Men's Basketball Completes R.E.A.L. Man Character Development

The Central Connecticut men's basketball program received a donation from Kathy and Lou DiCocco of The H.O.P.E. Foundation for a Better Tomorrow on Thursday afternoon. The Blue Devils completed the R.E.A.L. Man Inc. character development program throughout the season.

"If we can educate our student-athletes and have more programs like this and try to help them make the right decisions in life, it will be very beneficial," said CCSU head coach Donyell Marshall. "When I got the head coaching job, I set out to help build men and the program is perfect. Hopefully their parents see them develop and they love it."

The H.O.P.E. Foundation is a non-profit organization with the goal of helping individuals learn to demonstrate exemplary character, commitment to both academic and intellectual excellence and dedication to community service. The Foundation continues the efforts of coach Frank DiCocco and since 2013 it has provided 29 scholarships to deserving student-athletes along with numerous grants to after-school programs and teams. The R.E.A.L. Man development program is an acronym for "Respect all people Especially women, Always do the right thing, Live a life that matters." 

"This program provided resources to help build a rapport with the team and let them know that this is a safe environment to talk about their feelings and talk about the experiences that they are going through as a student and as an athlete," said academic advisor Inez Bonilla. "The program was helpful in establishing that relationship and helping them feel comfortable talking about what they might be going through in school, in relationships or being away from home for the first time."

"I've been able to personally apply the 'Especially women' and 'Live a meaningful life' aspects in my relationships and setting goals for myself," said sophomore Austin Nehls. "It is a really great program to help understand how to treat everyone and to show respect towards them."

 "The R.E.A.L. Man program helped us because being able to get together as a team and talk helped us realize that we are not alone and our teammates are experiencing a lot of the same emotions and issues as ourselves," said freshman Harrison Kay.

For more information on The H.O.P.E. Foundation For a Better Tomorrow and the R.E.A.L. Man Inc. program visit www.hopefoundation.us.