The undefeated UMass football team sails into postseason play

Packed into a classroom, and full on celebratory pizza, the UMass Dartmouth football team sat in anticipation, awaiting the livestreamed selection that would decide their NCAA fate after going undefeated this season and earning their third-consecutive conference title.

UMass celebrated its perfect season, with a 9-0 record in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference and an overall 10-0 record after defeating Plymouth State University 47-42. 

This is the second time in UMass Dartmouth history that the Corsairs achieved this, with the last team having been the squad back in 2002.

“My first season as [athletic director] was the fall of 2022 and that’s when this great dynasty started,” said Athletic Director Lori Hendricks to the team on Sunday, Nov. 17.

Since then, the team has seen three conference championships and two NCAA bids, Hendricks said.

“This is insane,” she said. “I’m so proud of you and I just want to tell all of you that you have my full support, coach has my full support — whatever you need, we’re going to make it happen. We are going to have fun on this run together.”

Hendricks told the team that they’ve made her a better athletic director through asking for things and helping the program grow — not to mention, making success “routine.”

“But today, the routine of success is so glorious and magical, so as coach said, enjoy every minute of it. Let’s go, Corsairs!”

The NCAA Division III Football Committee announced that after a first-round bye, UMass Dartmouth has been matched up against Springfield College on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 12 p.m. in Springfield. It marks the Corsair's third appearance in the NCAA tourney and first in the second round.

The Springfield Pride currently also hold a 10-0 record. Head Coach Josh Sylvester said, “Springfield is a powerhouse in this region.”

He added, “They’ve been that way for it seems like 100 years, so it’s a great opportunity for our guys to prove where we stand and get a good litmus test of where we are at as a program.”

Quarterback Dante Aviles-Santos of Providence, R.I. said this was the first time he’s ever personally gone undefeated for a season.

“It feels really good to see all that work come to fruition,” he said.

This being his senior year, he acknowledged how everyone wants to go out on a high note and thanks to his team, he’ll be seeing that happen for him this year — no matter the postseason results.

However, he said, “We got a lot more ball to go.”

Aviles-Santos said he looks forward to getting back to practice, but also for the team to get some well-deserved rest.

He thanked the coaches, his family and everyone who’s been in his corner. 

“This is an amazing group, an amazing crowd of people to surround yourself with,” Aviles-Santos said. “I’m just blessed to be a part and blessed to be here.”

Linebacker Mike Henricksen of Lakeville said he has grown into a man with these players and he couldn’t imagine a better way for the season to go for him and his team.

“Postseason time is a different brand of football that needs to be played with intensity and physicality,” Henricksen said. “We’re ready.”

Sylvester said he feels blessed with a full heart, highlighting the efforts and support of the team, coaching staff and university community.

His 15th year with the program, he said he’s proud of the team and can’t wait to see what the team will accomplish next.

“We try to just have fun, have energy, be focused, get better everyday, overcome adversity and that’s what we’re all about,” Sylvester said.