Over the past several weeks, Rutgers University-Camden has been highlighting senior student-athletes who were denied their final athletic season when the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled their spring semester competition. In their own words, departing athletes have discussed their experiences at Rutgers-Camden.
 
Today's final feature highlights Caitlyn Kliniewski, a three-year member of the softball program who joined the track program as a senior. An outstanding defensive outfielder in softball, Kliniewski earned an indoor track letter during the 2019-20 winter season. She would have competed in the javelin during the spring if the outdoor season hadn't been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Academically, Kliniewski earned numerous awards, was a member of the Rutgers-Camden Honors College, was a Dean's List student with a double major in Psychology and Health Sciences, and served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
 
1.  What is your favorite memory being a student-athlete at Rutgers-Camden?
 
My favorite memory of being a student-athlete at Rutgers-Camden is definitely the day of the Moravian doubleheader for softball. Between how well we played as a team that day, giving Christina Arroyo my pants after hers ripped mid-game, and the bus ride home, it was an all-around a great day. 

2.  What will you miss the most?

I'll definitely miss seeing all of my teammates from softball and track. I'll for sure miss Matt teaching me how to throw the javelin, and I'm really bummed that I never got the chance to compete. 

3.  What is the best advice you have received from your coach?

From Coach Ian it's simple: "just run as fast as you can and try not to fall." 

4.  What is next for you? What are your future plans and goals?

I will be pursuing a Master's degree in Human Performance & Wellness at Barry University in Miami. I'm super passionate about sports and spreading awareness of mental health in athletics and one day I'd like to work with professional sports organizations or DI athletics. 

5.  Any special thanks, acknowledgements, or final words?

I loved every moment of my experience at Rutgers-Camden and have no regrets. I'm definitely coming out as a stronger, more confident individual because of my time spent as a student-athlete. I'd like to personally thank Mer McCarthy and Chris Edelschein for always caring about me on a more personal level and going above and beyond for me. 

Past Senior Spotlights:

Nicole DeMarco (Track & Field)
John Guccione (Baseball)
Keith Jacobs (Baseball)
Matt Gross (Track & Field)
Dante Camilli (Baseball)
Wilson Seville (Baseball)
Demi Albertini (Lacrosse)
Adney Cardoza (Men's Tennis)
Caitlyn Snyder (Lacrosse)