(Graphic created by Le Moyne Athletics)
Le Moyne College made the decision in May of 2023 that they were going to move from being an NCAA Division 2 institution into the world of Division 1.
When the move became official on July 1, 2023, the men’s soccer program was in a unique situation. Their head coach of over two decades, Tom Bonus, had made the decision to step away from the program.
Former student-athlete and then-assistant coach Callum Donnelly was elevated by former Le Moyne Director of Athletics Bob Beretta, and the team had a new leader, but a familiar face at the helm of the squad.
The team would make the Northeast Conference (NEC) in their first season in the league, and first in transition to Division 1.
After having numerous applicants for the job, Beretta would remove the interim tag from Donnelly, making him the official leader “on the pitch” for men’s soccer.
Fast forward to this season, Year 2 in the move to Division 1.
Le Moyne began the 2024 season at home with a 3-2 victory over the visiting Canisius Golden Griffins.
After being on the wrong side of a 1-0 score on the road versus the Binghamton Bearcats, the Dolphins went down the road, just a few minutes from their campus, to face off against the Syracuse Orange, who entered the match ranked seventh in the entire nation.
Despite being outshot 28 to 5, the Dolphins had the attempt that counted, a penalty kick by Jack Goodrich in the 17th minute that found a home within the Orange netting.
The match was played in front of 2,134 onlookers, the sixth-largest crowd at SU Soccer Stadium since it opened in 1996.
And every set of eyes saw something special.
That the Dolphins were ready to swim in larger waters.
That Donnelly was the right choice.
That these young men do not see rankings or opinions.
They see each other.
They see opportunity.
They see that the best time to dive all in is the time that you are currently in.
The ‘Phins are up and heading toward the horizon.
You can either ride the waves with them or be swept out to sea.
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