Why I support Bates Athletics... by Bates Annual Giving & Reunion

Brigid Gaffny, Class of 2028, Softball

2026-04-22 16:34:06 UTC

Supporting Bates Athletics on FBA Giving Day is meaningful to every single athlete like myself. I love being an athlete at Bates because of the balance of athletics and academics, my team and the athletics community culture, and the room for personal growth. I feel so grateful every single day to be a part of Bates Athletics! Any support is appreciated!

Carla Flaherty '03, Johanna Farrar '03, Julia Price '03, Kim Martell '03

2026-04-22 19:13:21 UTC

Supporting FBA is important to me because Bates Athletics provided me with lifelong friends and the most amazing memories and experiences!

Kate Hansen '25, Volleyball

2026-04-22 19:46:02 UTC

Being a student-athlete at Bates has shaped who I am in so many ways. Through volleyball, I’ve found lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and a community that constantly pushed me to grow both on and off the court. I’m really grateful for everything this experience has given me. Supporting FBA helps ensure that future athletes get to have the same experience!

Bates MBB is in!

2026-04-22 22:07:39 UTC

What are three words that describe Bates MBB?

Hannah Fitts '20, Rowing

2026-04-22 23:34:03 UTC

Few things in life are more fulfilling than pulling hard on the 'Scogg with your teammates. Your support of FBA allows the next generation of Bobcats to train, race, and better themselves through the infinite joy of making fast boats go faster.

Alison Leonard ‘10, Cross Country/Track & Field

2026-04-23 01:41:42 UTC

One of the greatest gifts of athletics is the lifelong bonds forged with our teammates. One of the greatest lessons from being a part of a team is that we are stronger when we work together; with each other and for each other. Giving back during FBA is one way that we can continue to come together to contribute to our team’s success. For me, it has been a meaningful way to acknowledge the life changing impact that my Bobcat XCTF family and friends have had on me over the years, while also paying it forward to the current and future generations of ‘Cats.

Kelly McManus '12, Field Hockey and Softball

2026-04-23 13:26:22 UTC

Supporting Bates Athletics is important to me because being a college athlete and part of a supportive team is one of the best experiences you can ever have. I've made lifelong friends with my teammates and coaches, I've learned lessons through hard work, resilience and dedication that are hard to replicate anywhere else, and I've created a career for myself through coaching that makes me genuinely happy to go to work everyday. Being a part of the field hockey and softball teams at Bates is one that I will cherish for a lifetime and what I want most is for others to have that same feeling after they graduate. Go Cats!

Lizzie Frekko, Class of 2025, Tennis

2026-04-24 04:07:29 UTC

I grew so much as a person through my experiences playing tennis at Bates. Learning to overcome adversity on and off the court, learning how to be the best teammate I can be, and becoming more confident in myself are just three of the many things Bates tennis taught me. Most importantly, I made friendships that will last long after my days on the court. I am extremely grateful for all of the opportunities being a student athlete at Bates gave me and I want future bobcats to be able to have these and more which is why giving to FBA is so important to me.

Swim and Dive parent

2026-05-04 00:25:40 UTC

Amazing season! I want to continue to support the hard work that the swimmers put into an historic year!

Karen Finocchio '92, Soccer/Tennis

2026-05-07 12:02:15 UTC

Once teammates, always teammates. Some of my most formative lessons in leadership — resilience, accountability, trusting your team — didn't happen in a boardroom. They happened on the field, the court, or on skis. The coaches and teammates from those years still shape how I work and lead today. And yes, the playlist is still going strong on every run. 🎵

Deepak Sharma, Head Women’s Tennis Coach

2026-05-07 13:37:51 UTC

I believe in what our program is all about: contribution to the greater good through initiative and acts of service. That's why I've committed $500 and will continue to match donations from current players and '25 alumni. Beyond the wins and losses are deep, meaningful relationships formed through a shared passion and purpose. I believe in what we're building here at Bates.

Paul Gastonguay '89

2026-05-07 14:43:05 UTC

Giving back to Bates College means so much to me. Bates has been such a meaningful part of my adult life, and I am deeply grateful for my 35 years there as a student-athlete, interim coach, and Head Coach.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have coached so many amazing people and to have shared in the lives of our extended “Bates Tennis Family.” I am proud of generation after generation of talented, driven, and impactful individuals — both on and off the court.

It is an exciting time to be a Bobcat, and there are great things on the horizon for Bates Athletics.

Please join me in supporting Bates Athletics today!

Lindsay Cullen Ragazzini '13

2026-05-07 15:25:31 UTC

Some of my happiest memories from Bates are on the trails at Pineland, fighting for space on the indoor track, or on the outdoor track, mostly trying not to get blown over from the wind on Russell Street. We competed at the highest level in Division III while building a community rooted in care and support for one another. Please consider supporting the teams today with a gift of any size!

Jon Martin - Head Baseball Coach

2026-05-07 20:14:49 UTC

Supporting Bates Athletics today is a critical part to the success of all sports! Donations during the FBA Giving Challenge help enhance everything that we do so our student-athletes can compete at the highest level, make lifelong relationships, and have the overall athletic experience they deserve.