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The Student News Site of Iona University

The Ionian
The Student News Site of Iona University

The Ionian
The Student News Site of Iona University

The Ionian
Matthew Chaves

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor

Contact email: mchaves1@gaels.iona.edu

My name is Matthew Chaves. I’m a journalism major in the class of 2021 and the sports editor for the Ionian. I’m a huge soccer fan and gamer! My favorite game right now is Rocket League.

All content by Matthew Chaves
Iona finished their championship performance with a +5 score, their best in the three-year championship run.

Iona golf caps off rocky season with championship victory

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
May 6, 2021
Freshman Nick Sinofsky running during the Metropolitan Championships on April 9th at Icahn Stadium.

Gaels wrap up Metropolitan Championships

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
April 22, 2021
Iona men’s soccer team huddling up during their March 25 game against Manhattan College at Van Cortlandt Park in Riverdale, NY.

Men’s soccer finishes spring season

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
April 22, 2021

Focusing on the positives throughout the pandemic

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
April 22, 2021
Both teams have only two more matches before championship time.

Iona men’s and women’s soccer teams handle short season differently

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
April 8, 2021
For softball, this is the best start to the season in over five years.

Iona softball starts strong, baseball begins on bad note

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
April 8, 2021
Schools all across the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference have experienced schedule changes throughout the season.

Schedule changes continue as spring sports start

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
March 25, 2021
Graduate Student Jack O’Leary received the United States Track and Field Coaches and Cross Country Coaches Association Fred Tootell Award for his performances this season. This is given to the best male runner in the northeast.

Iona cross country continues domination in MAAC, finishes 10th at NCAA

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
March 25, 2021
The Iona College men’s basketball team takes on Quinnipiac in the first round of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference // Photo courtesy of icgaels.com.

Winning ways overshadowed by pandemic for men’s basketball team

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
March 11, 2021
The Iona College women’s basketball team takes on Saint Peter’s in the quarterfinals of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

Iona women’s basketball rollercoaster regular season ends with victory

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
March 11, 2021
All 11 teams in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference have joined in with MAAC’s “Time Out for Black Lives” initiative. // Photo courtesy of icgaels.com.

MAAC creates initiative celebrating Black culture

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
February 25, 2021
This is the second time this season the Iona College men’s basketball team has been directly impacted by covid-19. // Photo courtesy of icgaels.com.

Iona out of MAAC regular season after positive covid-19 case

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
February 22, 2021
Iona College will be hosting the Battle at Rum Pointe in Ocean City, Md. on Mar. 27 and 28. // Photo courtesy of icgaels.com.

Iona Golf prepares for tight schedule ahead

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
February 22, 2021
The renovations for Hynes Center West took a total of 169 days. // Photo from YouTube channel Iona Gaels.

Iona reopens newly renovated Hynes Center West with blessing

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
February 11, 2021
For those in the United States, games will continue to air on ESPN3 or ESPN+. // Photo courtesy of icgaels.com.

Iona basketball to be aired internationally

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
February 11, 2021

Iona Alumnus Giuliano Santucci makes history, signs professional contract

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
January 21, 2021
Lucy Gunton-Jones played for the Long Island University Blackbirds for four years, continuing with them after she graduated as an assistant coach. // Photo courtesy of icgaels.com

Iona adds Lucy Gunton-Jones to athletics

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
November 15, 2020
Iona College cross country and track and field assistant coach Christine Eisenberg specializes in the steeplechase event. // Photos used courtesy of icgaels.com

Christine Eisenberg discusses her career, hopes for Gaels

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
November 15, 2020
Sammy Adjei Jr. played for the Gaels from 2010 to 2013, scoring 17 goals and 11 assists in 58 games. // Photo courtesy of Sammy Adjei Jr.

