President Daisy Cocco De Filippis praised the student athletes for their discipline.
The Hostos Caimans were thrilled to be recognized by President Cocco De Filippis for their achievements on and off the court.
In a warm and intimate setting effervescing with pride and exuberance, the Hostos Caimans Men’s and Women's Basketball teams gathered yesterday at the invitation of President Daisy Cocco De Filippis to celebrate their remarkable performance in the 2023–2024 season. Both teams triumphed in the CUNY Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) championships, breaking records along the way. The men’s team then went on to win the Regionals and made it all the way to the Nationals, finishing 12th among all community colleges in the nation. So, President Cocco De Filippis and Vice President of Student Development and Enrollment Management La Toro Yates hosted a celebration for student athletes and their coaches, with a catered lunch, gift bags, and words of praise and admiration for the players.
“At Hostos, we celebrate our students. It takes tremendous commitment and dedication to excel in sports, in this case, but what I’m hearing is that many of these students are also excelling—that discipline carries into the academics, so I’m extremely proud,” said President Cocco De Filppis.
As the attendees enjoyed their lunch, the President opened the proceedings with some words of praise and some advice. “Many of you have very good grades. The discipline it takes to be a good athlete, if applied to your studies, will help you go far. The life of your athletic body will someday come to an end, but the life of the mind goes on for many years!”
In attendance were Dean Johanna Gomez, Athletics Director Brent Wilson, and several of the teams’ coaches, including Marquee Poole, Head Coach of the Men’s team, who acted as MC, calling the student-athletes up to the podium to receive their honors.
From left to right: Coach Craig Williams, VP of SDEM La Toro Yates, Coach Bryce Holland, Athletic Director Brent Wilson, Coach Jamel Harris, Coach Marquee Poole.
“Today’s event is a great honor, just showing that Hostos has always supported student athletes, especially how they’ve been able to go out and represent the college on and off the court, whether it be through community service, academics, and athletics. And just to be a part of today’s event with the President, the Vice President and the Deans and so on, encourages the students to continue to want to do more and continue to represent the school in a major way,” said Coach Poole. “Two championships, one regional championship this year and then the men's team making it to the nationals tournament has been an amazing feat, and we are all celebrating this together.”
As the student athletes came up one by one and addressed the room, it was clear that there is an unbreakable bond of friendship and camaraderie, forged by the fire of competition, and fueled by mutual love and respect, that will unite these teammates forever. “Before I got to Hostos, I didn’t know who I was,” shared student athlete Ifeoma Ezike. “And even though the basketball season is over, your season in my life will never end,” she added as her teammates cheered.
Student Athlete Ifeoma Ezike read a poem selected by the President.
Overall the feeling among the players was pride in their accomplishments, love and loyalty for each other, gratitude and admiration for their coaches and appreciation for the College.
“I think it’s super special that we’re being recognized at this level, both men and women’s teams, that we were both able to accomplish big things this season and it's nothing short of great,” said Jae’Oni Davis, who earned MVP accolades during the CUNYAC championship.
“You know, we’re just witnessing greatness, and what we deserve from it.”