Meet Peri! Peri grew up in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, where tennis quickly became the center of her world.  With inspiration from her mom, also a tennis player, she found her love for tennis quickly.   From a young age, she traveled to national junior tournaments while balancing school and training, building both her competitive edge and love for the sport. By the time she reached high school, Peri had established herself as a standout player for East Greenwich High, winning three State Championships and achieving an incredible 78-0 regular season record.

        Her success on the court carried her to Brown University, where she competed at the Division I level.  At Brown, Peri not only excelled as an athlete but also stepped into leadership roles, serving as the Female Ivy League Representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Off the court, she pursued her academic interests, earning a degree in English and immersing herself in theatre coursework, where she discovered a new passion for acting and storytelling.

        The day after graduation, Peri boldly embraced her next chapter, moving to rural Virginia to begin her sports broadcasting career at WHSV-TV. Her journey in broadcasting has since flourished. Today, living in Washington, DC, she serves as the host of “On The Rise,” a Tennis Channel podcast that explores confidence, identity, and mental health during the transition from college athletics to life beyond the sport. She has also built a dynamic career as a play-by-play commentator for Cracked Media, covering professional and collegiate tennis on multiple television and streaming platforms, bringing her insider perspective and love of the game to audiences everywhere.  She is continuing to pursue acting and hopes to eventually become a published children’s book author.

        Peri’s journey is one of passion, adaptability, and growth—from dominating the court as a high school and college athlete to shaping the conversation around sports and identity in her broadcasting career. Whether she’s behind the mic or in front of the camera, she continues to inspire athletes and fans alike with her authenticity and insight, proving that the lessons learned in sport can shape a lifetime. Read more about Peri!

Q: What sports did you play growing up?

      I played tennis starting at the age of 5. I spent the first 11 years of my tennis career as a dual-sport athlete, balancing time on the court with time in the Taekwondo studio. At 13, I earned my black belt. In addition, I spent time rock climbing, running, and doing yoga with my mom, a former elite tennis player who is my athletic inspiration.

Q: Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?

        Tennis is an individual sport. In junior tennis, my team consisted of my parents who traveled with me to tournaments on the weekends. Tennis can be a lonely sport and I was fortunate to travel with such strong role models who loved tennis as much as I did.

Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?

        Throughout my tennis career, I looked up to my mom. She was the first Harvard tennis player to achieve First Team All-Ivy honors in 1979. In high school and college, my mom balanced elite academics with lofty athletic goals. She traveled playing pro tournaments and wherever she competed, my mom carried herself with poise and grace. Whenever I stepped on the court, I always tried to channel the same competitive presence.

Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?

        I felt so alive stepping onto the court at Brown for the first time. I was quite nervous and this discomfort served as a reminder that tennis would always be filled with the weight of expectations. My favorite tennis memories were the intense practices on the indoor courts in the early mornings in the middle of winter, when there was little sunlight and it felt like we were practicing in secret.

Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?

        My athletic career taught me discipline, patience, and perseverance. I loved the balance of daily practices, lifting sessions, and school work. This discipline has helped me during the evolution from the tennis court to the sports media world. Tennis prepared me for the challenges of forging a career in the arts, a space where there is no set path and the road is filled with constant rejections and doubt. Sports taught me the feeling of joy. I experience joy every day as I tell stories and use my creativity in the entertainment world.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?

      We play sports because sports are games. Games bring us joy but they also bring us intense feelings of discomfort. Sadness, anxiety, and fatigue are just as valuable as joy and will always be part of elite athletics.

          Meet Betsy! Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Betsy’s life has been deeply shaped by the sport of tennis and a passion for inspiring others. She graduated from Allendale Columbia School, where she excelled on the court, earning a spot among the top ten players in New York State. As a USTA/Eastern Junior Tennis competitor, Betsy’s dedication and skill propelled her to the national stage, where she achieved a ranking among the top junior players in the country.

