Women’s Soccer Star Reflects on Defining Moments and Memories Made During Undergrad Years

Caroline Ennis ’26, spent much of her time at the University of New Haven on Kathy Zolad Stadium, playing for the women’s soccer team during all four years. It’s coming full circle now as Ennis will be completing her undergraduate career with a walk across the Commencement stage at Zolad Stadium to receive her diploma, earning her degree in Exercise Science.

“In this moment it feels rewarding and bittersweet to be graduating,” Ennis said. “I am so proud to walk across the stage and receive a degree I have worked so hard for, but it is also upsetting that this chapter is coming to a close. I truly loved every minute at the University of New Haven.”

College brings countless memories and moments that shape who students become in the future, and that can be said for Ennis.

The memories made at Zolad Stadium are ones she holds close, including the many home games with the support of her fellow students, as well as serving as captain on the women’s soccer team during her junior and senior years.

“Coming to campus early in my first year for pre-season, I walked into an immediate family,” she said.

Additionally, traveling with her teammates has been another highlight, specifically mentioning a trip to Washington D.C. last season.

Ennis got right to work during her first semester. Not only academically and through athletics, but she took a job at ChargerREC, which she credits with helping her to grow professionally over the years. She also served as the student administrator of Club Sports.

“As the largest student employer on campus, ChargerREC allowed me to interact with a large and diverse population on campus, including students, faculty, and alumni,” she said. “I made friendships with my coworkers that will last a lifetime.”

Not only did Ennis shine on the soccer field, but in the classroom as well.

Presenting her Capstone project on food insecurity among college athletes is filed under another defining moment that has left a lasting impact on Ennis.

“Serving as captain helped me strengthen my leadership and communication skills, while my capstone project allowed me to explore and present on a topic that I care deeply about,” she said. “However, none of those moments would have been possible without the support from my friends and teammates, who contributed greatly to my personal growth over the past four years.”

There are many moments to be grateful for, Ennis said, during her time here at the University of New Haven, but she was able to pin down a few as she looks forward to Commencement.

“I am grateful to my professors, especially Professor Kevin Gendron and Professor Michele Smallidge who have pushed me to strive for excellence over the past four years,” she said. “I am grateful for Coach Laura Duncan for giving me the opportunity to play soccer at the collegiate level and for all of my teammates who have been there for me and had my back day in and day out. I am grateful to ChargerREC for giving me an avenue to grow both personally and professionally, and for all of my coworkers who brought out the best in me every day.”

Ennis will return to the University of New Haven in the fall to pursue a Master of Science degree in Nutrition Sciences.

Her goal is to work as a sports dietician with a collegiate or professional sports team.

Her advice for first-year students following in her footsteps? “Take advantage of every opportunity. College goes by very fast. Take the time to pause and enjoy every minute of it.”