Do you know the feeling when you are in the stands at a game and you become anxious with excitement when the score is really close? It is sort of like having butterflies in your stomach and your adrenaline is pumping. Then, when the home team wins, the fans go wild because they saw and helped their team to victory.

This type of atmosphere can be witnessed all throughout the year at Neumann University, especially now during playoffs. Neumann students, faculty, staff, family, and friends join together to support the Knights whether they compete on the court, on the turf, on the field, or on the rink. Coming together as one community gives the Knights the extra ‘umph’ they need to play their hearts out at every game.

Whether a team is winning or losing, you can expect to see a crowd of spectators sporting their navy and gold and cheering on the Knights from the beginning of each game until the end. Not only are the spectators true Knights fans in the way they show their support, but so are the players, coaches, assistants, and chaplains who always have encouraging words no matter the score.

I consider myself a true Knights fan in all aspects and if I am not cheering from the sidelines at the women’s lacrosse games, you will usually find me watching the games from the stands in my Neumann gear. For me, it is not about the logistics of the games that bring excitement, but it is the crowd and the fast-paced action each game provides that gets me pumped up and leaves me always wanting more.

Playing a sport is much more than numbers on the board. It is about the camaraderie among the players, the encouragement from the coaches, and the support of the crowd. Without Neumann University being a wonderful atmosphere to provide various athletic teams and welcome the entire community to be a part the excitement, the Neumann Knights would not come alive.

At the end of the games, despite the outcome, a true Neumann fan should say, “Have a great Neumann Knight,” as they walk out the door. When people say this phrase, it means that they have the spirit of the Knight, that they will be back for more of the action-packed excitement, and that they enjoy the athletic experience Neumann has to offer.

So, the next time you are ready to walk out the door after a big Neumann victory or even a tough loss, be sure to tell everyone to “have a great Neumann Knight,” in order to keep the positive energy flowing and the Knight alive throughout Neumann University!