DELHI, N.Y. (February 3, 2021) - To celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day, SUNY Delhi Athletics asked our female student-athletes about their role models in sports that shaped their desire to pursue athletic careers.
Lexi DuBois, Soccer
"My role model is Carli Lloyd and that's because she has overcome many obstacles to get where she's at. She is also one of the most successful players on the USWNT."
Tiesha Mayfield, Soccer
"The woman role model I have is Crystal Dunn. I loved her defending and the way she never gave up on a play. And seeing someone who looked like me playing the game I had interest in just drew me into the world of soccer even more."
Katelynn Rose, Softball
"Jackie Robinson. He never gave up even when he was told to."
Mackenzie Sparacino, Softball
"For as long as I can remember I've grown up watching college softball. It sprouted my interest to be the best player I could. But one player specifically always made me want to push myself to be better. Lauren Chamberlain played as an Oklahoma Sooner from 2012-2015 and during those years I aspired to be like her. Seeing such a strong female player hit the field made me strive for greatness. She gave me the hope that if she could be great so can I. I still follow her journey and she still inspires me each and every day."
Katelyn Ingraham, Track & Field
"I had many coaches throughout my track career so far. Throughout high school I was trained by five different coaches, and I am truly inspired by all of them in different ways. But if I have to pick just one, it would be Coach DeJager. The one who started it all my 8th grade year. She begged me for years to join track after we did the track unit in 5th grade during gym. I always said 'but I don't like running'. I don't know what got into me, but in 8th grade I signed up. And she was such a role model from the very first practice. Always pushing me to limits I didn't know I could go to, cheering me on, still having fun but working hard. She put me in events I never would have tried, but I ended up excelling and loving them because of her. I thought she was crazy when my very first track meet she threw me into the open 400m race. She coached me through it and kept yelling 'SLOW DOWN YOU'RE GOING TO BURN OUT' and boy was she right; but I loved it. She led me not only through track, but through life. I will never forget the time my boyfriend was away at basic training while I was at my senior championship meet. I was so in my head and unfocused. She walked with me and told me 'You have to separate home and track'. I went on that day to win triple jump and have a season best in long jump. If it wasn't for her I don't think I could have gotten out of my head. There were a lot of days like that. She's the one who has inspired me all these years to just do what you love. Work hard, but make it fun. Focus on the now. It was truly amazing all the things she taught me, I don't think anyone else could have been a better role model for me going through high school."
