Berkeley College's Rodnesha Diamond Competes in CBC Championship

The Berkeley College (NY) Women's Basketball team has solidified itself as one of the United States Collegiate Athletic Conference's premiere squads, as the Knights are coming off of their second straight season in which they qualified for at least the semifinal round of the USCAA National Women's Basketball Tournament. Winning a National title will once again be the primary goal for Berkeley during the 2014-2015 campaign, and for one member of the women's basketball team – preparation for achieving that feat is already underway.

Berkeley College women's basketball player Rodnesha Diamond – who was honored with the "Coaches Award" at the First Annual Berkeley College Athletic Banquet this past May – is currently competing in the CBC Championship (Caribebasket).

The CBC Championship is a FIBA-sponsored basketball tournament in which National teams from the Caribbean participate. These countries comprise the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC). The top three or four teams earn berths to the Centrobasket Championship where those squads compete for sports in the FIBA Americas Championship. Teams that advance in the FIBA Americas Championship can qualify for the FIBA World Championships or Olympics. Berkeley College Women's Basketball Head Coach Sharod Tomlinson believes this experience will greatly benefit Rodnesha Diamond.

"Rodnesha is competing against a plethora of great players in these games," Tomlinson said. "Players that she's going up against have played at the Division I and II levels, and some of them have professional basketball experience. Having the opportunity to compete against great players will allow her to display her talents to the world, and she will gain a tremendous amount of confidence heading into her upcoming season of basketball at Berkeley College. It will also serve as a positive life experience for her, as this will increase her leadership skills as a person. I'm excited for her, and proud of her initiative."

There are currently 24 Caribbean countries that may compete in this event, and the celebration of the tournament typically takes place every two years. Diamond – who is a native of St. Vincent – is playing for the St. Vincent and Grenadines teams.

The Berkeley College women's basketball team will begin its season on the road the weekend of November 8-9, when the Knights will take on Southern Maine Community College and the University of Maine-Machias on back-to-back afternoons.

Berkeley College (NY) Men's Basketball Player Alexander Loniakan Named to HVIAC Winter-Spring All Academic Team

Earlier this month, the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced its 2014 Winter-Spring All Academic Team, and the Berkeley College Department of Athletics is proud to announce that New York Men’s Basketball player Alexander Loniakan was one of 90 student-athletes recognized on that squad. Instituted by the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in the 2010-2011 season, the All-Academic Team is comprised of student-athletes who excel both on the court/field, and in the classroom.

“Alex is a phenomenal student who is very dedicated to his studies,” Head Coach Chris Christiansen said. “His diligent efforts in school will make his transition into the workforce smooth and successful. As it pertains to his athletic ability, Alex has always served as a great teammate and influence. He was a hard worker who always kept the mood light. Our club is going to miss his contributions next season.”

Loniakan is an International Business major, and currently holds a 3.9 GPA. He is scheduled to graduate this August.

This past March, he was honored by the United States Collegiate Athletic Association at the conference’s National Tournament banquet, as the Swedish guard was tabbed to the Academic All-American team for the 2013-2014 season.

The All-Academic Team consists of student-athletes who have reached sophomore academic standing and have earned a 3.5 cumulative grade point average or better at the conclusion of the spring semester, and participate in one of the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s winter or spring sports – men's and women's basketball, women's swimming, men's volleyball, men's tennis, softball and baseball.