Senior Spotlight: Women's Track and Field (PART TWO)
4/29/2020 12:20:00 PM | Women's Track and Field
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Over the coming weeks, Lehighsports.com is paying tribute to all of our senior student-athletes who did not have a Senior Day. Hear from the women's track and field seniors in the below question and answer, and head coach Matt Utesch in the above video. Monday featured part one of the women's track and field seniors.
Monica McGavin – Sprints/Middle Distance – Mountainside, N.J. – Economics
What's your favorite Lehigh Track and Field memory?
MM: My favorite Lehigh track and field memory was my sophomore year at the Dr. Sanders Invitational at the New York Armory. It was just the coaches and the five multis (Tyler Bannister, Kyle Sult, Maddy Harding, and Noa Levy) we laughed and made jokes the entire meet and PRd because of our great attitudes. Afterwards, we stopped at a diner on the way back to Lehigh at 1:30 in the morning and had an absolute blast.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
MM: I started out as a multi my freshman and sophomore year and then transitioned to be a SMD and 400 hurdler for my junior and senior year. Unsure about how I would perform as a SMD as the training is much different than multi training, I took the leap of faith. I hope to leave a legacy that it is good to take changes and okay to change your course. I ended up scoring in indoor patriots this year
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MM: My relationship with my fellow seniors is very strong. We started out as freshmen and have grown and learned so much from each other these past four years. Lehigh Track & Field has allowed us to form a bond that will always tie us back together no matter what point in our life we are at.
What have your coaches meant to you?
MM: My coaches mean so much to me. They have been there for me in every aspect of my life and I cannot put into words how grateful I am for them. Coach Matt is never afraid to tell me exactly what I need to hear. Coach Brooke has been a strong figure that I lean on in both track and in my personal life as well. She cares so deeply for her athletes and it shows on and off the track. I have had the privilege of working closely with Coach Deb my last two years of Track. I value my relationship with her so much. On days when I am feeling insecure with my track abilities, Coach Deb is always there. I catch myself in many of my races pushing harder not for myself but for Coach Deb.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Track and Field?
MM: Wow what a loaded question. I will miss everything about Lehigh Track and Field. I will miss the days at preseason where the entire team is running stairs in the blazing heat. I will miss cheering my teammates on at meets. I will miss the drives to and from practice with my teammates. I will miss being on campus for winter camp and spending my entire days with my team.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
MM: I have grown in many ways thanks to Lehigh track & Field. I have gain mental and physical toughness.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MM: I plan on working for KPMG as an Economics and Valuation Services Transfer Pricing Associate. I am excited to apply the knowledge I have learned in my courses at Lehigh to real life situations.
Jordan Otto – Jumps – Richardson, Texas – Psychology
What's your favorite Lehigh Track and Field memory?
JO: My favorite memory was the indoor Patriot meet this year at Lehigh. Having so many people who were cheering for Lehigh in such a small space made cheering for teammates all the more fun and unforgettable.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
JO: I want my legacy to remind people why they love track and how fun it can be. I want them to remember to dance in the weight room, have event group dinners and to smile during competitions.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
JO: I got lucky with a great group of people in my freshman class. I have met some of my best friends in this group and learned a lot through them.
What have your coaches meant to you?
JO: My coaches were a great support system that was always pushing me towards success on and off the track.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Track and Field?
JO: Whenever we move outside for outdoor and it's still a little chilly out the high jumpers would all lay on the mat, which we call our sun rock because it soaked up the heat from the sun.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
JO: Being a student-athlete at Lehigh actually taught me to invest more time in the student side of me where before I typically focused on the athlete side. It helped me a lot with deciding my career goals for myself.
What are your postgraduate plans?
JO: I will be getting my Masters and Education Specialist degree in School Psychology from James Madison University and I will also finish my last outdoor season there as well!
Susie Poore – Distance – Windham, N.H. – Political Science – Graduating Early
What's your favorite Lehigh Track and Field memory?