Iona Alumnus receives USC coaching honor

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
November 2, 2020
This is the first time the Big East conference comes to the Electronic Gaming Federation. // Photos used from left to right: Matthew Chaves/The Ionian - https://flic.kr/p/29JYL1L - https://flic.kr/p/2haNDT5 - https://flic.kr/p/2b4oUQp

Esports league expands, includes Iona

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
November 2, 2020
Iona College junior Francis Acolitse looks to build up a solid foundation as Iona Student-Athlete Advisory Committee’s first-ever Diversity Inclusion Chair. // Photo courtesy of icgaels.com

Francis Acolitse speaks hopes, plans for future in new diversity role

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
November 2, 2020
Since Fordham left the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in 1990, the Gaels have the advantage in the series with an 11-6 lead. // Photo courtesy of icgaels.com

Gaels start basketball campaign against rival Fordham

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
October 16, 2020
Iona College was just four teams away from having every student-athlete registered to vote before the Oct. 9 deadline. // Photo from https://flic.kr/p/2h2rawQ

Majority of teams register after Iona, MAAC committee’s campaign

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
October 16, 2020
Iona Student-Athlete Advisory Committee’s new Diversity Inclusion Chair is the first of its kind for the committee. // Photo from Iona SAAC’s Facebook

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee to host fundraiser, add new diversity role

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
October 16, 2020
Iona Graduate student Nicole Whitley had a total of eight goals and 20 assists during her time at Rutgers. // Photos used courtesy of icgaels.com

Special connection with coach brings Whitley to Iona

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
October 16, 2020
Paul Panik joined the Gaels in 2018, with his second season being cut short by the coronavirus pandemic. // Photo courtesy of icgaels.com

Paul Panik discusses relationship with MLB brother

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
October 1, 2020
Iona Alumna receives Arthur Ashe Jr. Award

Iona Alumna receives Arthur Ashe Jr. Award

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
September 18, 2020
Strength and conditioning head coach Kelly Shaver has been a part of Iona Athletics since 2013. / Photo courtesy of icgaels.com.

Strength and conditioning processes overhauled over the summer

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
September 18, 2020
Senior Egle Morenaite earned the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-American award in the 2019-20 season. / Photo courtesy of icgaels.com

Morenaite chosen for decade, anniversary teams

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
September 18, 2020
Graduate student Kaitlyn Ohrtman finished first in the mile run preliminaries at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships, followed by third in the same event’s finals. // Photo courtesy of ICgaels.

Ohrtman explores new goals during her final season

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
September 1, 2020
Rickey McGill spent all four years here at Iona while Tajuan Agee transferred in from the University of New Mexico in his junior year. // Photos used courtesy of ICgaels.

Former Gaels sign for European pro teams

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
September 1, 2020

Sports will never be completely separate from current events

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
September 1, 2020
The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference will work with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committees across the conference to spread awareness regarding Black Lives Matter programs instituted by the MAAC. // Photo from maacsports.com.

MAAC announces United for Justice campaign, spreads systemic racism awareness

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
September 1, 2020

MAAC and Mainline team up to introduce esports to the conference

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
September 1, 2020
The Iona Student-Athlete Advisory Committee started working with the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee at the beginning of the fall semester, starting the #MAACVotes campaign. Photo courtesy of icgaels.com.

Iona Gaels work with MAAC to spread awareness for voting, coronavirus safety

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
August 20, 2020
The renovations to the weight and cardio rooms are planned to be done before the end of the fall semester. Photo courtesy of icgaels.com.

Iona expanding cardio and weight rooms in Hynes Athletics Center

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
August 20, 2020
Senior Paulina Perkovich spent her summer going to the beach in Ocean City, Md. Photo courtesy of icgaels.com.

Iona athletes enjoy summer despite global pandemic

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
August 20, 2020
Junior Damien Dilcher placed second in the 800-meter at the Metropolitan Indoor Track and Field Championships and third in the mile race at the 2020 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships. Photo courtesy of icgaels.com.

Gaels keep on top of their game despite fall season cancellation

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
August 20, 2020
Conditioning is the aim of the game for coaches’ training plans as the fall season is cancelled. Photos used courtesy of icgaels.com.

