Academy of Art University Athletics Fleet Week Photo Gallery

San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco annual Fleet Week was in town this past week from October 7^th-11^th. Fleet Week is designed to honor the dedication to duty and sacrifices of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. During this particular visit, Academy of Art University Director of Athletics, Dr. Jamie Williams, along with the ART U Athletic Department, were asked to participate in several different activities throughout the week. It was a great opportunity for Dr. Williams and the Athletics department to get to meet the men and women who fight for the country, along with showing them who the Urban Knights are.

“As an institution, we were elated to be a part of San Francisco's annual Fleet Week,” Athletic Director Dr. Jamie Williams said. “Dr. Elisa Stephens was a member of this year's committee and suggested that we involve our athletic department, which was a great idea.”

To kick off the University's activities with Fleet Week, Head Softball Coach Rachel Sherman and her team put on an inter-squad scrimmage, before helping support the Fleet Week softball games against the Marines, Navy, SF Fire Department, and the SF Police Department. The real test for the Fleet Week participants came when they had to face the Urban Knights pitching staff.

“Members of the Marines, the Navy, SFPD, and SFFD got an opportunity to watch high-level fast-pitch softball as our ladies put on a three-inning inter-squad scrimmage,” said Dr. Williams. “Afterwards, I invited six military men to face our young pitchers. Of course, all six struck out, to the chagrin of all of the testosterone present, except me.”

ART U's softball team stuck around for most of the day to watch the slow-pitch games put on by the Armed Forces. SF Fire Department ended up winning the tournament, as they defeated the Marines, Navy, and the SF Police Dept. “This gave us an opportunity to give back to those that serve our country, while getting the word out about our program,” said Head Coach Rachel Sherman. “We felt honored to be included in such an amazing event.”

Continuing the Fleet Week activities, Dr. Williams and his family toured the Makin Island (LHD 8) boat on Sunday. There Williams got a chance to really talk to the men and women in the Armed Forces, and gain an even stronger respect for their daily dedication to the U.S. “I was very fortunate to meet a number of officers and local dignitaries during the process,” Dr. Williams said. “My tour of the Makin Island battleship provided a deeper respect for our country's military capability.”

The Knights wrapped up their Fleet Week festivities when the Academy of Art University men's and women's basketball teams competed in a “Fitness Challenge,” against members of the U.S. Marines and Navy on Columbus Day. The event was sponsored by Fitness Anywhere, Inc., a San Francisco-based company, and featured a series of exercises for all athletes while employing TRX Machines.

“It was a perfect day in a beautiful setting,” Men's Basketball Head Coach Mark Sembrowich said. “I had the good fortune to work at West Point for over five years and you really develop a greater appreciation for our military men and women. We are so lucky to have such courageous people serving and protecting our country; most of us just really have no clue how fortunate we are.”

The “Fitness Challenge,” which took place in Golden Gate Park outside of the de Young Museum, brought together how athletes train for sport and soldiers train for combat. Originally created for training by the U.S. Navy Seals, TRX Machines provide a full-body workout through specially designed suspended cables. The various Marines, Navy, and ART U teams competed in a relay to and from the equipment while performing exercises in between.

“The atmosphere at the event felt patriotic given the Columbus Day holiday and the overall feeling of Fleet Week,” Women's Basketball Head Coach Lindsey Yamasaki said. “In addition, it is not too often that you get the opportunity to spend quality time with the men and women of our U.S. Armed Forces so there was a sense of seriousness and pride surrounding an otherwise playful event. I am proud that our teams were reminded of how lucky we are to have such competitive athletes protecting and serving our country.”

Along with basketball coaches and players, the Urban Knight Cheer/Dance team also brought spirit to the event. Both basketball coaches expressed deep appreciation for the chance to represent Academy of Art University as part of Fleet Week.

“It was an honor for our guys,” Coach Sembrowich said. “They, along with our women's team, really represented the Academy in fine fashion. We competed hard and made a terrific showing.”

After the tremendous experience the Academy of Art University Athletics department had with Fleet Week, the teams left with a true appreciation for the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces. It was fun for everyone involved, as well as educational. Dr. Williams adds, “We are already thinking about how we will contribute next year.”