Volume 136 No. 1

The Springfield Student September 9, 2021

Est. 1910 scstudentmedia.com // @TheSpfldStudent

Volume 136 No. 1

Winners/Finalists for five Society of Professional Journalist (SPJ) awards in 2021

Welcome Home, Springfield College. inside Page 5

Page 7

Pages 9 & 12

Welcoming Dr. Slandie Dieujuste

Students excited to be back

Football/Women’s Volleyball previews

And more...

September 9, 2021

Welcome Back

PAGE 2

September 9, 2021

Campus News

PAGE 3

‘We are exactly where we are supposed to be’ With “normal” not far from sight, President Mary-Beth Cooper encourages students to make the most of their college years, despite challenging circumstances.

Dr. Mary-Beth Cooper, President of Springfield College, addresses the campus community at the New Student Convocation ceremony on Sept. 3. (Photo Courtesy of Springfield College)

Dear Students,

Welcome home. Each fall I share my Convocation remarks with the Springfield Student to mark the formal beginning of the academic year. Last Friday, we had the opportunity to welcome our new students on Stagg field, with cheering upperclass students and our dedicated faculty in full regalia. It was, without a doubt, the happiest day I can remember in quite awhile. Although my comments were directed to the newest members of our community, the message below is for all our community. Welcome home, one and all!

Good afternoon and welcome to the Springfield College Class of 2025.

I start my remarks at each Convocation with that welcome. To be honest, though, I don’t know when I have been more excited to say those words to an entering class that is sitting in front of me. Let me say it again:

Welcome to the Springfield College Class of 2025

Let’s be honest. Your last year of high school wasn’t what you imagined it would be, but we are going to make the beginning of your college career more than you dreamed of.

Let me assure you - or reassure you - that you are in the right place at the right time.

This weekend, you will be welcomed into the community and culture of Springfield College - a place that holds dear our revered traditions like the Humanics mission, serving our local community, and expressions of kindness like saying hello when we pass by each other on campus. Even more, you can count on a commitment to learning and to growing that has been front and center for each of our 135 years.

There’s something else you can count on this year and it’s a bit unusual.

You can count on me to NOT use the following words this year: unusual and unprecedented. Frankly, I’m a bit tired of hearing our experience described in this way. The reality is that we are where we

are. And, we are exactly where we are supposed to be.

The beginning of your time at Springfield College is the start of an important transition. A former colleague of mine once told me that “transitions are terrifying. You can enter them with fear or hope.

You have to choose which one. Fear can’t reside where hope lives.” I choose hope and I hope you do, too.

You have the opportunity, starting today—and you’ve really already begun—to have a Springfield College experience that is exquisitely crafted from the decisions you make when opportunity presents itself. My best advice to you today is this...When you have an opportunity...take it. It might be a class that intrigues you, a student club or organization you want to get involved in, a new sport or activity to try out, a chance to help a classmate or friend in need.

Making a choice is a deliberate act. Making a choice to make a difference is an act of service.

In truth, you may be pushed into an opportunity. Someone in your circle may say “you should do this.” Choose to listen to them. They just might open a door for you to an amazing opportunity that you wouldn’t have otherwise taken.

One of the greatest joys of mine is to travel around the country and hear the stories of some of our 48,000 alumni. One theme that has emerged, regardless of how long it’s been since they were a student here, is this: they seized the opportunity to author their own lives honorably by embracing and advancing the Humanics ethos of spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others.

When they reflect on their accomplishments, countless alumni have said to me “I didn’t know I could until I went to Springfield College.” Maybe it was starting a business, leading an organization, teaching a class, performing on stage, running a marathon, or finding their voice. Springfield College is where the journey begins. Springfield College is where you challenge yourself, stretch yourself. Springfield College is where you find your BOLD. Take it.

You are in the right place at the right time. And, I couldn’t be happier to welcome you to your new home.

- President Cooper

September 9, 2021

Welcome Back

PAGE 4

CAB welcomes back SC community with fun _ By Collin Atwood _ @collinatwood17

It’s the start of a new school year and the Campus Activities Board (CAB) set up a welcome week that will get everybody off their feet.

Thankfully, Springfield College has implemented the safety measures necessary to have events like this on campus with minimal limitations.

Every year CAB organizes events during the first week of school to help the students meet new people and ease into their busy schedules. The theme this year is sports, a topic that suits the campus well.

“We missed out last year with all of the sporting events not happening and it’s something a lot of people on campus can relate to,” said Payton Lynch, a senior and cochair of membership for CAB. Welcome week kicked off on Tuesday with Spud’s food truck where you could enjoy a loaded baked potato while also learning about the Springfield College Dance Marathon (SCDM).

