BOCA RATON, Fla. – Lynn University and Boca Raton, Florida were the home of the 2019 NCAA Division II Regional last December for both men's soccer and volleyball as the Fighting Knights were the host and top seed in their respective tournaments.
Below is a look back at both historic 2019 seasons on the court and on the pitch, with perspectives from coaches and administrators who helped host the successful events.
Fighting Knights Volleyball
- Lynn University made history by winning the Sunshine State Conference Championship in 2019.
- The Fighting Knights posted an overall record of 28-5 (18-2 SSC).
- The team set program records for total wins and winning streak (15).
- Lynn University defeated Spring Hill in the opening round of the NCAA Regional, 3-0.
- Marine Kinna and Sonja Udovcic became the first duo in Fighting Knights' history to earn AVCA First Team All-American honors.
"Hosting the 2019 NCAA Regional was very special for all of us involved," said Head Coach Adam Milewski. "Personally, I was proud that we were able to represent Lynn University and showcase our amazing campus, facilities and staff."
"The overall experience of hosting regionals is something I will never forget," Milewski added "In 2018 we didn't qualify for regionals at all. In 2019, we basically returned the same exact team. Our struggles definitely helped develop our strengths. During those two years we were also able to learn how to apply the attributes of spirit, service and strength to our everyday lives. It was a special group of young women who I was fortunate to coach."
"We faced a really good team in the opening match, so there's always pressure, but our team did a great job of staying loose leading up to the opening serve," said Milewski. "I think the real pressure was on our staff to pull off hosting two regional competitions on the same weekend."
Coordinator of Athletic Operations, Roberto Baroniel, noted that the pressure and logistics involved were well worth the effort due to the fan support shown throughout the events. "If you're familiar with Lynn, you know that our volleyball and soccer teams always have great energy at their home events. These programs do a great job of drawing in the support of our student body and community, and they did just that during the regional matchups. Both facilities were as loud as they have ever been."
Fighting Knights Men's Soccer
- Lynn University won both the Sunshine State Conference regular season and postseason titles in 2019, adding to the men's soccer program record of 16 total SSC Championships.
- Lynn concluded the season with an overall record of 16-2-2 (8-1-1 SSC).
- The Fighting Knights defeated Queens, 1-0, and Florida Tech, 2-1, in the first two rounds of the NCAA Regional.
- Lynn went on to host and win the NCAA Super Region Two Championship at home over Wingate, 3-0.
- The Fighting Knights advanced to the NCAA Final Four for the fifth time under head coach John Rootes.
"It was a fantastic experience winning the Super Regional last year at home," said Head Coach John Rootes. "We've been fortunate to win it five times in the decade, but 2019 was only the second time we were able to take the crown at home in front of our fans. It was very satisfying for the players and the coaching staff. We had a fantastic crowd on hand and their support made the difference."
"Lynn University really shined brightly during the regional because the tournament was so well run," Rootes added. "Ron Davis and his staff did an outstanding job making sure that everything was run very professionally and the student-athletes had a great experience. Our athletic department had quite the challenge hosting two regional tournaments, but as expected here at Lynn, they did a fantastic job."
"At Lynn University we are always looking to provide the absolute best experience possible," said Davis, the Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs. "When you host postseason competition, it takes the whole campus, including various other stakeholders outside of athletics. Everyone within our athletic department additionally found ways to contribute beyond their normal scope."
"Granted that hosting two NCAA Regionals simultaneously is not an easy task," Davis noted. "Though I am thankful for the efforts of our entire athletic department staff and campus community. Without us all coming together as one unit, the success of those tournaments would not have been possible."