SP: My favorite Lehigh XCTF memory is the 3000m steeple at outdoor Patriots last year and watching Stacie cross the line and become a PLC champion. I remember I literally launched myself into the air with happiness as soon as her name came up in first on the board. Even though I'd raced the 10k the day before, I sprinted down the length of the fence and worked my way through the crowd until I could tackle her with a giant hug. Stacie was one of the first people to truly welcome me to Lehigh. From the moment we met during my official visit and on, she always there as someone who I knew I could truly trust and count on. She was a great teammate and an amazing friend. Stacie was also someone who gave running her all, no matter the day. It made you want to do better both for yourself, your team, and her. I couldn't stop myself from crying while I hugged her because I was so incredibly proud to witness her accomplish something so incredible and so well deserved.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
SP: I hope my career can serve as proof that being injured doesn't mean you can't achieve your goals. I spent almost as much time injured as I did healthy while at Lehigh. It took me getting through two years worth of on-and-off injuries and fighting to get in shape to feel like I was finally running at my full potential. There were a lot of times where I truly wasn't sure if I could get there—I didn't know if my body would let me. But, this past year, my final year at Lehigh, proved it was possible, and I'm proud of every race that I ran. So, if there's any legacy I can leave behind, I hope it's a reminder to any athlete struggling with an injury that they can hit their stride again.
What have your coaches meant to you?
SP: I'll always be grateful that through every hardship and set back I faced during my career, my coaches continued to believe in me and see my potential—even when I couldn't myself.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Track and Field?
SP: I've met some of my best friends through this program. I'll miss us all putting on the same uniform and coming together for the sport that we love.
What are your postgraduate plans?
SP: I'll be attending NYU in the fall for grad school! I'm incredibly excited to start their MS in Publishing: Digital and Print Media program and continue my running career with their cross country and track team.
Erin Racano – Hurdles/Sprints – Wyckoff, N.J. – Accounting
What's your favorite Lehigh Track and Field memory?
ER: My favorite LUTF memories are those spent with my teammates. Whether it is scenic car rides over the mountain, beautiful days at practice, or long buses to meets, all of my fondest memories are those spent with the friends I made on this team. From an athletic standpoint, my favorite memory was running the 400 hurdles and the 4x400 relay at Penn Relays in 2019.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
ER: I hope to leave a legacy of positivity and a hard work ethic. Each day at practice and every meet, I wanted to be better than the practice or meet before. I strived to bring a positive attitude every day, whether we were running repeat 200s with 30 seconds rest (a very hard day) or doing starts (a relatively easy day).
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
ER: Our senior class has an amazing relationship with one another. I'll always remember something Julie Ammary said to us about teammates. She spoke to us about the unique bond we develop with teammates because of this shared experience and that teammates are truly forever. Although we started out as teammates, we became best friends. We have been through so much together, which has only made our bond stronger. I could not imagine my 4 years on LUTF without these girls.
What have your coaches meant to you?
ER: I truly would not be here without my coaches. My experience on this team was unconventional at times and it would not have been achievable without the flexibility and organization of my coaches. LUTF's coaching staff truly cares about and advocates for each and every one of their athletes. They often had more confidence in us than we had in ourselves.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Track and Field?
ER: I will undoubtedly miss my team the most about LUTF. Track and Field is a unique sport in which your teammates are often your competitors. This duality can easily spiral into hostility. This was NEVER the case on this team. Everyone on this team was as happy about someone's success as they were their own. We all truly care about one another and want the absolute best for each other.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
ER: I am a completely different person now than I was as a freshman and it is due largely to the Lehigh student-athlete experience. Being a student-athlete at Lehigh has taught me many lessons. It taught me how to be strong in the face of adversity and failure and humble in the face of success and accomplishment. I have become a better teammate, leader, and person because of the Lehigh student-athlete experience.
What are your postgraduate plans?
ER: I have accepted a job offer in New York City at EY in its East Assurance Practice.
Caity Reverand – Pole Vault – Closter, N.J. – Pole Vault
What's your favorite Lehigh Track and Field memory?