SCDM is an organization on campus that helps fundraise for the B+ Foundation which is an organization that fights for childhood cancer awareness. They also provide financial assistance

to families with children with cancer as well as fund research for treatments and cures.

The CAB event that took place on Wednesday is an all-time favorite at Springfield College. Finally, Bingo was allowed to be hosted right on campus where everyone could meet up and compete for prizes.

The sport themed prizes included a speaker, Glow in the Dark Spikeball and much more.

On Thursday CAB will

be hosting two events.

To start the day CAB is introducing their CAB’s Commuter Corner. For this week, commuters can meet on the Naismith Green at 12 p.m. and create their very own Springfield College keychain.

“This is a new chair that we have for commuters so that they can have a free spot to go and talk,” Lynch said.

The second event is CAB’s weekly Thrifty Thursday. This week students can head to the

Union at 8 p.m. to design their own coffee koozie.

For the last two days of welcome week CAB wants to remind the campus community what it was like to socialize with people outside. It’s important for students, especially first year students, to get out and meet new people.

“We really want to get back into the spirit of having people outside, at events, hanging out and really getting that culture back,” Lynch said.

CAB will be hosting their sports carnival on the Naismith Green from 5-7 p.m. on Friday. At the event students can compete for prizes, eat food and hopefully meet new people.

Ending the week of sports themed activities is the color run. On Saturday at 12 p.m. grab your running shoes and make your way towards Naismith Green. Colors will be coming at you as you run or walk a few laps around campus.

CAB will be organizing COVID friendly events all year long so that students can take that well deserved break from homework and tests.

“Right now we don’t have any caps on anything so that’s exciting. We’re going to try to do as many things outside, weather permitting, because then we don’t have to wear a mask and we can be outside face-to-face.”

If you want to learn more about CAB you can visit their Instagram: @ scpridecab. To meet other CAB members you can also go to their meet and greet on Monday, September 13 at 6:30 p.m.

There will be a trampoline, rockwall and other activities right outside of the Union.

September 9, 2021

Campus News

PAGE 5

A new face on campus Dr. Slandie Dieujuste, Springfield’s new Vice President for Student Affairs, has already become a familiar face on campus in her first few months. __ By Caitlin Kemp __ @caitlinkemp09

This fall, Springfield College not only welcomes students for a somewhat back-to-normal school year, but also a new friendly face on campus who is already getting involved with the Pride.

Dr. Slandie Dieujuste is the new Vice President of Student Affairs for Springfield College and she is eagerly taking on the job. She has been on campus to greet students during early move-ins for student athletes, NSO and Pre-Camp leaders, and first-year students, as well as participating in many different events over the past several weeks.

She has made her presence known in the best way possible, showing her fun personality and excitement to be a part of the Springfield College community.

“I have been so impressed by our students here; as you know, we just had New Student Orientation, Pre-Campers spent some time at East Campus... I had a chance

to meet with New Student Orientation leaders and SGA student leaders and I’m just in love, I really am, with this campus and the student population,” Dieujuste said.

“The students here care so much about service and each other; I haven’t really seen that anywhere else.”

Dieujuste has prior experience with this position, after serving as Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Massasoit Community College from 2018 until now.

Dieujuste also gained experience within the collegiate profession at Illinois Institute of Technology, Governors State University, Jackson College, Saint Mary’s College, and Northeastern University, as stated in a previous article from scstudentmedia.com.

“I’ve worked in four different states, so I’ve worked in Massachusetts… I’ve worked in Illinois, I’ve worked in

Springfield College students meeting Dr. Slandie Dieujuste (left) at the pancake breakfast she hosted. (Photo Courtesy of Springfield College).

Indiana, and I’ve worked in Michigan,” she recalled.

“Mostly private residential institutions, similar to this one. I am well-familiar with the needs of students, so I’m bringing that with me,” Dieujuste said.

With her broad resume boasting multiple accredited schools, Dieujuste will bring different perspectives regarding academics, student life, and social interaction that will give students a refreshing mindset.

Like a breath of fresh air, Dr. Dieujuste is bringing the energy needed this fall to motivate students after a disappointing and frustrating 2020-2021 school year.

Dieujuste emphasized, “All of that experience and the energy, understanding students and student development and what they need at different points of their lives.. we know our first-year students need something completely different than our seniors, and that’s from experience.”

Tuesday morning, she

hosted a pancake breakfast on Reed Green for all students to attend. Students gathered to indulge in pancakes, and have the opportunity to have casual conversation with each other and Dr. Dieujuste.

This event offered the experience to really meet the new vice president and get to know her before classes begin.

