From the locker room to the boardroom

By Madeline Marriott ’24

Members of the Lafayette soccer teams are both teammates on the field and at the office thanks to the creation of a strong alumni network over the years. 

For over a decade, Friends of Lafayette Soccer has been sponsoring Networking and Career Nights in New York City for current student-athletes on both the men’s and women’s soccer teams. What began as men’s soccer coach Dennis Bohn driving a few seniors on the men’s team to meet with an alumnus has grown into the full rosters of both teams spending the day with numerous alumni across different industries.  

“The men’s team was having so much success at their networking events that they asked if we wanted to join to ensure it was an opportunity for all of Lafayette soccer,” women’s coach Mick Statham says. “It was a home run right away. Everyone was so engaging and collaborative with my players. This was 10 years ago, and now the players coming through are prepped to be a part of it after graduation.” 

Adam Decker ’03, founding partner at Merus Global Investments, has hosted several Q+A sessions for student-athletes to learn more about future job possibilities and forge connections with alumni in their desired fields. The most recent of these events was held in February, when students also visited alumni at Starr Insurance, Citibank, Goldman Sachs, and law firm Brown Rudnick LLP. 

“It’s a great way to get the younger undergraduates learning about the workforce sooner rather than later,” Decker says. “Creating a network of alumni mentors and advocates should be a priority for every incoming freshman. Many students get their first job through an alumni connection.”

From left: Dan Cason, assistant athletic director for advancement, Digger Iqbal ’25, Colin Morissey ’20, Dennis Bohn, men’s soccer coach, Adam Decker ’03, and Brian Winiarski ’86. Not pictured: Graham Heydt ’12. Photo credit: Brian Winiarski ’86

Decker’s team at Merus includes Graham Heydt ’12, Colin Morrissey ’20, and Digger Iqbal ’25, a pipeline made possible by a continued connection to the College and Coach Bohn. 

“I’ve always been interested in hiring Lafayette grads at Merus,” Decker says. “People with backgrounds in science and critical thinking who have dedicated themselves to rigorous coursework and the extra work of a sports commitment are equipped to be successful employees and traders. Lafayette soccer players have discipline and integrity—the coaches won’t have them otherwise.” 

“When you recruit somebody out of high school and sit on their couch with their parents and tell them you’re going to help them reach their full potential, I always tell them it’s not a four-year thing; it’s a lifetime thing,” Bohn says. “Seeing four of my players working in the same office through their connection to Lafayette soccer means as much to me as winning a championship.”

Danielle Sedillo ’17, a co-chair of the Friends of Lafayette Women’s Soccer, organized the February event alongside other spearheading alumni. 

“Something that I’ve stressed to these players is that it’s OK not to know what you want to do, and it’s important to lean into things that are uncomfortable and challenge you in all aspects of your life,” Sedillo says. “No matter what you do, it’s important to have a network of people who support you, and that’s what the soccer team is.” 

In addition to networking nights, the women’s team has recently established a mentorship program under the direction of Heidi Caruso Commins ’94. The program pairs student-athletes with alumni in their fields of interest and builds one-on-one connections as they prepare to enter the workforce.

“It’s a really personal mentorship that we can utilize in any way we want, whether for networking, help with resumes, or advice of any kind,” says Katrina Santelli ’26, captain of the women’s soccer team. “It’s amazing to see how eager every single alumna is to help and how much they value these connections within the soccer program, and it makes me excited to be a part of it and to give back where I can. It really becomes a chain reaction of paying it forward.” 

Both coaches are proud to see the community their alumni have created, and the love they have for Lafayette long after they graduate and are no longer actively playing the game they love. 

“I’m really glad that our alumni continue to make an impact,” Bohn says. “There are so many ways to give back that aren’t just financial, and providing someone with an opportunity for their future is something tangible that can change lives.”

“I’ve always been awestruck by the alumni culture here, and it’s a unique situation we find ourselves in,” Statham adds. “Our alumni don’t just write checks. The dollars are important, but that unconditional support and genuine passion for the school and the team is special.”