For many years, The scholar-athletes at cooper union have been spending the last week of summer training up at Cape Cod. The academic, social, educational, and athletic relationships are all established and strengthened during this stay. Each team is represented by a group that is ready to take over the team. The leadership and chemistry of athletics is quickly realized, appreciated, and worked on at a rapid pace at the Cape.

Our leadership started this year with the visitation of our new president. President Jamshed Bharucha was a welcomed guest and active participant during the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday activities. President Bharucha had active and engaging conversations at every level. He spoke with groups of individuals, he spoke with small groups of a dozen or more, and he spoke amongst all 70 of the athletes. The scholar athletes offered their support and listened to his ideas about the Cooper Union. We thank him for spending this time with us.

This year’s captains are experienced, intellectual, and really tough. James Collins chose a very rare position of being the captain of the basketball team for a second consecutive year. James’ effort, strength, and knowledge have caused this team to be one of the greatest teams in Cooper Union’s history.

Christina Milone stands alone as the one remaining founders of Cooper Union women’s basketball team. Christina is cerebral, she is tough, and she is athletic. Her skills and understanding of the game are really needed right now. As a captain, she lends confidence to all the new women who are competing to be a part of this great team. Yoon Shin will be the co-captain, and she brings an alertness, clarity, and dedication to this team. She is a willing participant whose engaging nature lifts the challenge and the spirits of her teammates.

Matthew Schoen is the captain of the soccer team. He is knowledgeable, energetic, and tremendously organized. He knows how to lead off and on the field. I know Matthew is tough, and I think the team will be tougher because of that. Billy Epstein is the co-captain who relies on his speed, accuracy, and quick decisions. Billy creates and distributes in an unselfish way. Teammates will follow his lead. Jorge Aguerrevere is big and impressive. He knows the game, and is delicate in his appreciation of the skill level required to play this game. Jorge anticipates well, and expects the most from his teammates.

Grace Wang is the captain of the women’s volleyball team. Grace says a little less than most captains, but as a leader, she lets her actions, reactions, and super-actions speak for themselves. This team lacks nothing when Grace is on the court. Co-captain Sophia Savva is meticulous, really knows the game, and is dedicated to her team. She has a great understanding of her teammates’ strengths and weaknesses. Laura Genes is not only co-captain, but she is also the director on the court, and she is the voice of the team.  Laura knows the angles, communicates the angles, and at times, has to defy the angles.

Jason Shin is Cooper Union volleyball’s best friend. Jason has done everything to help both our teams get better. He is really dedicated to the success and well-being of our program. Andrew Tam is cerebral, strong, and elevating. The team was really happy when he was voted the MVP in the Hudson Valley Championships last year because it was a reflection of the entire team’s effort.

Sergey Kolchinskiy makes being a captain look easy. He knows he has tremendous help, and he is fierce when he sets the standards for this championship team. Apoorv Kothari, now a member of the retired touch football players association, will be able to resume his career as a player. Apoorv is extremely smart and talented, and he is a constant reminder of why this team has won six consecutive championships. Raymond Wong won his first championship as a number 6 player, he then won a doubles championship, and then he won a championship as a number 5 player. Raymond is the strength of the captains who will make all the decisions look easy. Raymond, Apoorv, and Sergey are constantly developing new players such as Anthony Assal, Joe Zwetchkenbaum, Vasily Kusenkov to be givers and future leaders of this great program.

Sharang Phadke has a chance to follow in the footsteps of all of his predecessors with the cross country program. Logan Yu, who was the founder of the team, is now coach and co-captain of this spirited group. Sharang will develop as he asserts his strengths.