“What I’m focused on right now is really getting to know students. I’m getting out of my office, I’m attending events, I’m taking people to lunch, and we created sort of this ‘Time With Dr. Slandie’... which is really an initiative that will allow me to get out of my office to pop up in different places, indoors and outdoors, to have conversations with students,” she said.

“It’s also a way to increase my Instagram following,” she laughed.

In all seriousness, though, Dieujuste stated, “A student who’s not following me could take a picture with me and follow me and tag me would get a free coupon to Dunkin

Donuts, drinks on me.”

Dieujuste’s personable demeanor and involvement in the community has already proved to be an amazing addition to campus.

She is able to offer students and staff a fresh new outlook with her eagerness to learn about the Humanics Mission of Springfield College, especially what it stands for in the classroom, on the field and court, and in the hearts and minds of those who are a part of it.

“I’ve never worked at an institution where every student understands the mission and lives it; this concept of holistic student development and service, those are values that are similar to mine,” she said.

Dr. Slandie Dieujuste will surely be a positive impact for the school, as she is already showing that. The ideas, morals, and sheer dedication that she brings will allow her to thrive with the community, and the community thrive with her.

September 9, 2021

Welcome Back

PAGE 6

Almost Normal

Springfield College students are thrilled to be back on campus with lighter COVID restrictions.

__ BY Garrett Cote __ @garrett_cote

As Springfield College students put the finishing touches on their lodgings to get ready for the fall semester, there is one simple commonality between all residents so far- excitement.

Not only are students excited about the idea of a COVID-19-free semester (considering the high vaccination rate on campus), they are also extremely geared up and eager to compete in athletics considering the long layoff.

“I’m really excited to be back with all of my friends and teammates again,” said junior wrestler William Parrott.

“I know we are all excited to get the new athletic year underway because we missed out on the last season, so this one means so much to all of us on the team.”

Although the coronavirus disease is still as prominent as ever in

Incoming first-year students pose after arriving on campus and receiving their traditional beanies. (Photo courtesy of Springfield College).

Hampden County, there seems to be a calming sense of normalcy blanketing Alden Street, which has attracted some students who have been commuters to live on campus this year.

Jamarius Russell, a junior who commuted all of last year, knew it was time to come back to campus when some of the COVID-19 regulations were lifted this year.

“Once I figured out [the rules were] going to be somewhat the

same as two years ago, I thought I would give it a try,” Russell began.

“It’s better than being at home, and so far I’m really enjoying it so hopefully it’ll stay the same the whole year.”

Due to some of those guidelines being altered or revoked altogether, another aspect of campus life that will look a lot different - different relative to last year are the classrooms. No more separate quadrants, no more online learning (for the most

part), and much less to be distracted by, according to Russell.

“It’s always easier to learn things in person because you can get a real hands-on experience instead of being online. With online learning you could just be staring into space or going on your phone, it makes it harder to pay attention. I think going back to in person learning will help see a jump in grades for almost everyone,” Russell added.

As for Parrott, he

stated he is a very routine oriented student, so without the tough task of juggling the combination of online and in-person classes, it will be much easier to find a routine that will allow him to maximize his free-time.

“I definitely think being in person will help me stay on top of my tasks and keep me very organized,” started Parrott. “Online classes, although they were serious, didn’t feel like they were real, or as real, as in-person classes. In-person classes will without a doubt be more fun, engaging, and will help offer a better experience this year.”

It may have been long overdue, and it may have been tremendously treacherous following strict COVID-19 policies at times, but it seems like day by day the wonderful community that is Springfield College, is returning to its original glory.

September 9, 2021

News Campus

PAGE 7

Provost says farewell Springfield College Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Martha Potvin, announces she will retire after the 2021 fall semester. __ By Caitlin Kemp __ @caitlinkemp09

Through an email sent out campus wide by President Mary-Beth Cooper, Springfield College’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Martha Potvin announced her intention to retire after the fall semester.

Potvin grew up in eastern Connecticut, and attended the University of Connecticut for her undergraduate studies in biology.

From there, she went on to complete graduate school at Michigan State University for Botany/Plant Ecology, and then finished up her schooling for her doctorate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

She began her academic career at West Chester University in West Chester, PA, serving as Director of Green Team, the Department of Biology chair, and interim Dean of Graduate

Studies during her time there. From there, she moved west to North Dakota, where she first took on the responsibilities of being the interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, and later the Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Her last stop before Alden Street was Montana State University, where she served as the Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost. Finally, she made her way back east to Springfield College where she has been the Provost and Vice President of Student Affairs since 2016.

The one commonality between the schools she previously worked at is that they were all larger public institutions.

Coming from a campus population of at least 10,000 students to now dealing with around 2,500 is a change, but Potvin enjoys the more personal level that a small school provides.