Coaches work around everchanging environment

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
August 20, 2020
Senior Lenworth Lopez is a criminal justice major and has been on the team since his freshman year. Photo courtesy of icgaels.com.

Plimpton, Lopez speak on the Black Lives Matter movement

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
August 20, 2020

Iona Athletes recommend their favorite movies

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
May 15, 2020

Solis’ plans for international glory sidetracked

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
May 15, 2020

Women’s basketball adds six new players

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
May 15, 2020

ESPN documentary gives inside look at Michael Jordan’s career

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
May 15, 2020

“The Last Dance” provides freshness to an age-old tale

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
April 29, 2020

Pitino recruits eight newcomers for Gaels

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
April 29, 2020

Athletes make the most of the situation

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
April 29, 2020

World Champion Snake player snubs haters

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
April 17, 2020

The troubles of cancelled leagues

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
April 17, 2020

NCAA extension creates difficult decision

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
April 17, 2020

How playing video games competitively has helped me in life

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
April 2, 2020

Gaels need decision making, individual performance to win the MAAC Championship

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
April 2, 2020

Tournament jitters, tight defense finals pieces to women’s water polo puzzle going into MAAC season

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
March 9, 2020

Lacrosse struggles in game plan, strives in leadership

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
March 9, 2020
Head coach Nick Cavataro has been the head coach of Iona swimming and diving for 39 years.

Cavataro looking forward to successful national tournament after historic conference championship

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
February 27, 2020
Acting head coach Tra Arnold has a 10-13 overall record with the Gaels ever since taking over.

Men’s basketball on a roll after early season struggles

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
February 27, 2020
DeSouza was named a Cross Country Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All-Academic Team honoree this season.

DeSouza loves intensity, competition of college sport

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
February 27, 2020
Graduate student Courtney Blasko is on her way to earn her MBA in International Business.

Blasko aims to get the most joy out of last year on team

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
February 27, 2020
Junior Jordan van Reeken made all-MAAC First Team selection during her sophomore season.

Healthy habits help van Reeken advance in sport

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
February 20, 2020

Why the XFL is a great thing for football

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
February 20, 2020
Senior Mario Ferraioli earned the NCAA Player of the Week award right after his no-hitter versus Quinnipiac.

Enjoying the game important for Ferraioli after injury

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
February 20, 2020
Senior Matt Mirocco led the Gaels in their final tournament of the fall season with 71(+1).

Iona golf aims to carry fall momentum to spring season

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
February 20, 2020
Senior E.J. Crawford leads the Gaels in scoring and free-throws, with 238 points and a .816 free-throw percentage.

Gaels struggle in early conference season

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
February 1, 2020
Junior Jordan Van Reeken has 13 goals from 28 shots and two assists, with a .464 shot percentage.

Communication, competitiveness major goals for women’s water polo

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
February 1, 2020
Iona Lacrosse ended their 2019 season 0-8 in conference play and 1-16 overall.

New coach Kahn hopes to lead team to victory

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
February 1, 2020
Head Coach Paul Panik led the Gaels to a 14-38 record in his first season at the helm.

Competition within team will help overall quality: Panik

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
February 1, 2020
Iona alumnus Hydo, who graduated in 2018, has worked with MSG Network and ESPN.

Alumnus wins Emmy for technical work in U.S. Open

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
December 5, 2019
Ehab El-Sandali won the 10K race at the 2019 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference outdoor Track & Field Championship.

Hard work, early realization leads El-Sandali to successful career

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
November 14, 2019
Philip Wachowski has 22 goals and 19 assists from 69 shots, giving him a .319 shot percentage this season.

Men’s water polo ends regular season as sixth seed

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
November 14, 2019
Todd Plourde had led the Gaels to four wins in the last nine games.

Gaels aim to attack hard as playoffs approach

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
October 31, 2019
Tim Cluess has lead the Gaels to four straight Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championships and is the only coach to have done so.