ER: Indoor patriots my sophomore year at Bucknell. Every single pole vaulter, boys and girls, PRd and had so much fun doing it! The most fun, stress-free meet I've ever been to and everyone was happy at the end of the day.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
ER: My whole time on Lehigh track, I hoped to be someone who worked hard but didn't take anything too seriously. I hope my teammates remember me as someone who even on my worst days, remembered to put things into perspective and find a silver lining.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
ER: I love my seniors! I think we all had a really good last year and it definitely brought us all closer. I can't imagine these past four years without Joey Kelly pole vaulting with me.
What have your coaches meant to you?
ER: I know my coaches have always been there for me from the start. Whether it was athletics, academics, or anything else, Coach Matt and Coach Brooke have always helped me out as much as they can.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Track and Field?
ER: Everything! Messing around at practice, long bus rides, even the meet day nerves. Things we all took for granted are what I'll miss the most.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
ER: I barely recognize myself three years ago! Lehigh track and field has made me work harder, both physically and mentally, than I ever have. I've become so much more self-aware from my time at Lehigh, something I hope to carry out for the rest of my life.
What are your postgraduate plans?
ER: None yet! Someone hire me?
Brooke Schaeffer – Sprints/ Middle Distance – Westfield, N.J. – Biology
What's your favorite Lehigh Track and Field memory?
BS: My favorite memory from Lehigh Track was running the 4x4 relay with Amanda Fischer, Hanna Brosky, and Kristen Lavallee at the New York Armory my freshman year. Although we were tired from running open events the day before, we committed to appreciating the opportunity and having fun. It was also the first time Amanda and I ran together since high school. We ended up dropping one of Lehigh's fastest indoor relays of all time, and did so with smiles on our faces!
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
BS: If you asked me this question my sophomore year, I would have said something related to times, placements, and awards. Looking back as a senior, I now know that the most important aspects of track are the relationships formed and the impacts they have on others. I want nothing more than to help others unlock their potential, and to encourage the best versions of themselves both on and off the track. That's really what this sport is about - reaching new limits you never thought possible, and lifting each other up along the way.
What have your coaches meant to you?
BS: My coaches have celebrated with me at my best, consoled me at my worst, and supported me all along the way. There is nothing more powerful than having people believe in you before you even believe in yourself.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Track and Field?
BS: My run with college athletics has been an incredible experience, and to compete at this level is truly a gift. But after the four years are over, I'll miss the people more than anything. The relationships fostered through this program are absolutely priceless. I've created lasting friendships with people from all grades, and all my fondest memories of Lehigh Track & Field are those shared with others.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
BS: Wins, losses, injuries, and victories: four words that capture the emotional rollercoaster that is the student-athlete experience. Whether you're on the podium with a medal around your neck, or standing longingly beside it with a broken foot, the main takeaway is that you are more than your sport. Eventually all of us will suffer a major setback, an unexpected challenge that places us at a crossroads. It is in that moment, when things appear their worst, that you discover the best in yourself. I believe that every person has multiple selves - the athlete, the writer, the artist, etc. Each with something wonderful to offer, and each with a gift that keeps giving long after the years of college athletics are up. When it feels like the jersey is all that you are, just remember you have so much more to offer.
What are your postgraduate plans?
BS: I plan to go to medical school and use my degree to serve as both a practicing clinician and a medical writer.
Cate Shippee – Jumps – Ridgewood, N.J. – Accounting
What's your favorite Lehigh Track & Field memory?
CS: I think my favorite Lehigh Track & Field memory was when I broke the outdoor school record for the Triple Jump last spring. It wasn't necessarily the act of breaking the record that I fondly remember, it was the amount of people: old high school teammates, high school coaches, Lehigh Track & Field alumni, current teammates and coaches, who reached out to me that day that I hold onto the most. It was that day and that moment when I realized how I have developed a real family from this sport. Seeing so many people come together, supporting me, and reaching out, even old teammates and coaches who I lost touch with, that feeling was something I will never forget. It isn't necessarily the victories, records, championship meets that I'll hold onto, it is the people.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
CS: When leaving Lehigh, I just hope that in some way or another, I made an impact on some of my teammates' lives whether it was just being there to talk, goofing off at practice, or being a person someone could relate to. I don't think a "legacy" stems from the amount of championships you've won or records you broke, I think a true legacy is knowing you impacted people in a positive way, whether it was directly or just by leading by example. I hope I did that for at least one person.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
CS: My friendships from Lehigh have primarily been from this team and specifically, women in my graduating class. From being on a sports team, you have the luxury of having a "group" of people to connect with almost instantaneously on campus. This is something the average student cannot relate to and it is something that I was so grateful for as an incoming freshman at Lehigh. The women on this team were my best friends since day one on campus and remain my best friends as we end our final year at Lehigh. I really think my class had an extraordinary group of women who I will be friends with for life.