She was drawn by

Springfield’s tight-knit community and the understanding of the mission of humanics and spirit, mind and body. It was something that she greatly appreciated and wanted to be a part of. Potvin was an athlete in high school, playing field hockey and basketball, so she also admired the college’s passion for athletics and their dedication to being strong and healthy individuals.

“It’s really nice to come to a smaller climate, so I know a lot of employees, you get to meet students...certainly the deans and department chairs, I know them all,” said Potvin. “When I was looking at the position I was saying, you know, ‘what is the institution like?’ and she said, ‘Well everyone is so friendly and everyone knows what the mission is and it’s pretty unique’ and that humanistic philosophy really resonated with me.”

President Mary-Beth Cooper also was some-

one who drew her to want to be a part of the Springfield College community after interviewing with her personally.

“She told me what things she wanted to have accomplished, and I had experience in doing that and told her I thought I could get it done,” Potvin said.

One of these tasks was reworking the general education curriculum, which was a process to complete but once done, proved to be a great success. Potvin shared that it was one of her greatest accomplishments during her time here, as the See Potvin continued on Page 8

September 9, 2021

Sports

PAGE 8

Dr. Martha Potvin speaking at Springfield College’s Class of 2020 Commencement. (Photo Courtesy of Springfield College).

Potvin continued from Page 7

curriculum is a unique and very developmental system that allows students to find their interests and really excel as students in higher education.

With Potvin’s expertise, the portfolio of programs being offered was also edited to better suit the needs of students that were coming to Springfield College.

“We spent another couple of years looking at the data for all of the programs and we eliminated a large number of programs, and most of them were concentrations within a major that had very few students in them,” she explained. “So a lot of what we did

was cleaning up of the portfolio...I think there were 44 programs that we cleaned up and that left room to talk about what new programs we needed, so we are still talking about that and we have a process in place now to look at what new programs people want to propose.”

She enjoyed working with President Cooper because she was able to work in her own independent way that helped the projects and tasks to be so successful and productive.

“Nobody else has our president. She’s quite charismatic and unlike other institutions she allowed me to be a leader in a way that is my

own,” Potvin said.

Being at Springfield College for the past several years, Potvin had a chance to see a lot of different initiatives being implemented, events occurring, and observe the life of the student body that resides on Alden.

“I have enjoyed seeing the energy of the students and having it build as the first week of classes comes, my office looks out over the green here and it’s pretty quiet all summer but you can see more and more things going on.”

She also appreciated the implementation of Harvest Table, noticing how the opportunity to have fresh and healthy

food on the tables for students wraps into the whole idea of spirit, mind and body, and the emphasis on health and well-being.

Potvin had nothing but good things to say about her time at Springfield College.

From her relationships with coworkers, to her enjoyment of watching students participate in activities and really buy into the philosophy at the school, she was able to not only accomplish big things for the institution, but enjoy doing it.

“I have found it very, very fulfilling. The people I have worked with on the President’s Leadership Team have

been great colleagues and we all work together well…” she said.

Moving forward, Potvin plans to enjoy time with her husband, and take some time to do some of the things she loves like gardening, quilting, and knitting.

She also is looking forward to visiting her children and grandchildren and spending more quality time with her family.

After her successful career here at Springfield, the community is sad to see her go. Dr. Martha Potvin will surely be missed by her colleagues, faculty and students alike.

September 9, 2021

Sports

PAGE 9

Return to the gridiron After 668 days away from real competition, the Pride are ready for the revival of competition.

Springfield football captains (left to right): Ryan DeGuire, CJ Lavery, DJ Brown and Lou Cocozza. (Photo Courtesy of Springfield College Athletics) _____ By Joe Arruda _____ @joearruda9

The smiling faces of students have returned to the Springfield College campus, uncovered (outdoors) for the first time since the College was shut down at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There has been a clear shift in the mood of the campus now that the light of a return to “normal” shines brighter at the end of the tunnel. Student-athletes are competing again with the high energy that comes with preparing for real competition, where spectators will be welcomed.

It was draining for fall and winter athletes as they practiced and trained in the spring with no real competition on the schedule. Now, the seemingly never-ending offseason is over.

Mike Cerasuolo, Springfield’s head football coach, said, “It’s been unbelievable for the kids. I mean it’s been so long for them to be able to get back out here and do it, we had a

little in the fall and the spring of last year, but it definitely wasn’t the same.

The stakes are obviously a lot higher when there’s an opponent each week.”

For the first time since Nov. 16, 2019, after 668 days without playing a game, the Springfield football team traveled across town for the annual Pynchon SAW game against Western New England University.

