Challenges Before Spry

Prior to Spry, SUNY Morrisville’s athletic department relied on a fragmented mix of platforms, leading to inefficiencies and confusion. “We had multiple platforms for onboarding, compliance, and procedures,” shared Matt Grawrock, Director of Athletics. “Our staff was all over the map, and this confusion was even greater for our student-athletes.” The lack of a unified system created bottlenecks in communication and compliance, particularly in ensuring student-athletes completed necessary tasks before arriving on campus.

Moreover, the reliance on paper-based processes for eligibility and athletic standing checks further hindered efficiency. “Our recruiting software helped with recruiting but didn’t transition athletes into our system once they enrolled, which left us managing different systems and manual paperwork,” Grawrock explained.

Spry’s Solution

Spry provided SUNY Morrisville with a centralized platform to manage compliance, communication, and operations. By consolidating processes, Spry enabled smoother student-athlete check-in days and more efficient compliance workflows. “With Spry, we created a system where over 50 football players were already cleared before check-in day,” said Grawrock. The platform’s visual dashboard for eligibility status allowed coaches to easily monitor student-athlete compliance in real-time.

Spry’s communication tools also enhanced internal cohesion within the department. The messaging platform facilitated direct communication between coaches and student-athletes, which had been challenging in the past. “Spry made it easy to communicate with athletes without relying on email, and we now use it for pre-game prep, travel itineraries, and practice plans,” Grawrock shared. This single hub for communication strengthened the department’s efforts to maintain alignment and continuity.

A Smooth Transition with Dedicated Support

The transition to Spry was seamless, thanks to an attentive customer service team. “Spry’s onboarding was incredibly effective,” Grawrock said. “The (Spry) team was consistent and present, always ready to answer questions. When we reach out for help, we get prompt, practical responses.” Spry’s commitment to continuous support ensured that the platform met the department’s evolving needs.

Spry’s intuitive interface allowed coaches to quickly learn the platform and adapt to its features. Grawrock noted, “It has a good flow and is very user-friendly.” The coaches, even those less comfortable with technology, found the platform straightforward and easy to integrate into their routines.

Why Spry | What prompted SUNY Morrisville’s Move

SUNY Morrisville’s decision to implement Spry was driven by a need for greater efficiency and resource optimization. Limited resources and increasing demands required a platform that could automate and centralize tasks. “Spry’s innovation made it the clear choice for us,” explained Grawrock. The platform’s ability to streamline onboarding and compliance while enhancing communication across teams has transformed the department’s daily operations.

Results and Reflections

Since adopting Spry, SUNY Morrisville has seen significant improvements in efficiency and organization. “We had the best onboarding for our fall athletes since I got here,” Grawrock reflected. “Lines were shorter, and eligibility checks were faster and more accurate.” The platform’s comprehensive capabilities have enabled SUNY Morrisville to create a more unified and collaborative atmosphere within its athletics department.

Looking back, Matt shared, “Spry has simplified and improved our operations. We’ve cut down on time and eliminated unnecessary steps, making our processes more efficient.”

 

Looking Ahead

SUNY Morrisville plans to expand its use of Spry, particularly in recruiting workflows and document management. “With SprySign, we will streamline game agreements, event vouchers, and other forms that require collaboration across departments,” Grawrock said. The department envisions Spry playing an even larger role in enhancing collaboration with admissions and other departments to elevate the student-athlete experience.

In reflecting on their partnership with Spry, Matt concluded, “Customer support has been phenomenal. They respond quickly, set up real-time support calls, and listen to our feedback. Spry truly feels like a partner in our success.”