        Betsy went on to play Division I tennis at Brown University, where she majored in Psychology. During her four years as a varsity athlete, she competed at the highest collegiate level, ultimately serving as team captain and anchoring the lineup as the number one singles and doubles player. Her leadership and commitment to excellence left a lasting mark on the program and her teammates.

        After earning her undergraduate degree, Betsy attended American University Law School, earning her JD and beginning a career as a hospital attorney. But her connection to tennis never faded—she went on to coach high school tennis in Barrington, Rhode Island for 13 years, guiding both individual and team state champions and sharing her love of the game with a new generation of athletes.

        Betsy’s journey has also been one of resilience and advocacy. In 2021, she published her memoir, The Longest Match: Rallying to Defeat an Eating Disorder in Midlife, a deeply personal and inspiring account of her own recovery. Since then, she has become a sought-after speaker on topics of eating disorders and athlete mental health, sharing her story at conferences, treatment centers, non-profits, schools, and universities across the country—both in person and virtually. Through her business, Gifts of Recovery, LLC, Betsy offers mentorship and group support, helping others find hope and healing through her lived experience.  She is also a member of The LaunchBreak, a networking community for athletes.  

        Today, Betsy continues to combine her love of sport, her professional expertise, and her personal journey to empower others. Whether she’s speaking to audiences nationwide or mentoring through her business, she exemplifies strength, empathy, and the power of using one’s story to inspire change. Read more about Betsy below! 

Q: What sports did you play growing up?

      I played tennis.  I started taking lessons when I was 9 or 10 but I wasn’t very good and I didn’t particularly like it. After a trip to the US Open when I was 11 my passion was born and by the age of 13 I was taking my tennis very seriously and playing tournaments.

Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?

        When I first started playing tennis, I didn’t really like it and I wasn’t very good at it. My parents insisted that I try tennis lessons.

Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?

        Professional Tennis Players such as Chris Evert, Billie Jean King, and Martina Navratilova. They inspired me to want to get better and be the best that I could be. They ignited my passion for tennis!

Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?

        Playing four years of college tennis at Brown University. It was amazing being part of a team with an individual sport. I loved the travel, the competition, and I formed life-long friendships and learned important life lessons.

Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?

        Tennis gave me many gifts such as self-esteem, confidence, a healthy outlet, travel, friendships and life lessons such as determination, discipline and resilience.It also gave me my coaching career. As a tennis coach, I tried to instill those important life lessons in my players and reminded them that I cared about them as a whole person, not simply as a tennis player.

        Tennis gave me so many gifts but also became entwined in development of an eating disorder upon my return to tennis in midlife. I learned so many important lessons in recovery that are important for everyone including all athletes; it’s okay to be human and struggle with mental health issues.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?

      I would want them to know that sports are supposed to be fun and enjoyable. I would want them to also know that it is okay to work hard to achieve goals but that they are human and that their sport is not the only thing that defines them. And also that it is important to develop other interests.

         Meet Riley Tejcek! Riley is a powerhouse athlete, Marine Corps Officer, author, and public speaker from Carmel, Indiana, whose life has been defined by determination, discipline, and a deep love for sport. Her athletic journey began early, playing youth softball and basketball before committing fully to softball through high school varsity and her travel team, Indiana Magic, where she competed at a high level through her teen years.

        Riley’s dedication to softball earned her a four-year varsity spot in high school and an athletic scholarship to George Washington University, where she played Division I softball and helped her team win the 2019 A-10 Championship. During her college years, she was more than just an athlete—she graduated cum laude with a degree in Political Science, served as president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and was a four-time Scholar Athlete, balancing rigorous academics with the demands of D1 athletics.

        After college, Riley’s athletic path took a bold and unconventional turn—straight into the adrenaline-filled world of bobsled. As a pilot for Team USA Women’s Bobsled, Riley has earned over 20 medals from World Cup, North American Cup, and Europa Cup competitions between 2021 and today. She competed in two World Championships (St. Moritz in 2023 and Winterberg in 2024), represented the U.S. in the Olympic Team Trials, and was a member of the 2022–2023 USA National Bobsled Team, achieving a world ranking of 14th during that season. In 2025, she brought home a North American Cup gold medal and even transitioned into a new role as a World Championships commentator—continuing to represent her sport with the same passion and poise.