The final score was a 2413 loss, but the simple acts of suiting up in the road whites, running the classic triple option, tackling opponents on defense and having the opportunity to play was a victory in itself.

The triple option was back in business, highlighted by quarterbacks David Wells and Armando Torres, and running backs Ryan DeGuire and Isaiah Cashwell-Doe. Graduate student Tim Callahan and senior Patrick Ladas also provide a strong push at the fullback position.

In game one, Torres led

the team in rushing with 109 yards on 19 attempts.

The junior also completed two of his four passes – to DeGuire and Cashwell-Doe – for 51 yards.

Ladas powered through for the only Pride touchdown of the game and compiled 37 yards on the ground.

Most of Springfield’s points, however, came from the leg of junior Christian Hutra who split the uprights three times, one being an extra point. With time expiring in the second quarter, Hutra knocked a field goal through at 40 yards and set a new career long.

“Obviously the first week didn’t go as planned but we get up, get another. It’s a new game this weekend,” senior captain and offensive lineman, Lou Cocozza, said.

The small things that COVID taught the world to appreciate are blessings, regardless of the scoreboard.

“I think they’re excited

to be out here, obviously never taking anything for granted anymore. We always used to say, ‘you are guaranteed 10 (games)’ and that’s not true all the time either,’ Cerasuolo said. “Each week that we get an opportunity to line up, practice and play has been tremendous so hopefully we continue to do that each week.”

The game at Western New England was the closest the Pride will come to a home game for a while as the first football contest on Stagg Field won’t take place until Oct. 9, when the Pride will host NEWMAC foe, Coast Guard, in its fifth game of the season.

While the team looks forward to playing in front of the home fans, they relish in the opportunity to compete on the road.

“You always like to go on to play teams on the road and have an opportunity to see what you’re really made of,” Cerasuolo said.

The next three Satur-

day’s will be a test for the Pride as they’ll take on non-conference opponents in three different states: Rowan University (New Jersey), Union (New York) and Husson University (Maine).

“The beginning of our schedule is always tough but it gets us ready for the NEWMAC,” Cocozza said. “We’re excited.”

Springfield entered the season as the No. 1 seed in the preseason NEWMAC Coaches Poll. In 2019 the Pride tied for third in the conference with a 5-2 record.

With just three home games on the schedule, Springfield fans are eagerly awaiting the team’s return to Stagg Field. In the meantime, however, they will have to settle for the live stream to support and celebrate from Alden Street, taking nothing for granted.

Springfield College is back – and so is “The Brotherhood.”

September 9, 2021

Sports

From Alden Street to Tokyo 2020 Springfield College junior Mikaili Charlemagne swam in the Tokyo Olympics this summer, gaining an experience she hopes to have once again.

(Photo Courtesy of Saint Lucia Times)

PAGE 10

___ By Chris Gionta ___ @Chris_Gionta

The Olympics are larger than life. The opening ceremony at every Olympic Games gathers the best athletes across the globe into one arena and features dance, vocal and light performances that have been in preparation for years.

Among the theatrics in the most recent Games was 18-year-old Springfield College junior, Mikaili Charlemagne. She represented her home country of Saint Lucia as she was competing in the 50 meter freestyle swim event.

“Going through all of that and walking the Opening Ceremonies was just an amazing experience,” said Charlemagne. “Being around the best of the best; being around so many countries was just so amazing.”

The health science major was not paralyzed by the grandeur of the Olympic formalities, as she made sure to interact with the stars of other countries before making the walk in Olympic Stadium with fellow members of the Saint Lucia team.

“One of the things we did before the Opening Ceremonies was trade pins,” said Charlemagne. “Each athlete has pins for their particular

country and athletes traded their pins, so that’s something I found really fun; going up to people, asking them to trade pins and having short conversations.”

After that night, it was seven days of anticipation for her race to commence. She trained regularly in the days leading up to the 50 meter freestyle swim, while also adjusting her training schedule based on the time of day her race was going to be happening.

“My average day leading up to my event, I would go to practice, sometimes in the morning, but towards the end, I tried to train around the same time I would be swimming,” said Charlemagne.

As she focused on the task at hand, it was still difficult not to notice the company that surrounded her, especially from her sport.

“Also, at the dining hall you see [Olympic stars] a lot because everyone eats at that same dining hall,” said Charlemagne. “I think it was around two days before my race, I saw Caeleb Dressel a few places ahead of me in the line for food, and it was just so surreal.”

Outside of training, it was a lot of recov-

September 9, 2021 ery and relaxation for Charlemagne, along with communicating with friends and family.

Part of the daily routine was calling her mother, which was easier said than done due to the difference in time zones from Saint Lucia to Tokyo.