What have your coaches meant to you?
CS: Coach Matt and Coach Brooke mean the world to me. I came to them as an ex-lacrosse player with one season of track experience and just a dream to go to Lehigh. They saw something in me that no one else saw and they took a chance on me when they really did not have to. I was recruited with barely any experience but Coach Matt saw that as potential, someone with no "bad habits". He let me join the team, and try out the Heptathlon, and eventually even let me switch to Jumps. Without him and his openness, I would have never had the chance to be on this team. And for that, I am forever grateful.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Track & Field?
CS: What I will miss most is the people. Even if I was having a bad day, something about getting to practice, starting the warmup, and being around everyone always lifted my mood. Practice was always the perfect balance of hard work and fun. Because of that, I loved coming to practice everyday and getting the chance to hangout with my teammates, or mess around with Coach Brooke, or just sit and chat with Coach Matt for a little when I was done with my reps. It cleared my head and was such a positive part of my day where I got to escape schoolwork and other stressors in my life. That quality time with my teammates and coaches is something I value and will miss so much next year.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
CS: When I look back at my freshman year self, I was basically a different person compared to who I am now. As a lost freshman who didn't even know her place on this team, the coaches and my captains, helped steer me in the right direction when I needed them most. Now, as a leader on this team, and a school record holder, I have my coaches and captains to thank for these achievements and this growth. Without their patience and confidence in me, I would not be who I am today.
What are your postgraduate plans?
CS: I will be working at KPMG as an Audit Associate in the Short Hills office next year. I am looking forward to this chapter in my life alongside one of my teammates and close friends, Monica, who will be working there with me.
Alexis Wintle – Jumps – Windham, Maine – Business Information Systems
What's your favorite Lehigh Track and Field memory?
AW: My favorite memory at Lehigh happened my freshman year. At the outdoor Patriot League Championship meet the girls high jump crew dominated the event. I was part of the group that scored 31 of a possible 39 points in the event.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
AW: I hope to leave a message of kindness and dedication. Being a member of C.O.A.C.H. was definitely a highlight of my time at Lehigh. I enjoyed being able to help connect Lehigh athletics by giving back to the community. I feel fortunate, that in addition to our community events throughout the year, with the help of our wonderful C.O.A.C.H. advisor, Roseann Corsi, I was also able to give kindness/anti-bullying presentations in numerous local elementary classrooms.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AW: I've really enjoyed being a member of the Lehigh Track and Field family. I'm so glad I've been able to experience these past four years with my fellow teammates and friends. When I started at Lehigh I felt fortunate to have an automatic go-to friend group with my teammates and over the past 4 years many of these relationships have grown to be what I know will be lifelong friendships.
What have your coaches meant to you?
AW: I am very thankful to have had my coaches' guidance over the past 4 years. They have taught me a lot about myself both within my sport and within life in general. They have always been available when I needed them.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Track and Field?
AW: I definitely will miss the people the most. I've made so many friends and I'm very sad to be leaving them especially early and unexpectedly. This isn't goodbye though it's see you later.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
AW: I think that the Lehigh Student-Athlete experience has taught me determination, dedication, time management, and to have the confidence that I can do anything I set my mind to. These are all extremely valuable qualities and lessons that will stay with me as I embark on my future.
What are your postgraduate plans?
AW: Beginning in June 2020 I will be working in King of Prussia, PA as an IT Business Analyst for Fiserv/CardConnect.
Monica McGavin – Sprints/Middle Distance – Mountainside, N.J. – Economics
What's your favorite Lehigh Track and Field memory?
