As a high school senior, C aitlin Stapleton ’15 considered many factors before making her college decision. With two generations of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ÊÓƵÎÞÏÞÖƹۿ´ alumni in her family, Stapleton also chose Fairfield because of the institution’s academic reputation, the stength of the varsity athletics program and the opportunities a degree would offer her as an alumna. After a successful career as a student-athlete in the varsity volleyball program, the former Stag now serves as an assistant volleyball coach for Quinnipiac University.
“ My grandfather, three uncles and my father all attended Fairfield. I always knew that it would mean a lot to all of them if I went there, but I never seriously considered it until I was offered the chance to play volleyball. I really connected with both Sarah and Alija — the coaches who recruited me — and I knew they were exactly what I needed," Stapleton said and continued, "When Todd Kress and Kelly Svoboda took the reins as coaches, I was pleasantly surprised with how they pushed me past my comfort zone day in and day out. They expected a lot, but it forced me to step up and it allowed me to gain a confidence in myself and my play, which I had never had before.”
Prior to earning her degree in sociology, Stapleton accumulated numerous accolades as a student-athlete. She was a member of the 2012 and 2014 All-MAAC First Team. Her hard work on the court awarded her a spot on the 2011 All-MAAC Second Team as well as the 2011 MAAC Rookie of the Year. Stapleton was a member of the 2013 and 2014 MAAC All-Championship Team and currently stands ninth all-time in kills at Fairfield with 1,146.
“I often thought about how lucky I was and how happy it made me to be able to do what I love every single day," Stapleton said about her experience as a student-athlete at Fairfield. "The coaching and amazing support I received, the "sisters" I made along the way, the guidance from my strength and conditioning coaches, the incredible treatment I was able to receive from my athletic trainers for my injuries over the years and so much more."
Stapleton also feels a strong responsibility to give back to her alma mater. When asked why she gives back, she simply stated that it is her obligation to do so.
“I grew so much over my four years and it was because of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ÊÓƵÎÞÏÞÖƹۿ´. The unlimited resources you are able to access are such a special thing. College is important for young people because you are finding out who you are and to have access to the guidance and leadership that Fairfield offers is huge.”
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