University News

All-America Gymnast and National Champion Stephen Posner Inspires Students to Build Character and Confidence

Published: November 12, 2020 | Categories: Alumni, Business, All News
Dr. Posner's Empowerment poster

On November 11, a small but attentive crowd enjoyed hearing from Dr. Steve Posner, longtime men’s gymnastics coach at Springfield College, about his storied career as an All-America gymnast and national champion at California-Berkeley, before embarking on a remarkable 40-year college coaching career at Syracuse, SUNY Cortland, and Springfield.

During his tenure, Dr. Posner produced 171 All-America gymnasts, including 25 national champions, and he received numerous accolades, including Coach of the Year awards from Collegiate Gymnastics Association, ECAC, and NCAA East Region. Dr. Posner reinforced with students how sport helps to develop self-confidence and build character, but also how it serves as a vehicle to integrate society and effectuate mutual comprehension.

While Dr. Posner began his athletics career as a Cal Golden Bear, he comes full circle in his capacity as WNE associate coach of the men’s and women’s tennis teams.

Dr. Posner was the 46th speaker in the Center for International Sport Business speaker program series “People Who Inspire.” The event, moderated by Interim Provost and CISB Director Curt Hamakawa, was organized by Sport Management students Conner Murphy, Damien Hooper, and Jacob Dino, and was sponsored by the Western New England University Alumni Association.