach Athletics. Every student-athlete that I've had the privilege of meeting exudes Beach Pride - they are eager to learn in the classroom and on the field, strive for victory, and are committed to personal growth. They are also proud to represent Long Beach State and Beach Athletics. Their energy and enthusiasm inspires me daily and reaffirms that I made the right decision to accept this challenge.
Congratulations to our student-athletes who excelled academically this past fall earning 244 Academic All Stars (3.0+), 63 Dean's List (3.5 – 3.7), and 56 President's List (3.75 – 4.00). Their hard work in the classroom has paid off with a cumulative 3.16 Fall GPA, a truly impressive accomplishment. Congratulations again to our student-athletes!
We are coming off another competitive fall season that saw a number of team and individual success stories from the Beach. First-year head coach Tyler Hildebrand took over the Women's Volleyball program, which went 19-9 overall and finished in third place in the Big West. Men's Golfer Ian Gilligan spent multiple weeks as the #1 golfer in the country posting two individual tournament wins. Long Beach State Men's Water Polo finished the year ranked as the No. 6 team in the nation. Senior Lena Silano was named the Big West Offensive Player of the Year in Women's Soccer. Record-breaking performances from Allie Scimia and Ryley Fick highlighted the year for Cross Country, as the duo recorded the No. 1 and No. 2 6K times in school history in 2022.
As the spring approaches, we are eagerly anticipating the start of nine competitive seasons at Long Beach State. We have several exciting events to look forward to, including the debut of new lights at the LBSU Softball Complex, another run at a NCAA National Championship for Men's Volleyball, and the return of Dirtbags Baseball to Bohl Diamond at Blair Field. I encourage you to get your tickets early and support our Beach student-athletes as often as you can. You can purchase tickets and learn more about upcoming events at longbeachstate.com/tickets. We hope to see you there!
This fall the University launched the No Barriers campaign, which embodies the spirit of giving and overcoming obstacles. In that spirit, we ask for your philanthropic support through the Beach Athletic Fund (BAF). The BAF is introducing new initiatives that we hope you will be a part of, including a student donor pairing program and a new major giving society. These initiatives will be key in helping us meet the fundraising goals of Athletics and the No Barriers campaign across the campus. Your support will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our student-athletes and the success of our programs. Thank you for considering a contribution to the Beach Athletic Fund.
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I wanted to provide an update on some of the work that has been happening and some of the changes that are being made to provide stability for the department into the future. After a thorough review of all department finances, lots of discussion and debate and consultation with various resources on campus, I believe there is a plan to move the department towards greater financial stability. In addition to modifying our expense habits and changing some of our financial practices, increased revenue must be part of the solution. Our fundraising team continues to move closer to our partners in University Relations and Development to make sure we are maximizing our opportunities. In addition to this, and with the full support of President Conoley and Vice President Apel, we are aggressively identifying a means for Beach Athletics to receive additional institutional support beginning with the next fiscal year. There will be a role for campus constituents as well as fans and loyal supporters to help in this effort. Please keep an eye out for opportunities for you to get involved.
Additional resources will make a long-lasting difference and will secure our ability to maintain a safe, competitive, and respected intercollegiate athletics program at the Beach. We are very fortunate that campus leadership supports and values Beach Athletics and is working with us on a sustainable solution to our fiscal challenges.
I also have had a preliminary meeting with Vice President Apel regarding the recruitment of the new Executive Director for Athletics, and some of the pre-work has already begun. We are committed to recruiting the best and the brightest candidates to lead our vibrant University's athletics program. Once the effort begins in earnest, I expect there to be a message outlining the process, the timeline, and the opportunities for people to get involved or provide input. I have great belief that the efforts of our team and the initiatives we are implementing will set the stage for continued growth and excellence in Beach Athletics for 2023 and beyond.
Thank you for your support and Go Beach!
Interim Executive Director of Athletics Ted Kadowaki
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