UCNJ Athletics Celebrates Championship Legacy with Ring Ceremony

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Athletics proudly honored its championship student-athletes, coaches, and programs during its Championship Ring Ceremony held on Tuesday, June 30, in the Richel Student Commons on the Cranford Campus.

The special event celebrated the dedication, perseverance, and success of six championship teams that brought home regional, district, and national titles during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Family members, friends, faculty, staff, and supporters gathered to recognize the student-athletes and coaches whose hard work created unforgettable championship moments.

The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks celebrating the commitment and determination of every championship team. Director of Athletics Marbely Montas, who previously led the Women's Basketball program to championship success, was recognized for her leadership and continued commitment to the growth of UCNJ Athletics.

A special acknowledgment was also given to every head coach and assistant coach for their dedication, mentorship, and countless hours invested in developing UCNJ's student-athletes.

Championship Teams Honored

Women's Basketball (2024)

The 2024 Women's Basketball team captured both the Region XIX and District Championships. The Owls defeated Harcum College 57-53 to earn the regional title before defeating Niagara County Community College 72-57 to claim the district championship.

The championship season featured numerous standout performances, including Khila Morris being named Region XIX Player of the Year while recording a triple-double in the district championship game. Head Coach Marbely Montas was also recognized as the Region XIX Coach of the Year.

Women's Basketball (2025)

Continuing the program's championship tradition, the 2025 Women's Basketball team repeated as Region XIX and District Champions.

The Owls edged Harcum College 61-60 in an exciting regional championship before dominating Monroe Community College 115-53 in the district championship game. Yasmeen Brightwell earned Regional Tournament MVP honors, while Hellary De Los Santos led the district championship effort with a double-double as five Owls finished the game scoring in double figures.

Men's Basketball (2025)

The Men's Basketball program completed a historic championship run by winning both the Region XIX and District Championships with a 95-74 victory over Northampton Community College.

Nicolas Acosta was named Tournament MVP, while Head Coach Devon Stanberry earned Region XIX Coach of the Year honors. The championship victory showcased the team's depth, with contributions throughout the roster helping secure another title for the Owls.

Wrestling (2025)

The Wrestling program celebrated an individual district champion as Joshua Baeza captured the 141-pound District Championship.

Baeza became just the third wrestler in program history to win a district title while earning a Top-20 seed for the NJCAA National Championships. He also completed his second consecutive 20-win season, further cementing his place among the program's top competitors.

Men's Volleyball (2025)

The Men's Volleyball team claimed the 2025 Region XIX Championship after an impressive postseason run.

The Owls swept Harcum College in the opening round before defeating Northampton Community College three sets to one in the championship match to earn a trip to the NJCAA National Tournament. Although their season concluded in the national semifinals, the team's accomplishments marked another milestone for the growing program.

Esports (Fall 2024 & Spring 2025)

The UCNJ Esports program continued making history by capturing back-to-back NJCAAe National Championships in Call of Duty during the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 seasons.

The championship roster of Paulo Matias, Bryan Carrillo, Samuel Arias, Xavier Hernandez, and Roger Fortunato, under the leadership of Dr. Duane Reid, established one of the most successful esports programs in the nation.

The Ring Reveal

The highlight of the afternoon came as each championship team and coaching staff gathered together to receive their championship rings.

Following a countdown, student-athletes and coaches opened their ring boxes simultaneously, celebrating the moment with teammates, family members, and supporters. The rings serve as a lasting reminder of the commitment, teamwork, and determination that defined each championship season.

Congratulations once again to all of our championship teams. Your accomplishments have left a lasting legacy in UCNJ Athletics history.