Decked out in black and gold, Retriever fans cheered ecstatically on Tuesday afternoon as the UMBC men’s basketball team set off for game one of the NCAA tournament—the team’s first in a decade. The team now heads to Charlotte, North Carolina to take on the University of Virginia (UVA) on Friday, March 16 at 9:20 p.m. EST (see full game details).

The game follows a stunning 65-62 victory on Saturday, March 10, where UMBC dethroned the University of Vermont (UVM) and took the America East Championship crown for the first time since 2008. Jairus Lyles ‘17, sociology, M.A. ‘18, education, led the Retrievers with 27 points. The NCAA called his winning three-point shot, made with just seconds on the clock, “March Madness at its finest,” and video of that moment has been shared by everyone from ESPN Sports Center to Sports Illustrated.

UMBC took down Vermont for the first time in over a decade IN DRAMATIC FASHION… and punched a ticket to the tourney! pic.twitter.com/j409FUMkZp

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 10, 2018

“That’s a shot I’ve been working on all season—after practice, before practice,” Lyles revealed, in PressBox coverage of the contest. UVM coach John Becker said of Lyles’s performance, “He was the best player on the court…he was tremendous.”

“I’m so proud of these guys,” head coach Ryan Odom shared just after the team’s championship victory. “From the day that I stepped on campus, they have tried to win every day. You have to earn the right to win and these kids did that.”

The win was a major upset for the heavily favored Catamounts, and thrilled Retriever Nation fans tuning in worldwide. UMBC Athletic Director Tim Hall said after the game, “Words can’t describe the surreal feeling an accomplishment like this evokes.”

Since the win and the announcement that UMBC would take on No. 1 seed UVA next, there has been even more news for the team to celebrate. UMBC’s Joe Sherburne ‘19, financial economics, has been named to the Academic All-America Division I Men’s Basketball First Team. Sherburne is the first UMBC player and first America East player to receive this top academic honor in NCAA Division I men’s basketball, selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Sherburne has also received America East All-Academic honors, earned the America East Elite 18 Award as the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA in the America East championship, and, for the second year in a row, was named to the Academic All-District 2 Men’s Basketball First Team, which is comprised of players in Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C.

Now in his junior year, Sherburne has climbed to 19th in UMBC’s all-time list of men’s basketball top scorers, earning 1,077 points to date, while maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average in financial economics. He is the eighth student-athlete in Retriever history to earn NCAA first team honors, the last being men’s soccer player Billy Heavner ’17, who also majored in financial economics.

Saturday’s win over Vermont has also sparked a new energy on campus (watch CBS video). Baltimore Sun reporter Jonas Shaffer covered the Selection Sunday live broadcast, which revealed the NCAA tournament bracket. When the show cut to a live-stream from inside Retriever Sports Zone, he wrote, booming cheers erupted as if UMBC “were announcing itself to the world.” By the end of that broadcast, the tone shifted from simple excitement to a more focused drive to take on the nation’s top team in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. “It was less ‘Here we are, America’,” Shaffer wrote, “and more ‘Here we go.’”

The path to the NCAAs has also generated national interest in the team’s Cinderella story and UMBC as a university. “What’s amazing about March Madness is it gives you a chance to help people understand what a tremendous community you have,” Greg Simmons M.P.P. ’04, UMBC’s vice president of institutional advancement, told the Baltimore Business Journal. “This is an opportunity to tell our story at a national level.”

In introducing the team to the nation, NBC Sports wrote, “The Retrievers are a very good shooting team,” with a record that speaks well for “a program looking to upset someone.” UVA head coach Tony Bennett has also noted UMBC’s high quality of play, recently calling UMBC guard Lyles “quick and dynamic.” “Good basketball is good basketball, and they play very good basketball,” he recently said of the Retrievers. “You watch…and you’re impressed.”

March Madness has also brought out lighthearted media, with one paper naming the Retrievers the best mascot in the NCAA tournament, writing “No. 1 is for the dogs!”

