Message from the Athletic Director

Competing at the collegiate level is a privilege that approximately 200 young men and women are able to experience each year as they begin their academic careers at the College of Southern Maryland.

For our student-athletes, life skills such as setting goals, time management, cooperation and sportsmanship are qualities that are enhanced through participating in organized team sports—prized qualities that will serve students well as they pursue their bachelor’s degrees and enter the workforce.

Students considering athletics at CSM will enter an organization that is well-respected in state, regional and national circles. CSM had two of our fall athletes earn All-American recognition as Sean Bucior from our men’s soccer team was named to the 2nd Team and Taylor Superior from our women’s soccer team was named to the 1st Team. Our volleyball, men’s soccer, golf, cross-country and softball teams have made national tournament appearances. Coaches in volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s basketball, golf and softball have been recognized by their peers as Coach of the Year in their respective sports. In 2009 and 2013, CSM earned the Sportsmanship of the Year Award from Maryland Junior College Conference (MDJUCO), with 16 member colleges voting for the college they considered most exemplified the behaviors represented in the award. The accomplishments of our student-athletes in the classroom, in the heat of competition and in their everyday lives, speak to the character and caliber of the young men and women of CSM who participate in sports while advancing their academic pursuits. During the 2014-15 academic year, CSM had 13 student-athletes named to the MDJUCO All-Academic teams and nine student-athletes who earned Region XX Academic Awards.

CSM’s athletes are also recognized for their community service efforts. The volleyball team has been involved in fundraising efforts and breast cancer awareness through a program called Dig Pink while women’s soccer supported that effort through Think Pink. Men’s and women’s basketball support Coaches vs. Cancer as well.

CSM teams enjoy incredible support from the community. This year the college and local community partners are working to build dugouts on the women’s softball field with the competition slated before our spring season begins. The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs organization opens its field for CSM’s baseball team to play home games at the Regency Furniture Stadium. Our student-athletes receive scholarships through contributions made by individuals and businesses through the CSM Foundation.

CSM launched four new athletic programs in the past two years in response to the appeals of our Southern Maryland community. Men’s and women’s lacrosse, and men’s and women’s cross-country programs have increased our athletic offerings to 12 which further expands the opportunities for student-athletes to successfully transition to the next academic and athletic levels.

When you participate in a sport, you learn to share roles and work toward a common goal—a tremendous lesson that will benefit our students and ultimately our community. Above all, athletics delivers the fundamental lesson of “Goals worth achieving will be attained only through preparation hard work and dedication!”

Go Hawks!

Michelle Ruble
Lead Director of Student Life and Athletics