MM: My favorite Lehigh track and field memory was my sophomore year at the Dr. Sanders Invitational at the New York Armory. It was just the coaches and the five multis (Tyler Bannister, Kyle Sult, Maddy Harding, and Noa Levy) we laughed and made jokes the entire meet and PRd because of our great attitudes. Afterwards, we stopped at a diner on the way back to Lehigh at 1:30 in the morning and had an absolute blast.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
MM: I started out as a multi my freshman and sophomore year and then transitioned to be a SMD and 400 hurdler for my junior and senior year. Unsure about how I would perform as a SMD as the training is much different than multi training, I took the leap of faith. I hope to leave a legacy that it is good to take changes and okay to change your course. I ended up scoring in indoor patriots this year
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MM: My relationship with my fellow seniors is very strong. We started out as freshmen and have grown and learned so much from each other these past four years. Lehigh Track & Field has allowed us to form a bond that will always tie us back together no matter what point in our life we are at.
What have your coaches meant to you?
MM: My coaches mean so much to me. They have been there for me in every aspect of my life and I cannot put into words how grateful I am for them. Coach Matt is never afraid to tell me exactly what I need to hear. Coach Brooke has been a strong figure that I lean on in both track and in my personal life as well. She cares so deeply for her athletes and it shows on and off the track. I have had the privilege of working closely with Coach Deb my last two years of Track. I value my relationship with her so much. On days when I am feeling insecure with my track abilities, Coach Deb is always there. I catch myself in many of my races pushing harder not for myself but for Coach Deb.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Track and Field?
MM: Wow what a loaded question. I will miss everything about Lehigh Track and Field. I will miss the days at preseason where the entire team is running stairs in the blazing heat. I will miss cheering my teammates on at meets. I will miss the drives to and from practice with my teammates. I will miss being on campus for winter camp and spending my entire days with my team.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
MM: I have grown in many ways thanks to Lehigh track & Field. I have gain mental and physical toughness.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MM: I plan on working for KPMG as an Economics and Valuation Services Transfer Pricing Associate. I am excited to apply the knowledge I have learned in my courses at Lehigh to real life situations.
Jordan Otto – Jumps – Richardson, Texas – Psychology
What's your favorite Lehigh Track and Field memory?
JO: My favorite memory was the indoor Patriot meet this year at Lehigh. Having so many people who were cheering for Lehigh in such a small space made cheering for teammates all the more fun and unforgettable.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
JO: I want my legacy to remind people why they love track and how fun it can be. I want them to remember to dance in the weight room, have event group dinners and to smile during competitions.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
JO: I got lucky with a great group of people in my freshman class. I have met some of my best friends in this group and learned a lot through them.
What have your coaches meant to you?
JO: My coaches were a great support system that was always pushing me towards success on and off the track.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Track and Field?
JO: Whenever we move outside for outdoor and it's still a little chilly out the high jumpers would all lay on the mat, which we call our sun rock because it soaked up the heat from the sun.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
JO: Being a student-athlete at Lehigh actually taught me to invest more time in the student side of me where before I typically focused on the athlete side. It helped me a lot with deciding my career goals for myself.
What are your postgraduate plans?
JO: I will be getting my Masters and Education Specialist degree in School Psychology from James Madison University and I will also finish my last outdoor season there as well!
Susie Poore – Distance – Windham, N.H. – Political Science – Graduating Early
What's your favorite Lehigh Track and Field memory?
SP: My favorite Lehigh XCTF memory is the 3000m steeple at outdoor Patriots last year and watching Stacie cross the line and become a PLC champion. I remember I literally launched myself into the air with happiness as soon as her name came up in first on the board. Even though I'd raced the 10k the day before, I sprinted down the length of the fence and worked my way through the crowd until I could tackle her with a giant hug. Stacie was one of the first people to truly welcome me to Lehigh. From the moment we met during my official visit and on, she always there as someone who I knew I could truly trust and count on. She was a great teammate and an amazing friend. Stacie was also someone who gave running her all, no matter the day. It made you want to do better both for yourself, your team, and her. I couldn't stop myself from crying while I hugged her because I was so incredibly proud to witness her accomplish something so incredible and so well deserved.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
SP: I hope my career can serve as proof that being injured doesn't mean you can't achieve your goals. I spent almost as much time injured as I did healthy while at Lehigh. It took me getting through two years worth of on-and-off injuries and fighting to get in shape to feel like I was finally running at my full potential. There were a lot of times where I truly wasn't sure if I could get there—I didn't know if my body would let me. But, this past year, my final year at Lehigh, proved it was possible, and I'm proud of every race that I ran. So, if there's any legacy I can leave behind, I hope it's a reminder to any athlete struggling with an injury that they can hit their stride again.
