Adelphi Panthers Gear Up for Spring Championships Amid Winter Storm
As a historic blizzard blankets the Northeast, the Adelphi Panthers are already setting their sights on another championship-caliber spring. With multiple teams ranked nationally and a roster full of returning stars, the Garden City campus is buzzing with anticipation for what could be another banner season in Adelphi Athletics.
Men’s Lacrosse Aims for Three-Peat as National Title Favorites
The Adelphi men’s lacrosse team enters the 2026 season as the unanimous No. 1 team in the country, according to the USILA Men’s Coaches Division II Poll. Fresh off back-to-back national championships, the Panthers are chasing history as the first NCAA Division II team to win three consecutive titles since 2018-2019.
Headlining the squad is All-American midfielder Kyle Lewis, the lone Division II player named to the Tewaaraton Award Watch List—lacrosse’s equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. Lewis etched his name into program lore with the game-winning goal in last year’s overtime national championship thriller against the University of Tampa. He’s joined by a group of seven Panthers recognized as USILA Preseason All-Americans, giving Adelphi one of the most talented rosters in the nation.
While the offense returns its biggest star, the defense faces a transition in net following the graduation of National Goalie of the Year Dylan Renner. A competitive goalie room featuring four contenders, led by three-time USA Lacrosse All-American Christian Tomei, will battle for the starting role.
Women’s Lacrosse Reloads for Another Deep NCAA Run
Under the guidance of three-time national championship coach Pat McCabe, the Adelphi women’s lacrosse team has established itself as the gold standard in Division II. Ranked No. 2 nationally in the preseason IWLCA rankings, the Panthers return all three of their All-Americans from last year’s national runner-up squad: Ashley Kolomechuk, Sonny Lionetti, and Rita Sefransky.
Lionetti, the USA Lacrosse Magazine Preseason Defender of the Year, headlines a group of five Panthers named to the magazine’s Preseason All-America selections—the most of any Division II program. With a foundation of experienced stars and emerging talent, Adelphi is poised for another deep postseason push and a chance to reclaim the national title they’ve come so close to capturing in recent seasons.
Baseball Enters New Era Under Mike Gaffney
Spring also marks a fresh chapter for the Adelphi baseball team as Mike Gaffney takes the helm following the retirement of Bill Ianniciello. Gaffney brings an impressive pedigree to Garden City, having been selected in the 13th round by the Kansas City Royals in 2002 and spending five seasons in their organization, reaching the AA level.
His managerial tenure at LIU Post from 2014 to 2019 saw the Pioneers through the winningest five-year stretch in program history, capped by a single-season record of 38 victories in 2019 that earned him ECC and ABCA East Region Coach of the Year distinction. Gaffney’s connection to Adelphi runs deep—his father, Bill Gaffney ’79, MA ’03, is an Adelphi Athletic Hall of Famer who led the Panthers to a Knickerbocker Conference Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in 1977.
Championship Opportunities Beyond the Diamond and Turf
The pursuit of titles extends beyond traditional spring sports at Adelphi. The women’s tennis team enters the spring unbeaten at a perfect 6-0 against Division II opponents and will serve as hosts for the 2026 NE10 Championship at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York—home of the US Open Tennis Championships.
After falling short in last fall’s conference final, the Panthers aim to reclaim both the regular season and tournament titles they captured in 2023. Meanwhile, women’s golf continues to build on a historic fall season that saw the program capture its first-ever NE10 Championship, winning the conference crown by 23 strokes and earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Regionals this May in Findlay, Ohio.
Why Adelphi Athletics Continues to Dominate
Adelphi’s sustained success across multiple sports programs speaks to the University’s commitment to athletic excellence and student-athlete development. The combination of experienced coaching staffs, state-of-the-art facilities, and a culture of winning creates an environment where champions are made.
For prospective students considering Adelphi, the University offers more than just academic excellence—it provides opportunities to compete at the highest levels of collegiate athletics while earning a respected degree. Whether you’re a lacrosse star dreaming of national championships, a tennis player looking to compete at iconic venues like the USTA center, or a baseball player seeking to play for a program with deep traditions, Adelphi Athletics delivers championship experiences both on and off the field.
Experience Panther Pride Firsthand
Ready to see what makes Adelphi Athletics special? Schedule a campus visit to meet with coaches, tour athletic facilities, and experience the electric atmosphere of Panther games. With multiple teams ranked nationally and championship aspirations across spring sports, there’s never been a better time to become part of the Adelphi family.
Have Questions About Adelphi Athletics?
Our admissions team is here to help you navigate your path to becoming a Panther. Whether you’re interested in competing at the collegiate level or simply want to be part of the excitement as a fan, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today to learn more about athletic programs, recruitment opportunities, and how you can be part of Adelphi’s championship tradition.
Stay Connected with Panther Pride
Follow Adelphi Athletics on social media for the latest updates, game highlights, and behind-the-scenes content from your favorite teams. Join the conversation using #PantherPride and be part of the community that supports our student-athletes as they chase greatness this spring season.
