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Binghamton University Athletics

Welcome Back Meeting

Binghamton student-athletes return to campus

| By: David O’Brian (dobrian@binghamton.edu)

Division of Athletics holds Welcome Back Program in advance of fall semester

VESTAL, N.Y. – With the Fall 2026 semester starting up on Tuesday at Binghamton University, the Division of Athletics held their annual Welcome Back Meeting for its student-athletes on Monday morning at the Anderson Center. The 450+ student-athletes got a chance to reconnect with their teammates and fellow Bearcats for the first time since the spring - and to hear from several administrators and staffers on campus.

"I would like to welcome our new Bearcats to Binghamton University," Binghamton Director of Athletics Gene Marshall said. "I would also like to welcome our returning Bearcats back to campus. I am looking forward to another outstanding year."

Leading off the Welcome Back Meeting was Binghamton University President Anne D'Alliva. It marked the start of her first full academic year since assuming office last Nov. 1 and gave her a chance to address all of the student-athletes for the first time.

"I am so proud of all of you student-athletes for everything that you represent and everything that you do for our university," she said. "We are here for you as student-athletes and to support every aspect of your holistic development."

As for the student-athletes, the mood preceding the Welcome Back Meeting was excitement over both seeing their teammates and classmates again and for the challenges of the year ahead."

"It feels amazing to see all of my friends and teammates that I haven't seen all summer," senior softball pitcher Delaney Glover said. "There are lots of emotions since I'm a senior but I have a good feeling about this year."

"It's been super exciting to be back and see everyone and meet a lot of the new freshmen," senior track & field athlete Putu Sutayasa said. "It's also really good to see everyone from all of the teams here today and getting to meet them too."

One team that has already begun its 2026 campaign is the Binghamton women's soccer team. They won their first two matches - both at home - by a combined score of 5-0 over Lehigh and Marist this past week. To the players on that team, it was important to start the year off right not just for themselves - but for all of the student-athletes as well.

"There has been a big emphasis on the winning culture that we have created here at Binghamton University," senior goalkeeper Rebecca Kessler said. "Coming in and getting those first two wins sets a tone for everyone else. We are rooting for our fellow Bearcats and we know we have their support as well."

 
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