CMU Athletics Hosts Welcome Back Picnic for Student-Athletes

Photo by: Sydney Kline

Photo by: Lauren Verellen '26 - @laurenverellen_photography

CMU Athletics Hosts Welcome Back Picnic for Student-Athletes

8/24/2025 8:20:00 PM | General, Our Stories

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Nearly 500 student-athletes attend annual Welcome Back Picnic; return to the Central Michigan campus for the start of the 2025-26 academic year.

By: Greg Hotchkiss

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.—Nearly 500 Central Michigan student-athletes from all 17 sports arrived back on campus and attended the annual CMU Athletics Welcome Back Picnic Sunday evening at the Soccer/Lacrosse Complex. Fall 2025-26 semester classes begin Monday morning at Central Michigan University.

The student-athletes were greeted by Central Michigan President Neil MacKinnon, Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Amy Folan, Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Kelly Murphy, and Student Athletic Advisory Board President, and field hockey player Shannon Dwyer.

Folan then addressed the crowd first.

"We had the best academic semester in CMU Athletics history," Folan said. "So, all of you returnees are a big part of our success and we welcome all of the newcomers. I am excited to have you all back and make sure to make this the best year in recent history. We're here for all of you student-athletes. The most important thing to me is that you all have an experience that makes you better and successful in life. I want you to have success on the field and on the court, but that's because you want it. Make sure you know that being an NCAA Division I athlete is really hard. Taking care of each other is the most important thing. Make sure you take care of your teammates and you make sure that your safety and well-being is the most important thing. You all have demanding jobs and it will be worth it."

Dwyer then said a few words about the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

"The SAAC is a club of only student-athletes where we organize events in the community and within athletics and host meetings with the ultimate goal of improving the student-athlete experience.

President MacKinnon opened the evening by greeting the student-athletes.

"Some of you we didn't get to see you compete last year because we arrived here in November," MacKinnon said. "We're looking forward to seeing everyone compete. I am so honored to be your President and I am your biggest cheerleader."

Dinner was served as the student-athletes were treated to barbecue, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, icies and water. Following dinner, student-athletes were entertained with games set up across the soccer/lacrosse field. Five Spike ball, eight cornhole competitions, and four Kan Jam games were set up. A large Connect Four board, several bouncy house games, field paddleball, and various other games were also on the field for the student-athletes' enjoyment. Additionally, a photo station was setup with a backdrop for students to pose for social media shots.

Up until this point, women's soccer has been the only Central Michigan team in competition. Most Central Michigan fall sports continue or begin their schedules this week including women's soccer on Thursday at Cincinnati; with football at San Jose State, volleyball vs. High Point and BYU, men's and women's cross country in the Jeff Drenth Memorial, field hockey at Drexel, all on Friday.

—CMU—