        Riley’s leadership and respect among her peers were reflected in her being voted onto the Athlete Advisory Council. She competed in both the traditional two-man sled and the individual Mono-Bob discipline, showcasing not only her physical strength and mental toughness but her adaptability and relentless drive.

        Outside of sport, Riley has continued to break boundaries. She is an active-duty United States Marine Corps Officer and was named the 2021 Female Marine Corps Athlete of the Year. From May to November 2024, she completed a combat deployment to Baghdad, Iraq, all while continuing to build her public profile and inspire others through speaking engagements, sports commentary, and television appearances. She has competed on Family Feud, won the game show Lingo, and was crowned Ms. Military in both 2023 and 2024.

        In 2024, Riley added another major milestone to her list: becoming a best-selling author of the empowering children’s book If You Can Dream It, Be It—a message she clearly lives out every day.  Though she recently retired from bobsledding, Riley remains deeply connected to the world of sports and fitness. She actively competes in HYROX events, runs 5k and 10k races, and coaches other athletes, continuing to lead by example. She is also a member of The LaunchBreak, a networking community for athletes.  

        Riley’s journey is a remarkable example of what it means to pursue excellence, embrace challenges, and boldly follow every dream. She uses inspiration and courage from her favorite Bible Verse: Joshua 1:9. Whether she’s sprinting down a bobsled track, leading fellow Marines, or inspiring the next generation through her children’s book, Riley shows us all what’s possible with hard work, courage, and heart. Read more about Riley!

Q: What sports did you play growing up?

      I played basketball and softball.  I continued with softball throughout college.  Then I had met a Bobsledder who is also a GWU softball alumni and her example made me want to get involved! The Lord open the rest of the doors.

Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?

        My Dad was a professional baseball player and I wanted to be like him so much that I took to mostly softball instead of other sports.

Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?

        Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone because she is a Christian women and the best track star in the world! I love how she carries herself in all she does and how she dominates.

Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?

        My favorite memory was competing in World Championships alongside women from all over the world and after the race cheering each other on and supporting each other more than anyone else even though we were competitors minutes before.

Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?

        Sports has shaped me into who I am today and the reason why I am so determined, team centered and have good communication skills.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?

      Playing a sport is the best way to learn discipline and will set you up for the future! Show up for yourself and your team daily and grind together. You will learn more life lessons in sports than anywhere else!

        Meet Gina! A registered nurse from Jackson, New Jersey, Gina’s passion for fitness and health has been a constant in her life. 

        Growing up, she stayed active through recreational sports and cross country running. While pursuing her nursing degree at TCNJ and Wagner, she maintained her love for fitness by running regularly. Although she didn’t compete in traditional team sports, fitness has profoundly shaped her life.

        Eight years ago, Gina joined SETS, a group fitness gym that sparked a deeper commitment to her health journey. She earned her NASM personal training certification, studied nutrition, and transitioned from gym member to coach, eventually becoming a gym manager. Her love for the science of movement and nutrition fuels her dedication to both fitness and nursing, where her passion for helping others shines.

        Gina’s athletic journey has included obstacle course races, 5Ks, HYROX events, and more recently, CrossFit. She’s still running and now also weightlifting, constantly challenging herself with new skills and goals. Every day in CrossFit brings something new, and Gina thrives on pushing her limits. She plans to compete in the Crossfit competition at Babes and Barbells for the first time in October and plans to sign up for her first half marathon in 2025. She also has the cutest dog, Otto, and he loves being active as well by playing catch and being with Gina!   Discover more about Gina’s inspiring fitness journey!

Q: What sports did you play growing up?

      I did softball & cross country.

Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?

        (In regards to CrossFit) Absolutely! Walking in to a gym for the first time is incredibly intimidating, especially CrossFit. I always thought I wasn’t strong enough to participate but that’s the point! Showing up and getting stronger! I’ve made strides in the years I’ve been participating and realized there was nothing to be worried about The community is amazing, and everything is within reach as long as you scale appropriately! I can confidently say I’ll be doing this forever I absolutely love it.

Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?

        My current athlete I look up to is Olympic weightlifter Katie Vibert. She was the first woman I’ve seen compete at a professional level with my body type. It sounds silly but being around such fit and fit looking women I used to get upset that I didn’t look a certain way. Now I could care less and because of her I learned it’s not about how you LOOK it’s about what your body can DO!! Athletes come in all shapes and sizes.

Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?

        I have so many fun memories but most recently hitting a huge PR in my power clean was my favorite! Weightlifting is relatively new to me and I used to get excited about lifting 100lbs. Hitting 145 was really special to me and I felt so strong! Hard work pays off!

Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?

        This has completely changed my view on lifestyle. Staying active, eating healthy and surrounding yourself with like minded friends is a recipe for feeling fulfilled. Coupled with being a nurse, I see how many diseases can be prevented or managed with proper nutrition and an active lifestyle.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?

      Find what you love and do it!!! Have fun!! And it doesn’t matter WHEN! You can become an athlete at any point in your life.

        Meet Justine! Originally from Orlando, Florida, Justine is a dedicated lifelong lacrosse player whose passion for the game has shaped her life in countless positive ways.

        Justine’s lacrosse journey began in elementary school, quickly becoming her passion. At Dr. Phillips High School, she was a standout player, competing alongside her older sister, Elyse. Her talent and dedication earned her the title of 2018 All-American, and she played a crucial role in leading her team to consecutive Metro West Conference championships in 2017 and 2018, as well as a district title in 2018. She was named All-Metro West in 2017 and 2018, and All-District in 2018. As a junior, she captained her team, showcasing her leadership skills. Justine also played club lacrosse with Storm Select in Orlando. During her senior year, her family relocated to Baltimore, where she attended Mount de Sales Academy (MDSA), excelling in both varsity cross country and varsity lacrosse. She was recognized as one of five players to watch in the southern region by US Lacrosse Magazine in March 2019!  She was also named team MVP both in 2018 (Dr. Phillips) and 2019 (Mount de Sales). Her academic dedication was equally impressive, as a member of the National Honor Society and an AP Scholar.

        Justine continued her lacrosse and academic pursuits at Columbia University, becoming a two-year starter despite facing injury her freshman year and the pandemic her sophomore year. She received Ivy Weekly Honor Accolades and was part of the IWLCA Academic Merit Squad in Spring 2022. Her commitment to community service was recognized with the Paul E. Fernandes Community Service Award in Spring 2022, which her lacrosse team won under her leadership. She played a pivotal role with Harlem Lacrosse as head coordinator and Team Impact as a team leader. Her proudest achievement was the Columbia College Leadership and Excellence Principled Action Award in Spring 2021, awarded for her efforts with Harlem Lacrosse. According to the award recognition page, she “actively recruited special education students and those identified by school administrators as most vulnerable to academic decline and school dropout. Justine worked with Harlem Lacrosse to provide one on one mentorship programming, academic tutoring, and practice/game opportunities for young students from high schools in Harlem, NY.” according to the award recognition page.” This award is a such a great honor and Justine’s dedication to helping others shines through.  

        After college, Justine returned to Maryland, where she is now a portfolio analyst at Brown Advisory in Baltimore. She works with the portfolio management team to manage balanced accounts for institutional and private clients. Previously, she was an investment analyst at a middle-market private equity firm. While lacrosse is no longer her primary focus, Justine remains active, working out daily through activities like walking, pilates, outdoor running, rollerblading, beach volleyball, pickle ball, summer lacrosse leagues, and participating in a twice-weekly 5k run club!

        Athletics, especially lacrosse, has profoundly impacted Justine’s life, instilling in her values of discipline, leadership, and community service. Read more about her journey and achievements!

Q: What sports did you play growing up?

      My first sport growing up was soccer. I played for 2-3 years before I was old enough to place into the local Orlando lax league. After that, I was sold. Lacrosse was the only sport that I have officially dedicated myself towards. Unofficially, I played many sports in the backyard with my siblings, beach volleyball, tennis, etc.

Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?

       Growing up in FL, lacrosse was not a common sport. There weren’t many local clubs, so it was tough to find a team that fit my age group. I remember by 3rd grade I was allowed to play with 4th and 5th graders, the scary older kids. I was nervous for my first practice, but I had my older sister alongside me and amazing coaches who grew to be mentors I hold dearly to this day.

Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?

       Kayla Treanor was (and still is) a big inspiration to me. She has a unique style of play, extremely creative and loose. It reminds me to not take the game too seriously and not be scared to spice things up. It’s been awesome to see her grow from player to coach and see her thrive at both!

Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?

        To choose one favorite memory is a tough task. My senior game at Columbia is one of my favorites (cop out answer because I can’t choose a definite #1). The joy did not lay in the outcome (Yale crushed us by too many points while it poured rain). The joy (while bittersweet) was in the journey that led me to my last collegiate game. Short term, I had battled back from a knee injury early in the season and senior day was my first game back on Robert Kraft Field. More importantly, it was a day for me to reflect upon the years of lax that filled my childhood and grew me to the person I am today. My family and friends were all in the stands supporting me. The game followed with a celebratory banquet for me and the rest of my senior class. Many happy tears were shed, and an immense gratitude shared.

Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?

        I reflect upon this question more days than not. So often I see the parallels between lacrosse and my job in finance. I work in a team setting where communication, discipline, and attention to detail are key. From an early age, I learned and practiced these skills everyday with my teammates and coaches. More than that, lacrosse has gifted me relationships – people I could not live without.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?

      Sports are an amazing tool to exercise, socialize, grow in confidence, work hard towards a goal, etc. Most importantly, sports should bring you joy. Find that joy in what you do.

        Meet Elyse! Elyse is a hardworking medical student, former college lacrosse player, and a passionate helper of others. She grew up in Catonsville, Maryland, and moved to Orlando, Florida, in third grade. Although she dabbled in basketball and soccer, lacrosse became her main sport and remained a central part of her life.

        During her time at Dr. Phillip’s High School, Elyse shone on the lacrosse field. She earned accolades such as the 2016 Lacrosse All-American Honorable Mention, 2016 AP Scholar with Distinction, 2017 Lacrosse All-American, 2017 U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete, and the 2017 Florida Women’s League Scholarship Recipient. As a midfielder and two time team captain, Elyse led her team with determination and skill.

        Lacrosse continued to be a vital part of Elyse’s life in college. Elyse attended the University of Pennsylvania and she majored in biology and minored in bioethics and chemistry.  She was also a valuable member of the Division I Women’s Lacrosse Team. In 2018, UPENN won the Ivy League Title Regular Season Championship. Although her 2020 season was cut short by the pandemic and the 2021 season was canceled, lacrosse remained a big part of her life throughout her college years. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and earned a spot on the 2021 IWLCA Academic Honor Roll.

        Currently, Elyse is thriving as a medical student at Columbia University, where she is in her clinical year. She is considering specializing in psychiatry. Elyse’s passion for helping others shines through in her volunteer work with children and adolescents. She is actively involved in several programs, including Harlem Lacrosse, a tutoring and lacrosse initiative in NYC, and the Pediatric Companionship Project, where she spends time with patients at the Children’s Hospital of New York. Additionally, she leads lessons on skin cancer prevention for middle school students in Washington Heights through the SPOTS (Sun Protection Outreach Teaching by Students) program. These selfless activities highlight Elyse’s dedication to making a positive impact on others’ lives.

        In her personal life, Elyse loves to read (she’s currently reading The Idiot by Elif Batuman) and is training for a half marathon. She enjoys HIIT classes and hopes to start a weekly fitness group with her med school classmates to fill the void of team sports. When home in Maryland, she enjoys playing tennis and pickleball. Inspired by Caitlin Clark, she has taken up basketball for fun, and her sister has motivated her to try Pilates. Lastly, Elyse is hoping to begin voice lessons, a dream she has had since her middle school theater days.

