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Gail Wasmus (M.P.S. '80, pictured) is more than a coach ... she is a symbol of NYIT's dedication to helping students achieve goals they never thought possible. With a coaching record of 388 - 267 placing her win percentage at No. 47 among all National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II coaches and 20th among all Division II volleyball coaches-her ability to put together a winning team is evident. But it is the victories off the court that have earned Gail an indelible spot in the hearts of NYIT students and alumni.
Anne Canavan Redmond (B.F.A. '82) remembers the day in 1977 when she first met Gail, who was only in her second year as NYIT's volleyball coach. "I trusted and believed in her from the first moment. And I knew that if I had any talent, she would be the coach who could unearth it." She recalls the strong work ethic and "never give up" attitude Gail brought to every volleyball practice and match. "This competitive determination couldn't help but filter into my life," says Anne. "I'd like to think I took some of that with me when I graduated."
Today, Anne is a 48-year-old mother of two who has been married for 23 years. She teaches painting and works as a home furnishings seamstress. "I always look back with fondness and appreciation on my time at NYIT and having the opportunity to play volleyball for Gail."
Nearly three decades later, the game plan hasn't changed. "Gail is the kind of a person who has faith in people," says Emine Yildirimer (B.F.A. '05). "She sees the best in her players and makes sure they realize their capabilities. Her determination gave us the strength and desire to keep going through tough situations."
Emine's sister and teammate, Zeynep (B.F.A. '04, M.A. '06), continues to stay in touch with her former coach. "Gail is like a second mother to me. She helped me in many ways, not only on the court but by helping me succeed in the United States," says the Turkish native. "She taught me how to fight for what I want. She always believes in her players and works hard to teach them to be more powerful in life."
Emine will return to Turkey this summer to pursue a career in brand management, while Zeynep is already back home working as an interior designer and public relations specialist. The sisters played for Gail during the team's six consecutive appearances in the NCAA Division II and the East Coast Conference playoffs. Gail's post - season successes also include nine consecutive winning seasons from 1977 to 1985, including seven straight appearances in the New York State Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women Tournament from 1977 to 1983.
In addition to finishing her 21st season as NYIT women's volleyball coach (she left NYIT in 1985 to become director of an indoor sports complex before returning in 1996, Gail serves as assistant director of athletics for academics, which helps her to monitor the academic progress of every NYIT student-athlete. "They are our ambassadors, so it's important that their academic achievements equal their athletic prowess," she says.
Other roles Gail has fulfilled at NYIT include women's athletic director, intramural director, and basketball coach. During her tenure, she has witnessed several changes in the athletics program. "By far, the biggest improvements in NYIT athletics have involved our new facilities, including new locker rooms, the Hall of Fame Lobby in the Sports Complex, and the state-of-the-art weight room at the Old Westbury campus," says Gail.
Another eyewitness to NYIT's growth and Gail's success has been Director of Athletics Clyde Doughty Jr. (B.S. '81, M.S. '96, M.P.S. '98). Since his days as a student, he has worked with Gail. "She always brought a positive work ethic to school each day, instilling quality values in all NYIT student - athletes. She is a fountain of knowledge, kindness, advice, and, above all, leadership."
Such dedication led to Gail's induction into the NYIT Department of Athletics Hall of Fame last year - the first active NYIT coach to achieve such a distinction. And though she calls the honor "the proudest moment of my career," Gail remains focused on her players.
"Today's college sports can get lost in the world of big business," she says. "Good coaches are people who remember that they are there for the students and their education."