I have always been a firm believer in the saying of “everything happens for a reason.” My time at UConn exemplifies that to a tee.
Growing up in Connecticut, UConn was inevitably put on a pedestal and I always admired the Huskies. I was lucky enough to be one of the people that knew exactly what I wanted my career to be: working in sports. However, the opportunities I was presented with at UConn are some I wouldn’t have been able to comprehend even in my wildest dreams.
Four years ago, when I opened my decision letter that showed my acceptance to the Storrs campus, I was astonished by the result, anxious about the unexpected, but could not wait to hit the ground running as a Husky.
One of my first stops in Storrs was The Daily Campus. Immediately struck by the opportunity to cover UConn sports and surrounded by other people who had aligned passions with myself, I couldn’t have been more excited.
Little did I know, covering sports with The Daily Campus would just be the start of many opportunities directed my way in Storrs: UConn Football Creative Content, UConn Men’s/Women’s Basketball Content & equipment, the D’Amelio Huskies NIL Collective, Championship Labs, the Bruce Beck Sports Broadcasting Camp and even a dream role of a summer intern position at the New York Mets in my aspired space of social media. Never in my life did I think I would be fist bumping Francisco Lindor as he stepped out the Mets dugout at Citi Field on game days, that experience is still a pinch me moment.
Each experience has taught me something different. Some taught me how to work under pressure, some taught me how to be creative on the fly but most importantly they all taught me how important relationships are in this industry. Through my college career, I learned that success rarely comes in a straight line. It comes from showing up early, staying late, taking chances, accepting that not everything is meant to be and simply just believing in myself.
Especially as a woman pursuing a career in sports, I have learned the importance of confidence and resilience. I have been fortunate enough to meet so many talented women at UConn and beyond who continue to break barriers and inspire the next generation. It is still surreal to think that UConn placed me in a position to form genuine relationships with the same women I once looked up to, including Tracy Wolfson and Niki Lattarulo. Seeing their success up close, while also experiencing their generosity and support, made those moments even more meaningful.
They showed me that women do deserve a seat at every table and that there is room in every press box, every front office and every sideline. I hope to do the same for those who come after me.
UConn also gave me something that fit me perfectly: the chance to always stay busy. Between classes, game days, practices, meetings, internships and late nights chasing deadlines, there was rarely a slow moment — exactly the way I like it and thrive the best in. I have always loved having a full schedule and UConn challenged me to balance it all while continuing to grow.
None of this would have been possible without my family. To my Mom, Dad and brother Michael, you believed in me before I ever believed in myself, and I will never be able to thank you enough for the sacrifices you made to help me chase my dreams.
To the editors, photographers, designers and everyone behind the scenes at The Daily Campus, thank you for making the newspaper happen each and every day. It’s easy for readers to see the finished product, but not always the dedication and teamwork that make it possible. I’m grateful to have been a small part of something so meaningful to this campus.
UConn gave me more than a degree. It gave me memories, mentors, friendships and experiences that will stay with me forever. In other words that UConn Nation would understand, the opportunity for me to have a front row seat in three national championships, two football bowl games, national tournaments with men’s hockey and so much more in between the magical madness that goes down at the University of Connecticut. It gave me a chance to grow into a greater version of myself.
So as this final angle comes to a close, I leave with gratitude, pride and excitement for what comes next in my life and career. I will forever bleed blue. Once a Husky, always a Husky.