Stony Brook University’s women’s basketball team hosted its first Fantasy Camp for faculty and staff on October 10 at the Stony Brook Arena. The two-hour event aimed to foster connections between the university community and the athletics department.
The camp opened with a casual shootaround, followed by stretches and skill stations focused on ball handling, passing, and shooting. Each station was run by three or four players from the team.
“This was really about connection,” said head coach Joy McCorvey. “We wanted to continue to bridge that gap between the university and athletics. What better way than to invite our faculty and staff into our space? We have some unbelievable young women doing amazing things in the classroom and community, and this was a chance for people to really get to know them.”
The event comes ahead of the Seawolves’ first home game of the season, scheduled for November 7 against Molloy. Coaches participated alongside players in leading activities during the camp.
Players also viewed the event as an opportunity to build relationships with staff members. “The idea was to connect with the staff,” said junior guard Janay Brantley. “It’s fun to get to know them and show them more of who we are.” Sophomore guard Ionna Giannopoulou added, “It’s nice to see professors in a totally different way.”
Faculty and staff responded positively to the invitation. Amy Vitale, assistant vice president for business and operations, attended for “tips from the best athletes on campus” and a chance to be active. Chanel Jones, executive assistant to the assistant vice president, commented, “I just did a Zumba session with the basketball girls, so when they invited me, I had to show up,” adding that she skipped her usual morning workout because she anticipated enjoying this session.
The evening ended with faculty, staff, and athletes sharing high-fives on court, reflecting a sense of campus spirit beyond athletic competition.