“It was so hard to work on calls because of the 13-hour difference,” said Charlemagne.

The day prior to her race, Springfield College held a flag raising ceremony in her honor, displaying Saint Lucia’s colors for all of Alden Street to see. This was to the Olympian’s complete surprise and satisfaction.

“I was very grateful for the support and attention that I got from Springfield. It’s actually something that reset my confidence a little bit,” said Charlemagne.

“When I found out about the flag raising ceremony, it was via an email my coach sent to the team. The email was about information for the next season, and I’m reading it, and then he put the part about the flag raising ceremony and I’m like ‘Oh my goodness.’”

On July 30, it was competition day for the 18-year-old Saint Lucian. For a multitude of reasons this differed from all other previous competition days, but

not just because of the implications. Unlike her races for Springfield, there were no teammates for her to cheer on before she, herself, competed, which made all the attention shift onto her.

“The only thing that was different was that I was more to myself to try and stay focused,” said Charlemagne. “At Springfield, I tend to cheer for my teammates and congratulate my teammates.”

This allowed for an unusual amount of isolation for Charlemagne, who remained unnerved despite being shone by the biggest spotlight.

“I was very focused and calm,” said Charlemagne. “I’m someone who performs best when I’m calm and not allowing my nerves to get the best of me, so I did a lot of work with my sports psychologist on coping mechanisms to shut out

Sports

PAGE 11

The 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. (Photo Courtesy of Getty Images).

all the noise and all the activities and distractions going on.”

The Springfield swimmer ended up finishing second in her heat with a personal best time of 26.99 seconds. This performance stood out for Springfield swim coach John Taffe.

“Her time was faster

than it had ever been by more than three tenths of a second, which is a lifetime in a very short event,” said Taffe. “So she’s showing good improvement for her future.”

Despite this being the biggest moment of her young life, her first Olympics is just the beginning. Her athletic prime remains ahead of her, showing that she can improve upon her already impressive resume.

“I think she’s just starting to realize the potential she may have,” said Taffe. “It’ll be interesting to hear her perception of where she’s at moving ahead and moving forward…”

Charlemagne is aware of what may be in store for her as time passes

on. Prior to the race, she stated, “I’m very grateful to be at these Games right now. I’m using it as a learning experience and a stepping stone for Paris 2024.”

Something special seems to be in store as Charlemagne already has an Olympic appearance under her belt, without being even halfway through her collegiate career. She will forever remember her experience in Tokyo, while also striving over the next three years to make sure she does it all again in Paris.

September 9, 2021

Sports

PAGE 12

Growing up fast Recent Springfield graduate, Kate Sarnacki has been nominated for the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year Award, making herself one of just 10 Div. III lacrosse players in the country to be recognized.

Kate Sarnacki (30) looks to get past a defender. (Joe Arruda/The Student) __ By Carley Crain__ @carley_crain12

Kate Sarnacki was forced to grow up fast.

For most 13-year-olds, sports are everything to them. They don’t really understand what else is out there. Sarnacki’s first torn ACL came while she was playing basketball in middle school when she was 13.

Not many people can say they tore their ACL that young. This experience, however, would help Sarnacki develop a positive mindset, even as more knee injuries kept popping up throughout her collegiate career.

Meet Kate Sarnacki. As one of the best women’s lacrosse players in Springfield College history, she’s a player who

will never be forgotten for her accomplishments on Stagg Field.

Sarnacki grew up in Western Massachusetts, not too far from campus. She excelled at numerous sports when growing up, her favorites being softball and basketball.

After she tore her ACL in the seventh grade, which turned out to be a devastating injury that ultimately forced her to quit basketball and softball, she decided to pick up lacrosse during her freshman year of high school after she was fully healed.

“Nobody had tore their ACL yet. I was the first one to do it within my age group”, explained

Sarnacki.

“It’s really hard, especially so young since sports were my life. It was like, ‘What am I going to do now?’”

When senior year of high school came along, she tore her other ACL, another huge blow for Sarnacki. However, the thought of playing in college pushed her to keep at it with her recovery.

Because she grew up so close to campus, attending Springfield was never a thought. Head Coach Kristen Mullady reached out to Sarnacki, after seeing her excel both in high school and on her travel lacrosse team.

After speaking with Mullady and visiting campus, Sarnacki

made the choice to call Springfield her new home. She dealt with some type of injury almost every single season she played in college, but that didn’t stop Sarnacki from breaking school records and winning awards.

Injuries weren’t new for her, she knew how to handle them.

“I had to deal with two major injuries in sports and that kind of helped me mentally know there are other things out there besides sports,” said Sarnacki of her athletic injuries prior to Springfield.