        Sports have had a tremendously positive impact on Elyse’s life, teaching her discipline, leadership, and the value of teamwork. Read on to learn more about her inspiring journey!

Q: What sports did you play growing up?

      Lacrosse!! And had one season of basketball and soccer in elementary school.

Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?

        I have no actual memories of my emotions before starting but I can only imagine I felt timid that I wouldn’t fit in and wouldn’t be good enough for the team – internal messaging that took me a long time to unpack and rewire. If anyone reading this relates to that, I want you to know that you are more than enough. Show up as yourself, do your best (which will look different day to day), and take one step at a time. You got this.

Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?

        I remember being obsessed with Marie McCool when she was playing at UNC. I was in awe of how confidently she played, with so much love for the sport and her team. I also remember watching youtube videos of her and her teammates making jokes and having so much fun at practices and games. I was so inspired by her ability to play at such a high level without losing her sense of light-heartedness and joy for life.

Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?

        One of my all time favorite memories was my lacrosse team’s warmup routine my senior year of high school. Our team was the best it had ever been with numerous club players, including my sister Justine, who I had been waiting to play with ever since I started high school. The whole team would run out to Bring Em Out (shoutout TI) with so much energy and love for each other and the game. And of course, we picked all of our favorite drills to play right before the game. The whole thing was extra electric knowing we had a game to play right after. Also, just to set the scene even more, we were playing in Orlando, FL right next to Universal studios and close enough to Disney that there were often fireworks in the background. I’m getting emotional even just thinking about this! I wish there was such a thing as high school reunion games because if so, Bishop Moore High School, you would be first on my list for a rematch. Home field advantage for DP though so that I could hear Bring Em Out one last time.

Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?

        Simply too many ways to count. Practically, sports taught me from a young age how to set goals, organize my time efficiently, communicate with adults, advocate for myself, overcome failure, receive feedback, navigate conflict, establish group values…the list goes on. But I’d say even more than the practical skills, I’m grateful for all of the people lacrosse has added to my life. Their silliness, kindness, and competitiveness shaped me into who I am today. They helped me find my confidence and develop my sense of self; accepting me in all of my forms throughout that process. They were there for me on my harder days, and gifted me with the opportunity to be there for them in return. The only negative is that they have raised the bar for friendship incredibly high 🙂

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?

      Sports are supposed to be fun, no matter what other people will tell you. If you are not having fun, change something up. Whether it’s your expectations for yourself, your mindset, the sport itself.. There is always something that can be altered. Prioritize your joy. There will be a lot of people in the sports world telling you that if it’s not hard, if it’s not a grind, you aren’t doing it right. I don’t believe in that. Rest, be kind to yourself, and do hard things but only if they feel right to your soul.

        Meet Nicole! Nicole is a dedicated college soccer coach who has spent her life coaching athletes and sharing her passion for sports with the next generation.

        Nicole is from West Haven, Connecticut, where her love for sports began. At West Haven High School, she was an 11-season varsity athlete. Soccer was her main sport, and she played varsity soccer for all four years, ending her high school career as team captain. Nicole was an All-State Girls Soccer Player, All-SCC, and All-Area honoree, showcasing her leadership on the field. She also played varsity basketball for three years, serving as captain, and competed in track and field for three years, running the 800, 4×800, 1600, and throwing shot put. In her senior year, Nicole tried lacrosse to enjoy time with friends. Despite her diverse sports involvement, soccer remained her true love.

        Nicole played soccer at Stonehill College for one year before transferring to the University of New Haven, where she spent her final three collegiate years on the Division II soccer team. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Sports Management and Collegiate Administration. During her time at New Haven, Nicole helped the team achieve 31 wins, served as a two-year captain, and received numerous accolades, including All-Northeast-10, NCAA All-East Region, NEWISA All-New England, and NEWISA Senior Bowl selections!  Impressively, during her junior, senior, and post college year, she played in a semi-professional soccer league, the WPSL Women’s Premier Soccer League on the CFC Passion! She was able to travel and play with other semi-pro teams in the New England area and experience a professional setting and playing environment. 