With Tuesday’s team sendoff, the gravity of this NCAA opportunity has come into focus for Retriever Nation. Before boarding the bus to North Carolina, guard K.J. Maura ‘18, sociology, shared his gratitude for UMBC community support and his thoughts on the game ahead, telling local press, “We don’t go to the game thinking we’re underdogs anymore. We got to the mindset that we’re going to win the game.”

“We’re getting ready to play the most consistent team in the country,” Coach Odom said at a recent press event. “We’re going to have to play our best basketball just to hang in there.” Still, he knows it’s also a phenomenal opportunity, sharing, “To see this come to reality is just special.”

His pride in the team and enthusiasm for the game ahead is contagious. The team is very aware they are fighting to become the first No. 16 seed to overthrow a No. 1 seed in an NCAA tournament, but they aren’t shying away from that challenge. “It’s never been done but coach keeps telling us we can be the ones to do it,” says guard Jourdan Grant ‘18, media and communication studies. “I believe in my guys.”

#RetrieverNation fans believe in the team, too. In addition to students and alumni cheering them on in North Carolina, fans are also planning watch parties on campus and across the Baltimore region. For full information on UMBC’s trip to the NCAA tournament see umbc.edu/retrievernation.

Who doesn’t love scrolling aimlessly through social media accounts like @dogsofinstagram or @cats_of_instagram when you have some down time?

But did you also know that as a college student, you have valuable access to networking and job seeking opportunities through social media?

How much can you find out about a company in 280 characters or less (if they’ve got a Twitter account, that is)? Likely more than you think!

Many companies, organizations and universities are now connected to social media. Whether you are on the hunt for an internship, job, or exploring graduate school opportunities, following the social media accounts of places you’re interested in can tell you a lot about their mission, values, and community. This can first give you some insight into whether or not the workplace would be a good fit for you. Some companies and organizations might even use their social media accounts to advertise employment opportunities.

If you are preparing for an internship or job interview, the information you gather from social media can then be used to show that you’ve done your research and have a working knowledge of the company or organization’s practices and current ventures.

Having a LinkedIn account is a great way to connect with professionals working in the field you are interested in. Using LinkedIn, you can message professionals to set up informational interviews (i.e. - to learn about how they entered into the field or to learn more about their job). You could also use a site like LinkedIn to join interest groups and participate in online discussions related to your field of interest.

Twitter can also be a great networking tool, especially if you are headed to a conference or large event. Nowadays, conferences and events often have their own unique hashtag that participants can incorporate into their Twitter statuses. Not only does this enable you to see what other attendees are saying about the event, but it can also serve as a tool for scheduling meet-ups while the event is taking place.

If you’re going to leverage social media in this way, you want to make sure that your own online presence reflects who you are in a positive light. How can you do this?

1.       Participate!

Social Media done right is all about active participation. Don’t join only to sit back and passively scroll through other peoples’ posts. Add your voice and ideas to the mix!

2.       Brand Yourself

Tell people who you are and what you are about. Streamline your usernames to make it easier to search for you. Keep your bios concise, but make a point about your intentions. Make connections and post things that relate to who you say you are.

3.       Keep it Clean

Now a timeless rule in social media, make sure to conduct yourself professionally online. Think before you post- is this something you want your mom, professor, or future employer to see?

4.       Don’t Make it All About You

Go easy on the “selfies” and posts that only focus on you. Share a thought-provoking article. Advertise for an upcoming event in your local community. Re-post items from those you follow.

Upcoming Events:

LinkedIn Profile Checklist

LinkedIn UMBC Alumni Page

The Career Center will also review student LinkedIn accounts by appointment.

Check out and follow these UMBC Social Media Accounts!

Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising Instagram: @umbc_advising

Facebook

Instagram: @umbclife; @umbccampuslife

Twitter

Bonus Links:

45 Things to do on Social Media to Find Jobs by Erin Greenawald

https://www.themuse.com/advice/45-things-to-do-on-social-media-to-find-jobs

Study: Over 68% of Students Use Social Media in Internship Search by Michael Schramm

http://college.usatoday.com/2015/07/14/most-students-use-social-media-in-job-internship-search/

How to Brand Yourself on Social Media by Jasmine Sandler

http://www.fastcompany.com/3036488/hit-the-ground-running/how-to-brand-yourself-on-social-media

Burlington, VT:

It was championship Saturday in Vermont, and the UMBC cheerleaders, dance team, and Down n’ Dirty Dawg Band crowded the lobby of the Green Mountain Suites in downtown Burlington. As the players processed down the staircase, the UMBC fight song filled the halls of the spectacular hotel and the cheerleaders and dance team surrounded the players.

The pomp and circumstance did not phase the team, as they exited the hotel and boarded their bus to head to Patrick Gymnasium at the University of Vermont. Their serious demeanor exemplified the extreme focus on the goal in front of them, to beat the UVM Catamounts for the first time in a decade, and capture an America East title.

The old gym feels hauntingly similar to the RAC due to its age but is much larger. The wooden bleachers slope steeply upwards on both sides of the court, and the UVM fans packed the stadium hoping to watch their Catamounts capture their second consecutive America East title.

The intimate venue holds 3,266 people, all stacked on top of each other, which made for a deafening roar every time the Catamounts made a shot or had a key defensive play. The first half was full of these outbursts, as the Catamounts shot 55 percent from the field.

The first outcry of cheers came in the opening minutes, as Vermont scored first. But, the building would fall silent as with 16:15 left in the half, two Catamount players collided with each other and had to be attended to by the training staff. The two would walk off of the court on their own power, bringing the building back to life.

UMBC would struggle to keep pace with the Catamounts for much of the first half, trailing by as many as 9 points. But, graduate-guard Jairus Lyles was determined to keep the Retrievers in the game, shooting 4-6 over the first ten minutes of the game. But, that would not be enough, as UMBC would trail 30-21 with five minutes left in the first half.

But, in the closing two minutes, the Retrievers would initiate an onslaught, capitalizing on crisp ball movement to create space for their two best shooters to perform. Senior-guard and sociology major KJ Maura and Lyles would combine for three straight 3-pointers at the end of the half, finishing off a 16-5 run to give UMBC a 37-35 lead heading into the final 20 minutes of the America East season.

The second half started with a UMBC block before the Catamounts regained the lead on three foul shots. After the Catamounts began to pull away from the Retrievers, UMBC faced a tough challenge as Maura picked up his fourth foul, and went to the bench with 15 minutes to go in the game. By the time Maura reentered the game, the Retrievers had dug themselves a deep hole, trailing 9 points with nine minutes to go.

But the Retrievers would not give up. First, Lyles drew a foul from behind the arch, sinking two out of three foul shots to bring the Retrievers within 7 points. Then, with eight minutes left, Junior-forward and financial economics major Joe Sherburne hit a 3-pointer to briefly cut the deficit before Vermont answered with 2 points, bringing the deficit to 6 with 8:05 left.

With around six minutes left, Lyles got a steal and passed to senior media and communications major Jourdon Grant who subsequently drew a foul while driving up the court. Grant would sink the two free throws, cutting the deficit to 4. After a UMBC foul shot, the Retrievers trailed by only 3 points, and Maura converted an NBA range 3-pointer to tie the game with five minutes left to go.

After Vermont scored 2 points, sophomore Max Curran was in great position in the paint, driving to the rim and tying the game on a monster dunk to make the score 60-60 with 2:46 left in the game. Then, after Vermont scored yet again, the Retrievers had an opportunity to take the lead on a wide-open Grant 3-attempt, but Grant failed to convert the opportunity. As the ball headed out of bounds, a slew of bodies went after it, and the ball was ruled to be out on UMBC giving Vermont possession.