What have your coaches meant to you?
SP: I'll always be grateful that through every hardship and set back I faced during my career, my coaches continued to believe in me and see my potential—even when I couldn't myself.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Track and Field?
SP: I've met some of my best friends through this program. I'll miss us all putting on the same uniform and coming together for the sport that we love.
What are your postgraduate plans?
SP: I'll be attending NYU in the fall for grad school! I'm incredibly excited to start their MS in Publishing: Digital and Print Media program and continue my running career with their cross country and track team.
Erin Racano – Hurdles/Sprints – Wyckoff, N.J. – Accounting
What's your favorite Lehigh Track and Field memory?
ER: My favorite LUTF memories are those spent with my teammates. Whether it is scenic car rides over the mountain, beautiful days at practice, or long buses to meets, all of my fondest memories are those spent with the friends I made on this team. From an athletic standpoint, my favorite memory was running the 400 hurdles and the 4x400 relay at Penn Relays in 2019.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
ER: I hope to leave a legacy of positivity and a hard work ethic. Each day at practice and every meet, I wanted to be better than the practice or meet before. I strived to bring a positive attitude every day, whether we were running repeat 200s with 30 seconds rest (a very hard day) or doing starts (a relatively easy day).
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
ER: Our senior class has an amazing relationship with one another. I'll always remember something Julie Ammary said to us about teammates. She spoke to us about the unique bond we develop with teammates because of this shared experience and that teammates are truly forever. Although we started out as teammates, we became best friends. We have been through so much together, which has only made our bond stronger. I could not imagine my 4 years on LUTF without these girls.
What have your coaches meant to you?
ER: I truly would not be here without my coaches. My experience on this team was unconventional at times and it would not have been achievable without the flexibility and organization of my coaches. LUTF's coaching staff truly cares about and advocates for each and every one of their athletes. They often had more confidence in us than we had in ourselves.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Track and Field?
ER: I will undoubtedly miss my team the most about LUTF. Track and Field is a unique sport in which your teammates are often your competitors. This duality can easily spiral into hostility. This was NEVER the case on this team. Everyone on this team was as happy about someone's success as they were their own. We all truly care about one another and want the absolute best for each other.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
ER: I am a completely different person now than I was as a freshman and it is due largely to the Lehigh student-athlete experience. Being a student-athlete at Lehigh has taught me many lessons. It taught me how to be strong in the face of adversity and failure and humble in the face of success and accomplishment. I have become a better teammate, leader, and person because of the Lehigh student-athlete experience.
What are your postgraduate plans?
ER: I have accepted a job offer in New York City at EY in its East Assurance Practice.
Caity Reverand – Pole Vault – Closter, N.J. – Pole Vault
What's your favorite Lehigh Track and Field memory?
ER: Indoor patriots my sophomore year at Bucknell. Every single pole vaulter, boys and girls, PRd and had so much fun doing it! The most fun, stress-free meet I've ever been to and everyone was happy at the end of the day.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
ER: My whole time on Lehigh track, I hoped to be someone who worked hard but didn't take anything too seriously. I hope my teammates remember me as someone who even on my worst days, remembered to put things into perspective and find a silver lining.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
ER: I love my seniors! I think we all had a really good last year and it definitely brought us all closer. I can't imagine these past four years without Joey Kelly pole vaulting with me.
What have your coaches meant to you?
ER: I know my coaches have always been there for me from the start. Whether it was athletics, academics, or anything else, Coach Matt and Coach Brooke have always helped me out as much as they can.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Track and Field?