        After college, Nicole transitioned into coaching, spending two years as an assistant coach at New Haven while completing her Master’s degree. She then served as the head coach at Queens College for three years, as an assistant coach at the University of Richmond for one year, and as an assistant coach at Binghamton University for three years. At Binghamton her team won two conference regular season championships and was named to the Coaching Staff of the Year.  Now, Nicole is currently the head women’s soccer coach at Marist College, a NCAA Division I program!  She also continues to strive to grow as a leader and be the best coach she can be.  She holds a United States Soccer “C” coaching license and United Soccer Coaches National and Advanced National Diplomas. Nicole was selected to the 2022 United Soccer Coaches Coach Credentialing Cohort, honored as a member of the 2021 United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 Class, and chosen for the 2020 NCAA WeCoach Academy Class. Her expertise in soccer and dedication to her athletes are truly inspiring.

        Fitness and soccer remain integral to Nicole’s life. She is actively involved with Orangetheory, continues to run and lift, and thrives in competitive environments. Nicole has completed a half marathon and recently ran a full marathon, raising money for student-athlete mental health. She also plays in adult co-ed and women’s soccer leagues. This November, Nicole will be inducted into the West Haven High School Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as a role model and inspiration to every athlete she meets!  Read all about Nicole and how sports and soccer have positively impacted her life! 

Q: What sports did you play growing up?

      I played soccer, basketball, did dance, lacrosse, track, softball (T-Ball), and hockey!

Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?

        No; I honestly loved to compete in everything and nothing was more fun to me than winning games.

Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?

      Mia Hamm as a kid; she was the face of women’s soccer for me growing up. I remember I had her jersey when I was younger and also another USA Jersey t-shirt with the #10 (favorite number) and my last name personalized on the back that I wore every other day because I thought it was so cool. Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird were also on my wall growing up, being big time players from Connecticut, Sue Bird wore my favorite number 10.

        As I got older, Carli Loyd and Julie Ertz became two of my favorite players; more so how they play, how they carried themselves and who they are as people and leaders I always felt I could relate to.

Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?

      I have two:

1. winning the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association State Championship with my West Haven U14 travel team back in 2004. It was a huge feat for out group and we were always the underdog; I remember taking a school bus up to the game which you didn’t take busses to youth travel games but we did and we decorated the bus with window paint and blasted jock jams remix “are you ready for this.” After we won we rode the bus back home around our tan as if we were in a parade like we wont the world cup. Getting people to honk and beep it was such a fun experience as a kid.

2. The next was in college and that was winning the first round of the Northeast -10 tournament game. We beat Merrimack in the first round 5-1 after losing to them in regular season 3-2 in overtime. It was the first and still is the program’s first Ne-10 tournament win and I just remember the excitement and pride I felt to be a charger that day.

Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?

        Sports has shaped me in so many ways; they are my life. My career is in sports, my degree is in sports, I play sports for fun and to compete, I watch sports and attend sporting events to enjoy the game and support teams that I feel connected too. Even more so now realizing it as a coach at a high level. The biggest aspect of impact is truly Character. We talk now every day in our program that Character Drives Our Process and the Process Drives Our Results. If we don’t focus on being intentional with developing our character, then whatever process we are working on in life will not come to fruition with the results we are looking for. Sports have helped me learn what is takes to work hard to achieve my goals, to persevere through obstacles, to get back up after failing and try again, to be a leader and a great teammate as we have to effectively and efficiently work together and communicate. Sports has showed me most importantly that anything in life worth achieving will push you out of your comfort zone and is so much better achieving with a family who loves, serves and cares for one another.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?

      The advice I would give to young girls who are just starting off sports is to find the fun in each day you have the opportunity you get to play because you only get to play for so long. Don’t let the pressures to perform or wins and losses take the joy away from the love of the game. Be confident in yourself and your ability, don’t let anyone every tell you that you can’t do something or achieve something. I tell my girls all the time, you can do anything that you believe you can.