Caitlin Padeck Year in School: First Year Major: Criminal Justice Years Playing Rugby: 1 Position in Rugby: Wing
Why did you choose your school?
I chose Endicott because of the internship program and because of the location. In order to gain experience in my field, you typically have to go somewhere with a larger population in order to get a more realistic and useful experience. Being closer to Boston provides me with better opportunities. I also found a lot of interest in the fifth-year program for Homeland Security, which I intend to do.
Endicott College Campus
What was your process of being recruited?
I had played soccer all of my life, and when I realized that I would not be playing in college, I felt as if I needed to find a new sport to keep me busy and happy. When I looked online at the sports possibilities, many options came up such as Crew, Roller Hockey, and Dance, but the one that stood out to me specifically was Rugby. I emailed Coach Baker, who gave me information and said I could be on the team. I completed my summer workouts in the meantime, and once I got to school, it was time to play some rugby.
Endicott is the 2023 NCR Small College National Champions
What are your favorite parts about being a member of the rugby program?
I love every single member of the team. There has never been a time where I have felt unwelcome or like I didn't fit in. From the first time I met one of the girls on the team, I knew that this was not something that I should be nervous about; it should be something that I am excited to do. I also love that during this year, we have made history for the program by winning a national championship and have the chance to do so again this 7s season. I wouldn’t change anything about being a part of this program.
What are your favorite parts about being a student at your school?
Everyone at Endicott is very welcoming and helpful. Endicott has many opportunities, such as internships, on-campus jobs, volunteer opportunities, tutoring services, and more. The professors here have been very understanding regarding unfortunate circumstances that result in assignments being late, and many of them have connections that can help you exceed your goals regarding your major.
How do you balance schoolwork and rugby?
This semester specifically, I have organized my schedule to have a completely free morning and no classes on Fridays, which allows me to complete schoolwork and other necessities. This allows me to be flexible regarding practice/classroom times and have the ability to not worry about classwork while we are at games or other rugby-related activities.
What does a typical day and/or week look like for you?
A typical week for me involves four days of classes, three on Mondays and Wednesdays and two on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am a Criminal Justice major, so many of my classes revolve around that, such as Criminal Law and International Conflicts. As of now, I have classes that go on from 2 pm-6:15 pm. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, we will have practice, which usually begins at around 6 pm, and Tuesdays, we have lifting at 6 pm. If we are officially in season, we will usually have a tournament or game at the end of the week, which typically falls on a Saturday.
What’s the biggest challenge about playing rugby at your school?
The biggest challenge about playing rugby is fundraising for nationals as well as tournaments.
Besides rugby, what else are you involved in on campus?
I am currently a student worker at the Endicott College Police Department. I was also recently hired to be an Orientation Leader for this summer, which will allow me to help all of the new first-year students transition into Endicott and get used to their new lifestyle on campus.
Endicott College Athletic Fields
Is there anything else you’d like to share with a high school player who is interested in your
school?
Endicott is an amazing school with endless opportunities. Our team is extremely welcoming, and although we work very hard to get where we are, the team always makes sure to get together for team bonding outside of practice and spend some time getting to know each other better. This team will become some of your best friends if you join, and it is an amazing way to make some quick and genuine friendships starting at the beginning of your first year at Endicott.
School Website: https://www.endicott.edu/ Team Website: https://www.ecgulls.com/sports/wrugby/index Head Coach Carly Baker cbaker@endicott.edu