Gwynedd Valley, Pa. – (8/28/2026) – "It all started in 2007, when we moved our daughter into the residence halls at East Stroudsburg University," recalled Gwynedd Mercy University Head Men's Soccer Coach Dave Bontempo. "Our van was packed, her room was on the seventh floor, and I remember thinking…how am I going to get all this stuff up to her room? Well, just then the coach of their women's volleyball team knocked on my car window and asked if we would like her student-athletes to help move us in. In 15 minutes, we were unpacked and moved in. I brought the idea home to our GMercyU (Gwynedd Mercy University) Residence Life team and a year later we were helping our freshmen move in. It has been a great tradition and it's an awesome way to welcome new families to our Griffin community."
 
This year, the Gwynedd Mercy University Athletic Department and Office of Residence Life teamed up to make the long-standing tradition a little more official as all six fall sports teams – men's cross country, women's cross country, field hockey, men's soccer, women's soccer, and women's volleyball – wore "GMercyU Mercy Movers" shirts, greeted the incoming class as they arrived on campus, and promptly moved their luggage into their new home. "This was a unique experience for me," said Gwynedd Mercy University graduate defensive specialist Amanda Lopez (Houston, Texas). "It was a long, but fun day helping the excited first-year students move in. As someone who comes from a distance, I know how much the helping hand is appreciated." Her women's volleyball teammate, junior middle blocker/pin hitter Sydney Pryor (West Chester, Pa.) agreed, "We did something meaningful and helpful for the new students and their families. Hopefully it made everyone feel more welcome and ready for the upcoming year."
 
While the "Mercy Mover" experience was new to some, it was a nostalgic routine for members of the Gwynedd Mercy University men's soccer team who were brought up with the tradition. "This is my fourth year participating in "Mercy Movers", and every year I walk away with a rewarding feeling," expressed senior defenseman Axel Mayren (Atlantic City, N.J.). "It feels great to help someone out on such a significant day. Families have a lot on their plate, especially if it is their first time being in this position. When all the teams come together and help the incoming freshmen, it shows the unity that we have as Griffins." His fellow senior, defender/midfielder Javier Hidalgo (Palisades Park, N.J.) also pointed out some of the benefits enjoyed by the movers themselves, "The project was fulfilling. I knew it was making someone's life easier and it felt great to represent my team in a positive manner. It also served as a team bonding experience for us. All the guys had fun and worked very effectively together."
 
For some, the "Mercy Movers" event was meaningful for other reasons. Field Hockey senior goalkeeper Nikki Williams (Cinnaminson, N.J.) offered perspective with her thoughts, "It was a full-circle moment for me, because I was once in their shoes. And now, I'm back here to provide a helping hand. It's truly fulfilling." Meanwhile, women's volleyball junior middle hitter Emma Hastings (Collingswood, N.J.) offered her takeaway from the day as well, "It was a great way to connect with our teammates and the new students. Not to mention, it was also a good workout!"
 
"I was so happy to see all our Griffin out there, pitching in," Coach Bontempo said with pride. "It's a great way to start the year, meet all the families, welcome them to our family, and show them what being a Griffin is all about."