ER: Everything! Messing around at practice, long bus rides, even the meet day nerves. Things we all took for granted are what I'll miss the most.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
ER: I barely recognize myself three years ago! Lehigh track and field has made me work harder, both physically and mentally, than I ever have. I've become so much more self-aware from my time at Lehigh, something I hope to carry out for the rest of my life.
What are your postgraduate plans?
ER: None yet! Someone hire me?
Brooke Schaeffer – Sprints/ Middle Distance – Westfield, N.J. – Biology
What's your favorite Lehigh Track and Field memory?
BS: My favorite memory from Lehigh Track was running the 4x4 relay with Amanda Fischer, Hanna Brosky, and Kristen Lavallee at the New York Armory my freshman year. Although we were tired from running open events the day before, we committed to appreciating the opportunity and having fun. It was also the first time Amanda and I ran together since high school. We ended up dropping one of Lehigh's fastest indoor relays of all time, and did so with smiles on our faces!
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
BS: If you asked me this question my sophomore year, I would have said something related to times, placements, and awards. Looking back as a senior, I now know that the most important aspects of track are the relationships formed and the impacts they have on others. I want nothing more than to help others unlock their potential, and to encourage the best versions of themselves both on and off the track. That's really what this sport is about - reaching new limits you never thought possible, and lifting each other up along the way.
What have your coaches meant to you?
BS: My coaches have celebrated with me at my best, consoled me at my worst, and supported me all along the way. There is nothing more powerful than having people believe in you before you even believe in yourself.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Track and Field?
BS: My run with college athletics has been an incredible experience, and to compete at this level is truly a gift. But after the four years are over, I'll miss the people more than anything. The relationships fostered through this program are absolutely priceless. I've created lasting friendships with people from all grades, and all my fondest memories of Lehigh Track & Field are those shared with others.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
BS: Wins, losses, injuries, and victories: four words that capture the emotional rollercoaster that is the student-athlete experience. Whether you're on the podium with a medal around your neck, or standing longingly beside it with a broken foot, the main takeaway is that you are more than your sport. Eventually all of us will suffer a major setback, an unexpected challenge that places us at a crossroads. It is in that moment, when things appear their worst, that you discover the best in yourself. I believe that every person has multiple selves - the athlete, the writer, the artist, etc. Each with something wonderful to offer, and each with a gift that keeps giving long after the years of college athletics are up. When it feels like the jersey is all that you are, just remember you have so much more to offer.
What are your postgraduate plans?
BS: I plan to go to medical school and use my degree to serve as both a practicing clinician and a medical writer.
Cate Shippee – Jumps – Ridgewood, N.J. – Accounting
What's your favorite Lehigh Track & Field memory?
CS: I think my favorite Lehigh Track & Field memory was when I broke the outdoor school record for the Triple Jump last spring. It wasn't necessarily the act of breaking the record that I fondly remember, it was the amount of people: old high school teammates, high school coaches, Lehigh Track & Field alumni, current teammates and coaches, who reached out to me that day that I hold onto the most. It was that day and that moment when I realized how I have developed a real family from this sport. Seeing so many people come together, supporting me, and reaching out, even old teammates and coaches who I lost touch with, that feeling was something I will never forget. It isn't necessarily the victories, records, championship meets that I'll hold onto, it is the people.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
CS: When leaving Lehigh, I just hope that in some way or another, I made an impact on some of my teammates' lives whether it was just being there to talk, goofing off at practice, or being a person someone could relate to. I don't think a "legacy" stems from the amount of championships you've won or records you broke, I think a true legacy is knowing you impacted people in a positive way, whether it was directly or just by leading by example. I hope I did that for at least one person.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
CS: My friendships from Lehigh have primarily been from this team and specifically, women in my graduating class. From being on a sports team, you have the luxury of having a "group" of people to connect with almost instantaneously on campus. This is something the average student cannot relate to and it is something that I was so grateful for as an incoming freshman at Lehigh. The women on this team were my best friends since day one on campus and remain my best friends as we end our final year at Lehigh. I really think my class had an extraordinary group of women who I will be friends with for life.
What have your coaches meant to you?
