You can't think of CM athletics without thinking of Dave Gonyea. The man that wears many hats for the Mustangs is the Director of Housing, Security, Athletic Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach. Gonyea, who has been at CM for nearly 30 years, has been the consistent face for many students and faculty here.
As head coach of the men's basketball team, Gonyea has collected an impressive 527-246 record over his career. During this time, he was named the New England Coach of the Year, Athletic Director of the Year, MSCC Coach of the Year, and Yankee Conference Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, the Mustangs have won nine league championships, three New England championships, and participated in 12 NSCAA/USCAA National championship tournaments. In 2002, the Mustangs won the National Championship on their home court in front of a packed house.
As much as winning is important to Gonyea, getting his players to be ready for life and be decent young men is the most important. Citizenship, respect, pride and family are all core values that drive Gonyea and program expectations encompass these fundamental principles. "The basketball court is simply an extension of outside life and lessons learned within the game and relationships developed are our focus in the program. Our expectation is our players will work hard in the classroom, the court, and challenge themselves to exit their comfort zone to meet new people, learn new behaviors, and grow into prepared young men to meet the challenges of society."
Anyone that has gone to CM between 1993 and today has something in common: They were here during the Dave Gonyea era. That era for the most part has been one full of success, as shown by his over 500 career wins. In September of 2020, Gonyea was recognized with the dedication of the Kirk Hall Gymnasium by college president at the time, President Knapp. The gym had been refurbished and the court now bears the name and signature of Gonyea. Former players, coaches and even rivals were in attendance for the dedication.
His coaching staff has also seen success after working with Gonyea on the sidelines. The CM bench has been the pit stop for many individuals moving on to head coaching positions. "In terms of basketball, we have employed many quality assistant coaches who have moved on to a bigger venue, including one who ended up at Division 1!" He's just as proud of his coaching staff as he is his basketball players.
Throughout the years, Gonyea continues to be thankful for his time at CM. "Working and coaching at CM has been the highlight of my life. I am surrounded by gifted people who not only bring the best out of me, but are major contributors to our program. We have been blessed with incredible presidential leadership since the beginning of my career with President Knapp, now new life has been pumped into the athletic program by our new President, Dr. Betsy Libby."
Mustang point guard, Corey David, shared "Coach is the best person I know. I know for a fact that I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for him. I owe him a lot." Being thankful for everything Coach Gonyea did is a common theme around campus. From former players, colleagues, and other student-athletes, everyone knows they can count on him for anything. So next time you come to CM, make sure to stop into Coach Gonyea's office. You will get the opportunity to speak with the luckiest guy in town.
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