“I think if I did not learn that before getting to college, I would have struggled a lot more.”

During her freshman year, Sarnacki was still

wearing a knee brace since she was coming off her torn ACL from senior year. This was a hard adjustment, since playing with a large brace isn’t comfortable or breathable for a fast-paced game like lacrosse.

When sophomore year came, she dealt with even more knee issues; this time, it was cracked cartilage. Sarnacki had to sit out three weeks, but was able to come back for the rest of the season. On top of the cracked cartilage, she also had a slight quad strain since she was over-compensating.

The following year, she was in the best shape of her life. Sarnacki was on track to break the Springfield College

September 9, 2021

Sports

PAGE 13

(Photo Courtesy of Springfield College Athletics)

women’s lacrosse career-scoring mark -- but then the pandemic hit.

In the five games she did get to play, she was able to hit 100 career goals, a big milestone in the sport of lacrosse.

While Sarnacki was upset just like everyone else, she was able to maintain a somewhat positive mindset during the pandemic and treated it just like another “injury.” This mindset she has practiced throughout her athletic career was able to translate to the rest of the team.

When the Pride was able to play again, they were one of the best teams in the NEWMAC conference. During her last year on Alden Street she set a personal best in caused turnovers, a career-high in assists, and also a career-high in ground balls.

She did all of this

while dealing with another knee injury, which resulted in surgery at the conclusion of the season. Sarnacki didn’t want her last season for the Pride to be spent on the bench, so she was able to push through and played alongside her teammates.

“COVID to me was kind of like an injury, except I wasn’t injured,” stated Sarnacki.

“I honestly was focusing on the fact that I was not injured, and focusing on how I could help my teammates get through a time like that because I have experienced a time like that in a way. I was just focusing on next season and what we could do to get back into the world,” she added.

Sarnacki finished up her senior season being named an All-American and as only the second women’s lacrosse player in school history to do

so. She was also nominated for the NCAA Women of the Year Award, which recognizes graduating student-athletes for their achievements both on and off the field.

While Sarnacki was a star on the field, she was also very involved within the Springfield College community.

She was a part of the Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) and was involved with their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion subcommittee.

Additionally, Sarnacki helped with the Fill the Bus Drive and the Pen Pals Project.

She was one of just 10 Div.III women’s lacrosse players in the country to be nominated for the prestigious NCAA Women of the Year award. The finalists for this award will be named this fall.

“If you want to have a good mental game, you

have to balance your life outside of sports, which is hard to do at a school like Springfield where there is so much going on and you want to be involved with everything,” said Sarnacki.

“I grew a lot focusing on that and trying to include myself within the community while also being an athlete and a student.”

Springfield College junior and teammate of Sarnacki, Arielle Johnson, said she is an integral part of the team, bringing up everyone’s morale even on her own worst days.

“She gives everything to the team. Everyday she always showed up and had 100 percent effort and energy,” explained Johnson.

“She is the epitome of Springfield lacrosse. She is an exact representation of what our team culture is like.”

Sarnacki graduated

this spring with a degree in sports biology and a minor in business administration. She is now off to Franklin Pierce University in Arizona to study for her doctorate degree in physical therapy.

She hopes to help injured athletes as a physical therapist, since she knows the mental and physical toll long term injuries can have on an athlete.

Springfield women’s lacrosse will never be the same without Kate Sarnacki. The sport was rarely kind to her, but without it, she wouldn’t be the same person she is today.

September 9, 2021

Sports

PAGE 14

Springfield crowds are back ----- By Brady Cote -----

Students are excited to begin a new year; one that is inching its way to some normalcy as Covid-induced restrictions are lessening.

With the updated Covid-19 guidelines, students, staff and faculty are able to be maskless outside so long as they are vaccinated. However, masking indoors remains mandatory regardless of vaccination status.

Additionally, Springfield College is welcoming spectators back on campus to visit and cheer in the stands amongst students at sporting events.

Although it has been a while since teams have had an audience in the bleachers cheering them on, they are excited to once again be surrounded by fans. Sophie Curcio, a runner on the women’s cross country team, is looking forward to having spectators on campus.

“Comfort-wise I think spectators should be allowed to visit campus and attend sporting events because it gives students and athletes a sense of normality and makes people more excited to be on campus,” Curcio said. “With the guidelines placed about masks, I think having spectators wear them indoors is a good thing.

Springfield students celebrate at a men’s volleyball game in 2019. (Joe Arruda/The Student)

Although it is not ideal, it gives people comfort to be around others while still supporting students and athletes.”

Regarding the effectiveness of these guidelines, Curcio believes that they serve their purpose, as they not only make others feel comfortable with their surround-

ings, but they also allow the campus community to support the school simultaneously.

