Rivier University

Overview

Rivier University’s Athletic Department, under the leadership of Director of Athletics Jonathan Harper, sought a comprehensive solution to streamline disjointed processes and enhance overall efficiency. The department faced challenges maintaining smooth communication and minimizing redundant efforts due to the use of various independent systems requiring multiple logins. This lack of integration hindered operations and created inefficiencies that impacted both coaches and student-athletes.

Challenge

Rivier University’s previous processes required staff to manage several platforms that did not communicate with each other, leading to duplicative workstreams and an increased likelihood of missing important updates and communications. Coaches and administrators had to manage information across disparate systems, resulting in lost time and misalignment. Harper recognized that Rivier’s athletic department needed a single, unified solution to consolidate information and enhance communication.

Solution| Enter Spry

Spry provided Rivier with a centralized platform that streamlined communication and compliance tasks. In particular, Spry’s paperwork feature was transformative, allowing the department to manage eligibility and other crucial paperwork digitally. This capability enabled efficient document tracking, increased institutional control over practice and game activities, and improved the preseason check-in process. “Having the ability to create and monitor the completion of crucial paperwork was a game changer,” Harper said, highlighting the positive impact on departmental operations.

The Spry Experience

The Spry has proven intuitive and easy for Rivier’s staff to use, with every update further enhancing the user experience. The platform has been well-received by students and staff alike. “Feedback from the student-athletes included the observation that the department has better control over operations and is more organized,” noted Harper.

Decision to Move to Spry

Harper’s decision to move to Spry stemmed from the need for a reliable and efficient platform that could alleviate the demands on Rivier’s staff. After participating in a Spry demo, Harper was confident that Spry had the potential to become the industry standard, especially for smaller institutions needing robust tools to support a large-scale experience.

Customer Service & Migration

The transition to Spry was seamless, bolstered by outstanding customer service. Spry’s team was responsive and proactive, even adding features tailored to Rivier’s specific needs. “Spry’s customer service is the best of any vendor we have in our department,” Harper shared, underscoring the high level of support that made the onboarding process efficient and hassle-free.

Impact

Since implementing Spry, Rivier University has seen a significant increase in organizational efficiency and professional structure within its athletic department. Coaches can now communicate quickly with teams through the platform, as demonstrated during last spring’s weather-related schedule changes. The platform has saved Rivier’s staff hours each week, fostering a streamlined, unified approach to athletic operations. Harper concluded, “There is no doubt that Spry will be the industry standard for departmental operations,” shared Harper.