Preparation, experience to help Gaels through season

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
October 31, 2019
Opportunity of academic, athletic progression big motivator for Bravo

Opportunity of academic, athletic progression big motivator for Bravo

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
October 31, 2019
Jamie Smith has a career total of 759 kills as a junior.

Smith helps lead Gaels to history books

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
October 31, 2019
Sean Burke lead the Gaels to back to back Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championships.

Gaels lack consistency throughout fall season

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
October 31, 2019
Kelly has coached the Gaels on the men's side since 2006 and the women's side since 2007.

Lack of resources are the root of Gaels struggle: Kelly

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
October 17, 2019
Chambers led the Gaels to their first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship in the 2015-2016 season.

Experience and consistency main focus for Gaels

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
October 17, 2019
Kahn helped bring Columbia to its first ever Ivy League Tournament in 2018.

New head coach filled with excitement, determination

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
October 17, 2019
We need to focus on consistency, leadership to compete: Velez-Perez

We need to focus on consistency, leadership to compete: Velez-Perez

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
October 4, 2019
Lesko uses passion, confidence to lead her team

Lesko uses passion, confidence to lead her team

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
October 4, 2019
Competitive nature drives Harrison toward life goals

Competitive nature drives Harrison toward life goals

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
October 4, 2019
PHOTO COURTESY OF ICGAELS.COM

Winning mentality needs to be prominent: Plourde

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
September 19, 2019

Manchester United needs to stop trying to be what they once were

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
September 19, 2019
PHOTO COURTESY OF ICGAELS.COM

International experience opens up opportunities, shows potential for Torres

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
September 19, 2019
Gaels look to keep energy up during next tournament

Gaels look to keep energy up during next tournament

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
September 19, 2019

Why Iona should have a cooking club

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
September 19, 2019

New additions bolster Gaels rotation

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
September 5, 2019

Hamilton plans to win while having fun

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
September 5, 2019

Team chemistry, mentorship impacts Gabrielle Toth

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
September 5, 2019

Faith Preziosi talks season and long term goals

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
September 5, 2019

Galvin discusses key to success in cross-country

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor
September 5, 2019
Paul Pogba is 7th in the Premier League with nine assists.

Premiere League fans’ blame on Pogba misplaced

Matthew Chaves, Assistant Sports Editor
May 2, 2019
Freshman Kara Zazzaro had a season-high 13 strikeouts against St. Peter's.

Kara Zazzaro discusses her debut season, goals for off-season

Matthew Chaves, Assistant Sports Editor
May 2, 2019
Kritsarin Oukosavanna tied for 33rd with 145 (+3) score at the Wildcat Spring Invitational this season.

Kritsarin Oukasavana discusses importance of charity work

Matthew Chaves, Assistant Sports Editor
April 17, 2019
Shannon McCaffrey achieved MAAC Defensive Player of the Week three times in the 2017-2018 season.

Shannon McCaffrey reflects on lacrosse career

Matthew Chaves, Assistant Sports Editor
April 17, 2019

My thoughts on soccer becoming more popular in the United States

Matthew Chaves, Assistant Sports Editor
April 17, 2019
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over as manager for Manchester United in December of 2018.

Coach Ole Gunnar’s impact on Manchester United

Matthew Chaves, Assistant Sports Editor
April 17, 2019
Justin Burkhamer was named the 2018 MAAC Rookie of the Year.

Justin Burkhamer discusses importance of strong competitive nature on golf course

Matthew Chaves, Assistant Sports Editor
April 4, 2019
The staff for the new mailroom is still scratching their heads about how all of the supplies they ordered could have gone missing.

Iona delays mailroom opening due to supplies being lost in mail

Matthew Chaves, Assistant Sports Editor
April 4, 2019
Iona has only played one home game this season.

Gaels learn to handle season away from home

Matthew Chaves, Assistant Sports Editor
March 14, 2019
Iona has won four of its last six games.

Iona water polo coach Brian Kelly expresses the importance of chemistry and communication during games

Matthew Chaves, Assistant Sports Editor
March 1, 2019
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