CS: Coach Matt and Coach Brooke mean the world to me. I came to them as an ex-lacrosse player with one season of track experience and just a dream to go to Lehigh. They saw something in me that no one else saw and they took a chance on me when they really did not have to. I was recruited with barely any experience but Coach Matt saw that as potential, someone with no "bad habits". He let me join the team, and try out the Heptathlon, and eventually even let me switch to Jumps. Without him and his openness, I would have never had the chance to be on this team. And for that, I am forever grateful.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Track & Field?
CS: What I will miss most is the people. Even if I was having a bad day, something about getting to practice, starting the warmup, and being around everyone always lifted my mood. Practice was always the perfect balance of hard work and fun. Because of that, I loved coming to practice everyday and getting the chance to hangout with my teammates, or mess around with Coach Brooke, or just sit and chat with Coach Matt for a little when I was done with my reps. It cleared my head and was such a positive part of my day where I got to escape schoolwork and other stressors in my life. That quality time with my teammates and coaches is something I value and will miss so much next year.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
CS: When I look back at my freshman year self, I was basically a different person compared to who I am now. As a lost freshman who didn't even know her place on this team, the coaches and my captains, helped steer me in the right direction when I needed them most. Now, as a leader on this team, and a school record holder, I have my coaches and captains to thank for these achievements and this growth. Without their patience and confidence in me, I would not be who I am today.
What are your postgraduate plans?
CS: I will be working at KPMG as an Audit Associate in the Short Hills office next year. I am looking forward to this chapter in my life alongside one of my teammates and close friends, Monica, who will be working there with me.
Alexis Wintle – Jumps – Windham, Maine – Business Information Systems
What's your favorite Lehigh Track and Field memory?
AW: My favorite memory at Lehigh happened my freshman year. At the outdoor Patriot League Championship meet the girls high jump crew dominated the event. I was part of the group that scored 31 of a possible 39 points in the event.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
AW: I hope to leave a message of kindness and dedication. Being a member of C.O.A.C.H. was definitely a highlight of my time at Lehigh. I enjoyed being able to help connect Lehigh athletics by giving back to the community. I feel fortunate, that in addition to our community events throughout the year, with the help of our wonderful C.O.A.C.H. advisor, Roseann Corsi, I was also able to give kindness/anti-bullying presentations in numerous local elementary classrooms.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AW: I've really enjoyed being a member of the Lehigh Track and Field family. I'm so glad I've been able to experience these past four years with my fellow teammates and friends. When I started at Lehigh I felt fortunate to have an automatic go-to friend group with my teammates and over the past 4 years many of these relationships have grown to be what I know will be lifelong friendships.
What have your coaches meant to you?
AW: I am very thankful to have had my coaches' guidance over the past 4 years. They have taught me a lot about myself both within my sport and within life in general. They have always been available when I needed them.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Track and Field?
AW: I definitely will miss the people the most. I've made so many friends and I'm very sad to be leaving them especially early and unexpectedly. This isn't goodbye though it's see you later.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
AW: I think that the Lehigh Student-Athlete experience has taught me determination, dedication, time management, and to have the confidence that I can do anything I set my mind to. These are all extremely valuable qualities and lessons that will stay with me as I embark on my future.
What are your postgraduate plans?
AW: Beginning in June 2020 I will be working in King of Prussia, PA as an IT Business Analyst for Fiserv/CardConnect.
Players Mentioned
Jumps/Multis
/ Women's Track and Field
Sprint/Mid-Distance
/ Women's Track and Field
Sprints
/ Women's Track and Field
Jumps/Multis
/ Women's Track and Field
Sprints
/ Women's Track and Field
Jumps/Multis
/ Women's Track and Field
Sprints/Middle Distance
/ Women's Track and Field
Jumps
/ Women's Track and Field
Distance
/ Women's Track and Field
Sprints
/ Women's Track and Field
Pole Vault
/ Women's Track and Field
Sprints/Middle Distance
/ Women's Track and Field
Jumps
/ Women's Track and Field
Jumps
/ Women's Track and FieldLehigh Sports Central: Women's Basketball
Wednesday, November 19
Brown & Flight - Episode 4
Friday, November 14
MHT EP5 - Women's Cross Country
Thursday, November 13
Lehigh Sports Central: Men's Basketball
Wednesday, November 12
