Blue Devil Senior Reflections
“ My time as a Blue Devil will always be cherished. Being a part of the Athletics program taught me the value of being on a team. To embrace the grind through the highs and lows together. To fight for the person to your left and to your right. You can always tell a fellow Blue Devil anywhere you go because their work ethic shines a little brighter than the rest. I’ m a true believer in“ struggle breeds greatness,” and I am proud to have been a part of such a great family, making a conscious effort day in and day out to put your teammates and others first, that is the Blue Devil way. As I begin my professional career, I take with me the work ethic that was developed through my years as a Blue Devil and will apply it to anything I do.-”
Connor Fitzsimons Baseball Bristol, CT
“ Over the last four years as a Blue Devil I have learned the importance of perseverance: on the field, in the classroom and in the community. My peers and mentors have all instilled the notion that a primary goal might not be easy to achieve, yet the feeling of accomplishment outweighs the struggles. As a Blue Devil student-athlete, I was honored to be recognized for my accomplishments. I was greatly appreciative of how much CCSU has provided me. Over the last four years, I have learned what it means to be a professional: in the classroom, on the field, and in the community. This has been instilled starting with the administration, continuing through the coaching staff and demonstrated throughout the actions of each student-athlete.”
Marissa Quesnel Women’ s Soccer Litchfield, CT
“ My personal growth over the past four years is largely due to my participation in Blue Devil Athletics. Being a Division I athlete and fulltime nursing student was no easy task. The skills and attitudes I have gained from my athletics experience have made me a much more ambitious and goal-oriented individual. I feel ready to take on the professional world of nursing after graduation. Collegiate swimming has afforded me with many skills, such as excellence in time management. Additionally, I have also built up character traits of resiliency, adaptability, and discipline. I have also gained great experience as a team player. As a member of CCSU Athletics, I have learned first-hand what it means to have passion for what you do. That passion is evident in every member of the Athletic Department in all administration, coaches, and athletes. Most importantly, I have been witness to a special form of loyalty and commitment. It is with this loyalty to CCSU Athletics that has awarded me membership in a lifelong family and community. While I am no longer a member of the CCSU Women’ s Swimming and Diving team, I am confident that my experiences there will directly transfer over as a professional nurse. Working in nursing offers membership on a new team, and acceptance into a new family. I am so fortunate to have had the experiences at CCSU to prepare for my career in the healthcare field. The opportunity to swim for CCSU has given me the ability to set and achieve short term and long terms goals. I have also grown in confidence and humility. I feel indebted to the CCSU Athletics Department for all they have done to ensure not only my, but all athletes’ academic and athletic success. I am proud of my athletic experiences at CCSU and am proud to forever be a Blue Devil.”
Alaina Papiro Swimming & Diving Southbury, CT
“ I could not be happier with my time as a Blue Devil. Being a student-athlete at CCSU has taught me so much about myself, especially when it comes to pushing your limits and working hard to get where you want to be in both school and athletics. I will miss being a Blue Devil and will wear my colors with pride.”
Eileen Purcell Softball Nutley, NJ
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