David Pochapin and Cameron Koffman turned a near-empty gym into a cauldron of March Madness magic. Their viral 'fins up' chant, born from a 2023 visit to a LIU Sharks game where they felt the atmosphere was 'terrible' due to the pool smell, has fueled the team's stunning turnaround under Rod Strickland. From a 3-26 season, LIU now boasts a 24-10 record, including a NEC tournament championship and an NCAA berth, largely thanks to the passionate support of The Reef fan section. The Sharks clinched their tournament spot on March 4th after beating Chicago State, a moment captured in a viral video of the band leading the chant.

The team's home record, now among the best in the country, stands as a testament to the power of fan fervor. The Sharks' NCAA tournament berth marks a historic achievement, transforming LIU from a struggling program into a Cinderella story, all centered around the simple act of fans raising their hands in celebration.