LOWELL, Mass. — This summer, UMass Lowell Director of Student-Athlete Academic Enrichment Betsy Noel found a creative way to engage the men's and women's basketball teams: a GooseChase scavenger hunt across campus. The interactive event brought the River Hawk student-athletes together, while helping them become more familiar with the university's resources, landmarks and community spaces.
GooseChase, a digital scavenger hunt app, allowed teams to complete fun and informative missions, such as snapping selfies in key academic buildings, learning trivia about university history and locating hidden gems on campus. The hunt not only built camaraderie among the River Hawks, but also encouraged a sense of belonging and campus pride.
Betsy Noel, who also serves as an academic advisor to both basketball teams, said the activity was more than just a game. It was an opportunity to connect the student-athletes with the larger university environment they represent on the court.
"Our student-athletes give so much to the game and to this university," Noel said. "This scavenger hunt was a fun, team-centered way to help them explore their home away from home. At UMass Lowell, we care about developing the whole student—their academics, their leadership and their connection to community."
Players navigated campus, collecting digital points while learning where to go for tutoring and testing services, meeting with academic advisors, honoring UMass Lowell community members lost in 9/11, finding historical monuments, discovering local food sources, and locating wellness and career development resources. They learned about the rich history of the institution, and took photos with campus police, professors and students, while encouraging them all to come to see a game.
The event was a standout success, with players from both teams not only competing with enthusiasm, but also reflecting afterward on how much more confident they now felt navigating the university.
As the basketball programs gear up for another competitive season, Noel emphasized that events like this reinforce the foundation of what makes UMas Lowell Athletics special.
"This is what River Hawk spirit looks like—teamwork, energy and pride in where we come from. We're building champions on and off the court."
With leaders like Betsy Noel, and assistance from
Mason Ayotte behind the scenes, it is clear that UMass Lowell is committed to more than just athletic achievement, and is dedicated to fostering a strong, supportive community where student-athletes thrive.
