SJU web release; QUEENS, N.Y. (Aug. 10, 2021) – In an effort to better connect current student-athletes with their predecessors from decades past, the St. John’s Athletic Department has announced the creation of the St. John’s Family app in partnership with NextPlay, a software platform for college and professional sports teams to build branded engagement networks. The St. John’s Family app will provide alumni, current student-athletes, staff and program supporters a private social network in which to support and reminisce about St. John’s.
Members of the online community will also have access to exclusive video and social content produced by coaches and other members of the athletic department. The St. John’s baseball team will be the first Red Storm squad to utilize the platform beginning this fall. “One thing that we’ve always prided ourselves on at St. John’s is the willingness and desire of alumni to stay connected to the program in so many different ways,” said Head Coach Mike Hampton. “This partnership with NextPlay will allow us to take our efforts to a whole new level and I look forward to seeing connections between Johnnies of all ages continue to grow.” In addition to linking former and current players with one another, the St. John’s Family app will also help current student-athletes connect with program alumni in their desired professional field. Former Johnnies can even post job openings and encourage individuals to apply all within the app.
“At St. John’s, we try to ensure always that our student-athletes will continue to be successful long after they’ve ended their playing careers,” said Athletic Director Mike Cragg. “This partnership with NextPlay is just the latest step in a comprehensive effort to ensure that our student-athletes are ready to move forward in their professional journeys when the time comes. This initiative fits in perfectly not only with our values as a department, but as a University.” “NextPlay is excited to work with St. John’s to provide a new layer of support for current and former student-athletes through the St. John’s Family app,” said NextPlay CEO Kyle Mumma. “We share a passion for providing all St. John’s athletes with the opportunity to stay engaged with their alma mater, connected to their teammates, and prepared for life after sports.”