The vibrant Church Street Marketplace in Burlington, Vermont, transformed into a sea of green and gold on a sunny Sunday afternoon as an estimated 4,000 enthusiastic fans gathered to honor the University of Vermont (UVM) Catamounts men’s soccer team. The occasion was a celebratory parade, proudly presented by EastRise Credit Union, marking the Catamounts’ remarkable triumph in the 2024 National Championship. The energy of the crowd and the pride in the air were palpable as Church Street became the epicenter of Vermont’s sporting spirit.
The championship parade, a highlight for Church Street Vermont, was not just a local affair; it resonated throughout the state and beyond. The procession commenced with the Catamounts players and staff making their way down Church Street, accompanied by representatives from key sponsors including EastRise Credit Union, Coca Cola, Zero Gravity, and WCAX. The atmosphere was electric as team members tossed co-branded EastRise Credit Union t-shirts and rally towels into the cheering crowd, creating a dynamic interaction between the champions and their devoted supporters along Church Street.
Upon reaching the Top Block of Church Street Marketplace, the parade culminated in a jubilant rally. Fans and invited guests congregated around a stage to hear from esteemed speakers. Director of Athletics Jeff Schulman, UVM President Patty Prelock, Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, and Vermont Governor Phil Scott each addressed the roaring crowd. Their speeches celebrated the Catamounts’ extraordinary achievements and lauded the team’s lasting positive influence on the entire state of Vermont. Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak further amplified the celebratory atmosphere by officially proclaiming January 26, 2025, as “University of Vermont Men’s Soccer Team Division I National Champions Day” in Burlington, a fitting tribute within the heart of Church Street Vermont.
Adding to the heartfelt expressions of gratitude, Head Coach Rob Dow, alongside assistant coaches Nick Lockermann, Adrian Schulze Solano, Yaniv Bazini, and Zach Barrett, took to the stage to address the fans. They collectively thanked “Catamount Country” for their unwavering support, which stretched from local Vermont communities all the way to San Diego and Cary, North Carolina, the location of the championship games. Coach Schulze Solano movingly recounted, “The support you have given us throughout this whole season, throughout this whole tournament especially in the Final Four, was just outstanding. It was amazing. It lifted us up and it pushed us in every moment. It meant so much for the team. Playing in front of the green wall in North Carolina, we will never forget it our whole lives.” This sincere appreciation highlighted the strong bond between the team and their fans, a bond celebrated right in the heart of Church Street.
The formal program concluded with a symbolic presentation. Brigadier General Henry Harder, Deputy Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard, presented Coach Dow with a Green Mountain Boys flag. This gesture served as a powerful symbol, connecting the team’s national victory with Vermont’s proud heritage and further embedding the celebration within the community of Church Street Vermont. The outpouring of community support on Church Street underscored not only a national championship victory but also the unifying power of sports within Vermont.
