Celebrating Exceptional Women in Athletics
The eight remarkable student-athletes highlighted in this article demonstrate extraordinary talent both in their respective sports and in their academic pursuits. Their journeys are sprinkled with personal victories, team contributions, and challenges they’ve overcome, showcasing the resilience and determination that characterize women’s athletics at Trinity University.
Moments of Triumph
Ellie Catron, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in accounting, has made her mark in track and cross country by ranking No. 4 in the steeplechase and No. 13 in the 6k in Trinity history. She is a three-time All-Region athlete, a two-time steeplechase champion in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC), and has earned nine All-SCAC distinctions across two sports. However, Catron considers her most significant achievement to be her performance during high school.
“In my sophomore year, I won the 3200 meter state championship, breaking the 11-minute mark and setting a state record that still stands,” Catron shared proudly.
Catron is not alone in recalling pivotal moments outside of Trinity. Fellow student-athletes have similarly celebrated their past successes. Malea Cesar, a sophomore soccer player and mathematics major, Jessica Mason, a junior golfer majoring in biology, and Amy Benson, a sophomore swimmer studying biochemistry, also highlighted their victories.
“In my senior year of high school, I won the women’s Western Junior AM in Chicago,” Mason recounted. “It was such a significant event.”
Benson excitedly recalled her first time breaking the one-minute mark in the 100 freestyle: “That was the moment I realized I could truly excel in swimming. It’s a major goal for younger swimmers.”
In a similar vein, Cesar reflected on her achievements, stating, “Playing in the Southeast Asian Games felt like competing in the Olympics for our region. We won our first international medal, and I assisted a goal just 15 minutes into my second game.”
Jessica Mason transitioned to Trinity for her sophomore year and quickly became an All-American and first-team All-SCAC golfer. “I worked hard to reach this point,” Mason noted. “I faced challenges at my previous school that impacted my mental well-being.” Benson has also achieved great success, claiming 15 SCAC titles across eight events and five All-American honors, with the possibility of adding more accolades at the NCAA Championships.
“Both my parents and my brother were swimmers, and I aspired to follow in their footsteps,” Benson said. “Living up to those expectations means a lot to me.”
Malea Cesar’s journey is particularly unique as she competed in the World Cup before receiving her All-SCAC accolades. “Transitioning to college was daunting,” she shared. “Everyone knew I was a World Cup player, but this was a different challenge. Performing my best while staying true to myself was truly special.”
Similarly, Josie Napoli, a senior communication major and basketball player, represented the USA in 2023 and 2024. “Playing with the USA DIII team in Brazil was an incredible experience,” Napoli exclaimed. “This summer, I had the opportunity to do the same in Greece.”
Napoli, like Mason, transferred to Trinity after her freshman year and has become an All-SCAC athlete in all three of her seasons. “I’ve been dedicated to basketball since the fourth grade,” Napoli expressed. “Seeing my hard work pay off throughout my college career is immensely rewarding.”
Team Contributions
Trinity’s women’s athletic programs have garnered numerous team accolades, with the featured athletes collectively claiming 16 conference titles. Jordan Arce, a junior softball pitcher and marketing major, highlighted a proud team achievement: “We achieved the most wins in program history, proving that our softball team can stand tall alongside any other team on campus.”
Arce has played a vital role in turning around the softball program during her two full seasons, earning All-SCAC second-team honors and multiple selections to the SCAC All-Tournament team. “I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to play,” she said. “There have been times when I faced setbacks, but perseverance has brought me success.”
Ellie Catron, along with her leadership experience as a graduate student, has been pivotal in steering the Trinity track and field program to incredible successes, including three consecutive SCAC Championships. “Being a natural leader, I’ve been a captain for three years and am always willing to make sacrifices for my teammates,” Catron stated.
Similarly, Ruth Hill has contributed to the women’s tennis team’s success as they aim for four straight championships. “I’m known for bringing energy to the team,” Hill said. “We excel in supporting one another, truly embodying the spirit of teamwork.”
Amy Benson’s energetic nature resonates with her swim team, where she plays an integral role in fostering a fun atmosphere at practice. “I love to sing and bring joy to practice. It lightens the mood and engages everyone,” Benson said.
Courtney Pope, a sophomore volleyball player double-majoring in math and finance, channels her positive energy into the team. “I strive to be someone my teammates can turn to for laughter and support during tough matches,” Pope remarked.
Malea Cesar highlighted her organizational skills on the soccer field, stating, “My midfield role requires me to communicate and maintain composure, contributing to the team’s overall calmness.”
On the other side of the spectrum, teammates like Josie Napoli and Jessica Mason utilize their competitive spirit to drive their basketball and golf teams forward. “I give my all on the court,” Napoli emphasized. “Last season, I stepped up to motivate the team, and I’ll continue to do the same in upcoming tournaments.” Mason added, “I’m incredibly competitive and aim to elevate my performance to help our team win.”
The Challenges of Being a Woman in Sports
While these achievements are remarkable, the path to success in sports isn’t without its difficulties. Many athletes at Trinity have encountered challenges due to the male-dominated landscape of athletics.
“In high school, the disparity between the men’s and women’s programs was evident,” Catron shared. “It’s a recurring issue in sports, where women are often viewed as inferior athletes.”
Mason echoed this sentiment, recalling her experiences with a male coach who showed favoritism towards the men’s team. “At my previous school, I felt overlooked and undervalued,” she admitted.
Jordan Arce spoke about the male-centric coaching mentality she faced growing up: “I often felt inadequate under coaches who had a football mindset. The reality of frequent failures in softball can be challenging for young girls.”
“People perceive my passion for the game as being overdramatic,” Napoli noted, “while similar emotions from male athletes are often viewed as passion. It has been tough to navigate those perceptions.”
Ruth Hill added, “In my early days, there were few female tennis players, and the boys often carried an assumption of superiority. It was never overtly hostile, but it was always present.”
Even on an international stage, women’s achievements often receive less recognition than their male counterparts. “People often think the Women’s World Cup is overshadowed by last year’s coverage,” said Cesar. “They don’t realize how significant it is for women in sports.”
Embodying the Spirit of Trinity Athletics
Despite the hurdles, these athletes have risen to the occasion, exemplifying what it truly means to compete at Trinity. “Our Coach Daum fosters a culture of camaraderie, which helps us view one another as equal team members,” Catron expressed.
“Playing for a coach who understands the challenges female athletes face is crucial. I feel valued on my team,” Mason added.
Napoli remarked, “Being recognized as a fierce competitor in tournaments has been incredibly validating for me.”
“These challenges only inspire us to work harder and show that we can compete and excel,” Hill added. “Our efforts demonstrate that women can perform at the same level as anyone.”
Cesar emphasized the visibility gained through their sports journeys, stating, “My experience at the World Cup underscored the importance of visibility for young girls like me.”
These eight athletes—Cesar, Catron, Benson, Pope, Mason, Arce, Hill, and Napoli—lead lives dedicated to their passions and embody the spirit of perseverance, strength, and excellence in women’s athletics at Trinity. As Cesar poignantly stated, “It’s not about sacrifice; it’s about the choices we make to follow our dreams.”
