This past weekend, the Retrievers cracked open the record books to ink two more milestones in the history of UMBC Athletics. For the first time in university history, the women’s track and field team captured the America East Indoor Championship title. In addition, the men’s swimming and diving team reclaimed their America East title for the first time since 2023. This marks their 15th win in 20 seasons. 

First of many

Despite the looming chilly weather, the women’s track and field team proved to be on a heater at Boston University on Saturday, February 21. With 163 total points, the Retrievers overtook defending champion UAlbany (143 points) and Bryant (116.83 points). 

There was no shortage of team and individual honors for the newly-crowned champs. UMBC was named America East Coaching Staff of the Year, led by David Bobb. 

With a time of 3:44.12, a 4×400 relay team of current student-athletes Lily Bandy, Dalyce Schmidt, political science; Leanne McDonald, psychology; and Anna Creel, computer science, nabbed not only a gold medal, but also set a new meet record time, beating their own record set in 2022. 

Sophomore Katie Schwaner, history, earned both Outstanding Track Performer of the Meet and the America East Coaches Award. First-year student Enazajah Young, political science, continued to add to her remarkable first season, receiving Most Outstanding Rookie and setting a new school record in the 60-meter hurdles to bring home a gold. 

Return to glory

Despite a remarkable legacy of excellence, the America East title has eluded UMBC men’s swimming and diving for the past two years, the longest break in their winning streak since joining the America East Conference in 2004. This year, the Retrievers broke the spell and came out on top to defeat two-time defending champion Binghamton. 

With a final total of 805.5 points, the Retrievers finished 50+ points ahead of Binghamton in second (748 points) and Bryant in third with 572.5 points. Despite the two-year hiatus, the Retrievers proved to still be a force to be reckoned with, racking up individual and team accolades. 

Led by Matt Donovan, UMBC again received Most Outstanding Coaching Staff honors. 

“This was an entire team win in every aspect for our third men’s team championship in five years,” said Donovan. “From the athletes in the water, to all of our supporters back at UMBC, and of course to our women’s team and what they bring to our program every day.” 

Senior Sean Neils, financial economics, earned athletic and academic honors, collecting individual medals and earning the America East Elite 18 Award for being the student-athlete with the highest GPA—a 4.0 in his case. 

First-year student Braden Weise set a meet record time of 43.58 in the 100 free, earning a gold, and was named Most Outstanding Rookie. The rest of his teammates followed suit with Neils grabbing silver, junior Matthew So, computer science, taking home bronze, and sophomore Axel Mori, economics, finishing in fourth, sweeping the 100 free and solidifying the title win for the Retrievers. 

Although women’s swimming and diving fell short of team title, junior Ashley Gutshall, history, set a record across UMBC and the America East with a time of 22.25 in the 50 meter. Gutshall took home a gold and qualified in the event for the NCAA Championship on March 20 in Atlanta. 

“Shortly after the meet was completed, I was asked on deck what my thoughts were and what I said then still rings true now—UMBC is a very special place and we are so proud to represent Retriever Nation,” said Donovan.

Courting a win

While the Retrievers secured their spots in the pool and on the track, UMBC men’s basketball is still in the throes of chasing another America East title. After a hard-fought win against UAlbany (66-62) this past Saturday, the Retrievers clinched a top four seed in America East Conference Tournament play. This was the sixth straight win for UMBC and it cemented hosting rights for a quarterfinal game on March 7. 

The Retrievers are 11-2 in conference play this season and 18-8 overall. They currently sit in first place in the conference. The last game of the regular season is this Thursday, February 26, at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena at 6 p.m. against Bryant. All faculty, staff, and their families are eligible for free tickets to cheer on UMBC. 

You went to the career fair. You collected business cards. You had a few great conversations. Now what?

Making contacts is only the first step — what really matters is what you do after the introduction. Turning contacts into opportunities requires intention, follow-up, and a willingness to continue the conversation beyond the initial meeting.

Here's how to transform a quick interaction into something meaningful.

1. Follow Up Within 48 Hours

After meeting a recruiter or professional, send a short thank-you email or LinkedIn message. Mention:

• Where you met (e.g., the UMBC Career Fair)
• Something specific you discussed
• The role or opportunity that interests you

This small step helps them remember you — and signals professionalism.

2. Connect the Conversation to Action

If you discussed a specific position, apply soon after following up. In your application or message, reference your conversation. For example:

"I enjoyed speaking with you at the UMBC Career Fair about the XYZ position and have submitted my application."

This reinforces your interest and keeps your name top of mind.

3. Show Continued Interest

Opportunities don't always happen instantly. Stay engaged by attending events like employer info sessions, recruitment events, and workshops. Seeing you show up more than once demonstrates genuine interest and persistence.

4. Ask Smart, Specific Questions

If you attend a recruitment session, ask questions that show you've done your research. Instead of asking, "What do you do?" try:

• "What skills make someone successful in this role?"
• "What does the first year typically look like?"
• "What advice would you give someone preparing to apply?"

Thoughtful questions deepen the connection and leave a stronger impression.

5. Keep Building Momentum

Not every contact will lead to an immediate offer — but every interaction builds your network and strengthens your confidence. Networking is a long game. The more consistently you engage, the more opportunities will surface over time. Having an interconnected network across industries can become one of your greatest career assets. 

Take the Next Step

Ready to turn your connections into real opportunities? Join the IBM Z and Social Security Administration Recruitment Session to meet recruiters, learn about open roles, and continue building relationships that can move your career forward.

A single conversation can change your trajectory — but make sure you follow through.

CARAT is excited to share the launch of our new Pre-Award Process Map — a clear, step-by-step guide designed to make the proposal development and submission process simpler, more coordinated, and more efficient for CAHSS faculty and collaborators. 

(Kudos to the CARAT Pre-Award Working Group for their efforts!)

This resource provides a high-level overview of pre-award pathways and clarifies key touchpoints, timelines, and areas of support along the way. It's meant to serve as a practical reference as you plan upcoming proposals and coordinate with CARAT during the process.

Explore the full map here:

CARAT Pre-Award Process Map

And stay tuned for programming and other information related to this resources!

If you have already identified a funding opportunity and would like to begin an application, please complete a proposal development form on the Pre-Award Services page to request pre-award support.

You can also email us directly with any questions you have about the Pre-Award Map or CARAT's services.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

The CARAT Team

• Topic: Accessibility Strategies for STEM courses
• Date & Time: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 · 12 - 1 PM
• Event Details:  This session will be hosted via Webex. Register for the event or visit the myUMBC Event post and select "Join Online" to register.

PowerPoint Roulette Night has been POSTPONED, and we will update this post as soon as we have more information for you guys! 🙂

Join GEARS for Powerpoint Roulette 🎰, where the slides are random and the chaos is guaranteed! Think you can present a slideshow you've never seen before? Come find out, and bring your friends!

When:

🗓️ POSTPONED

🕓 ...

Where:

📍...

Enjoy free pizza and beverages while competing for a chance to win prizes worth up to $100! Don't miss this fun-filled evening of surprise slides, friendly competition, and big wins… We'll see you there!

Sign up via this link here, or scan the QR code on the flyer to reserve your spot. 

Be sure to follow us on Instagram @gears_umbc 🐾