For the third consecutive year, the D'Amore-McKim School of Business has claimed victory in Northeastern University's annual employee kickball tournament, but the real win extends far beyond the championship trophy presented by Dunton Family Dean David De Cremer on June 5, 2025.
Building a dynasty through teamwork
The D'Amore-McKim team's three-year dynasty didn't happen by accident. Under the leadership of team coach Jacob Cragg, the team has cultivated a unique culture that embodies the school's core values while fostering connections between colleagues who might never interact in their daily roles.
“To be able to play with coworkers that I don't normally work with was a really special experience,” said Maddy Bavasso, who joined the team for the first time this year. “Most of my coworkers on the team I had never met before, but by the end of the tournament I felt very connected to them.”
This connection goes deeper than typical workplace relationships. Bavasso discovered leadership qualities in teammates she'd never witnessed in formal meetings or email exchanges. “I got to see how Jacob, our captain, is an incredibly talented leader,” she said. “He would pull us all together in a huddle during moments of trepidation and keep us focused and relaxed.”
Strategic thinking in action
The championship game exemplified the team's commitment to communication. The winning run came from a strategic play that teammate Fernando Antonoli had coordinated with Bavasso earlier in the game, demonstrating how effective collaboration can emerge when colleagues step outside their usual organizational boundaries.
“Kickball is a team game where you are relying on others and communication is essential,” Bavasso explained. “When we were on the field, we were always communicating in terms of where to cover or how to best approach our at-bat.”
“I think that part of the fun of kickball is encouraging and utilizing players with varying levels of talent and knowledge of the game,” says Cragg. “I try to create a lineup and defensive scheme that allows everyone the opportunity to contribute to the success of the team.”
Academic Coordinator Alex Callahan, a veteran team member, credits this continuity for the team's light-hearted yet competitive energy. “We've kept a group of about 6-10 members who've come back each year, so it's always great to see everyone again,” he said. “I think the team has a very fun and light-hearted competitive energy to it.”
Community impact beyond competition
The tournament itself has become a celebration of purpose and curiosity, drawing enthusiastic support from across the D'Amore-McKim community. Kelly Lyons, who organizes the annual event, was inspired to create “a tournament that would foster genuine team building and networking in a relaxed, enjoyable setting.”
Colleagues from the Dean's Office and beyond attend games as enthusiastic supporters. The team's “spirit squad” arrives with music, signs, and snacks, creating what Cragg describes as “organic” team-building opportunities.
“Just last week during the tournament, I was walking by Curry Student Center when I heard this incredible cheer erupting from the kickball field,” Lyons recalled. “In that moment, hearing the pure excitement and seeing how much fun people were having together as a team—that's what made it all worthwhile for me.”
Looking ahead
“This experience was truly a highlight of my summer and was such a fun way to bond with co-workers and recharge the office,” Bavasso reflected. The tournament has become more than an annual tradition; it's a living demonstration of how D'Amore-McKim's values create lasting impact when colleagues learn across the borders of their departments to lead together.
Dean De Cremer perhaps summed it up best when he told the team at a breakfast celebrating their win: “If anyone can learn something from Jacob, it's preparation. Very proud of all of you—this is well deserved.”
As Callahan looks toward next year, his enthusiasm captures the spirit that has made this dynasty possible: “Looking forward to number four next year!”