April 15, 2008

FIELD HOCKEY'S MAWEMA, TRACK & FIELD'S JOINER SELECTED TO REPRESENT BRYANT AT NCAA NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Sophomore Kundayi Mawema

Junior Jonathan Joiner

SMITHFIELD, RI - Field hockey sophomore Kundayi Mawema and track and field junior Jonathan Joiner have been selected to represent Bryant University in the 2008 NCAA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla., May 25-29.

The conference, an forum of 700 student-athletes from across the country and all three NCAA divisions, allows attendees to openly discuss issues that affect them on campus and in the community, also providing the selected student-athletes with the opportunity to enhance their leadership, communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills.

The conference also promotes better communication among student-athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty and communities.

Mawema, a 5-foot-6 native of Hare, Zimbabwe, is a 2007 Northeast-10 Conference Second Team selection and two-time Goalkeeper of the Week who appeared in all 19 games this season, starting 18. Mawema allowed just 33 goals on the year with a 1.78 goals against average and a 12-6 record between the pipes. The sophomore majors in management with a minor in international affairs.

"I feel honored to have been chosen to represent the Bryant University Student Athletes and the great program we have to offer here," said Mawema. "We are a group of talented individuals with the drive to excel in what we do, and being leaders in our various fields plays a big part in this. The conference gives student-athletes the chance to learn about leadership and all that it entails. I am excited to go there and meet other student-athletes and see what I can learn from both them and the conference."

Joiner, a junior javelin thrower from Hyde Park, Mass., is a marketing major at Bryant, minoring in psychology.

"I am extremely honored to have the privilege of partaking in such a great event," said Joiner. "I am confident that my experiences at the conference will enable me to bring back valuable insights to the already outstanding group of student-athletes here at Bryant."

Both Mawema and Joiner are members of SAAC, Bryant's Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

Over 1800 nominations from 462 institutions were submitted for the pool of 700 who get to join the council at the Walt Disney World Resort in May.

"Jonathan and Kundayi are two shining examples of the Character of Success prevalent in our student-athlete community," said SAAC advisor and head field hockey coach Coni Fichera.

"They both demonstrate a commitment to excellence in their endeavors in the classroom, the competitive arena and as leaders in the community. Their selection to this prestigious event from over 1800 nominations is truly an honor for all the members of the Bulldog family. I know they will not only represent Bryant proudly but will bring back with them a wealth of knowledge, experience and energy to share with their peers in the Bryant Community."