Spectators will abide by the same guidelines as the students while visiting campus or attending games. Kate Bonanno, a runner on the women’s cross country team, says she feels safe with

spectators on campus, as the guidelines are reasonable.

“I think it is very safe to allow spectators at meets again as long as everyone either is vaccinated or abides by wearing a mask and socially distancing themselves if they are not yet fully vaccinated,” said Bonan-

no. “However, with other sports that play inside that attract lots of spectators, I think that it should be strongly recommended to every spectator that they are fully vaccinated before they attend any sporting events.”

Above all, student-athletes are just as excited to welcome their fans back to Alden Street, for their sheer presence makes an impact on the players.

“The return of visitors excites me because the feeling of support, community, and togetherness is returning to campus,” said Bonanno.

“As long as everyone that visits campus has the safety of each other in mind, I appreciate everything that Springfield has done in order to make it possible for us to feel safe and supported as the pandemic continues.”

It is clear to see that Springfield College is making great strides to bring back a sense of normalcy to the campus this semester. So long as the community and visitors protect the pride by wearing masks when it is required as well as abiding by the Covid-19 guidelines, Springfield is on track for a great fall semester.

September 9, 2021

Sports

PAGE 15

Women’s volleyball looks to build off of successful weekend

Following a year away from competition, the Pride swept the Springfield College Invitational, and hope for success after a tough 2019 season.

The opening weekend started off with ease on Friday against Westfield After a season away from State. The Pride won the competition, volleyball first set, 25-7, and then has returned to where the did not allow more than game originated in West15 points in either of their ern Massachusetts. next two victorious sets.

Springfield College wom- Bancroft got her graduate en’s volleyball’s last seayear off to a dominant son of competition was in start against Westfield 2019, where they finished State, as she totalled 13 with a 16-12 record in an kills on a .722 kill perinjury-plagued season. centage, along with three It ended on a six-game blocks, all without receivlosing streak, with much ing an attack error. of that having to do with Bancroft was particularly team health. Springfield happy with Springfield’s hopes the injury bug does dominance to start the not strike again in 2021. season, noting that they “Injuries literally dedid not pull off the gas stroyed our season,” said pedal when facing a team Camryn Bancroft, a grad- they felt comfortable with. uate student and middle “I think the big problem blocker for the Pride. we’ve had in the past is “Basically 5 out of the 6 playing down to other levstarters were out for a lot els,” said Bancroft. “When of the season.” you play good teams, your In terms of projection level of play is better, but for this year, the 2021 the hardest part is when NEWMAC preseason teams don’t have as much coaches poll had them in talent as you do, it’s tough the middle of the pack, to stay and not drop down as they were ranked sixth to their level, so I think out of the 11 teams in the we did a good job of conconference. tinuing our high play.”

They returned to the Springfield’s second court this past weekend matchup on Friday came for the Springfield Colwith a little more diffilege Invitational, where culty, as their opponent, they won all four of their Brandeis, had also won matches. their previous matchup at ___ By Chris Gionta ___ @Chris_Gionta

Springfield began the season by winning four consecutive games at the Springfield Invitational.

(Photo Courtesy of Springfield College Athletics)

the Invitational. The Pride still won the first two sets by 15 and seven points, respectively. After dropping the third set, Springfield took the fourth and final set by a score of 25-23.

Two more matches awaited for the Pride on Saturday, with Endicott and Skidmore ahead of them. Endicott brought a challenge as they split the first two sets with Springfield, and only lost their second set by two points.

But, Springfield was able to take over afterwards with two set wins in a row by the score of 25-19 and 25-14, respectively.

Leading the way against Endicott was first-year Natalie Billet, who made her mark by gathering 18 kills and nine digs. Additionally, fellow first-year Kylie Wixted put together 10 kills on an impressive .625 percentage.

Bancroft, in her graduate year, is impressed with the young talent filling the court this season.

“Natalie (Billet) has been killing it on the outside; she’s just a great newcomer to our team, a great teammate, and she’s going to go really far,” said Bancroft. “And Kylie (Wixted) is just a beast; at 6’3”, she’s

going to be just so nasty at the net.”

To end the weekend, Springfield swept Skidmore, winning each set by at least nine points.

After a successful Labor Day weekend, the Pride is regrouping and preparing for the Union Invitational at Union College, where three games are scheduled for them. Following that invitational, they will be entering conference play.

SPORTS The Springfield Student

Olympian on Alden Street

Junior Mikaili Charlemagne represented her home country of Saint Lucia in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

See Page 13

VOL. 136 NO. 1 (Photo Courtesy of Getty Images)

SEPTEMBER 9, 2021