But, after a video review, referees determined that the ball was out on Vermont, giving UMBC the ball back with 50 seconds left on the clock. Lyles would subsequently drive into the lane, and make a layup to tie the game at 62-62. As Vermont tried to drive up the court and defend their 2017 America East title with a late-game basket, the shot attempt was blocked by Curran.

Lyles moved up the court and hovered around the half court line as time began to die down. Coach Ryan Odom tried to signal Lyles to call a timeout, but Lyles was insistent on running his own play. With three seconds left, Vermont-guard Trae Bell-Haynes gave Lyles a bit of space, expecting him to drive to the lane. But instead, Lyles pulled up from behind the arch, draining the attempt that will forever be known in UMBC history as “The Shot.”

“That’s a shot I’ve been working on all season,” said Lyles. “After practice, before practice [Odom tried to take the timeout] and I just waved it off and I made the shot.”

Madness ensued, players ran into the court to congratulate Lyles, but the game was not over quite yet. Vermont inbounded the ball with 0.5 seconds left on the clock, and Lyles deflected the inbound as time had expired. The game was over, and the Retrievers were champions.

UMBC fans, spirit teams, and members from the Retriever stormed the court to celebrate the historic moment. Players were given hats, and shirts as the party lasted for what seemed like hours.

At the end of the madness, players took turns cutting down the net that Lyles had put that shot through just moments before. Fans still could not believe what happened, and neither could the players.

Even over an hour after the win, the hysteria had not worn off for the UMBC spirit teams, clapping inside of the Vermont restaurant they attended after the game as the highlight of Lyles’ shot played on ESPN. But one thing was for sure, UMBC was going dancing.

Baltimore, Maryland:

After a day of waiting and celebrating the Retrievers would ultimately learn their fate. As the Sunday selection show began on TBS, the players looked on eagerly waiting to find out where they would be heading for their first NCAA tournament in a decade. First, the show began by presenting the at-large bids, and “first four” participants, as the anticipation grew inside the Commons Sports Zone. As the announcers transitioned to the matchups, the room became glued to the projector screen, as they waited for the news.

They would not wait long, as the first game to officially be announced would be the game that UMBC had fought so hard to participate in. The Retrievers will be heading to Charlotte, North Carolina to take on the #1 team in the nation, the Virginia Cavaliers.

The excitement around the university was at an all-time high. “I was beyond ecstatic. It is the best experience that we’ve had in the athletic program in 50 years. I mean the way they played so well together, the excitement of the students both on campus and [in Vermont]. I was getting calls from all over the country. It was hard for me to watch because it was so close and my heart was pumping” said university president, Freeman Hrabowski.

“When that ball went in it was layers of meaning because it’s taken years to build a foundation, and this great coach [Ryan Odom], great AD [Tim Hall] and people who help them out, these amazing students, it was almost inexplicable. It was hard to explain how deeply people felt it. I got probably 50 text messages within three minutes [of the games conclusion]. My family was popping in all night long, from all over the country and even from heads of professional teams saying Freeman, great job, great job,” he continued.

Not only was the event huge in the context of athletics, but the school will be looking forward to even greater benefits according to Hrabowski. “The visibility is worth millions of dollars in terms of people knowing who we are, because once the light shines on the campus and they see what a great place we are academically, it just means people are more excited about UMBC.”

The Retrievers will not be content to just go to March Madness, as UMBC is determined to shock the nation and be the first 16 seed in the tournament to beat a number 1 seed. “All my life I’ve played the toughest and top talent that this country has to offer from AAU to Prep School and one thing I have realized is that they put their uniforms and sneakers on just like we do. I respect everything that they have done this year but now our records are 0-0 and nothing else matters but making sure we have one more point than they do when the clock hits 0,” said sophomore-forward Arkel Lamar.

It will be a tough battle for the Retrievers, with some people projecting them to have only a 2 percent chance to pull off the win. But, as they proved in Vermont (8 percent chance to win according to ESPN), any percent of a chance is enough of a chance for this team.