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Ventresca Named Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach

Sep 21, 2023 | News

Kristin Ventresca has been named the next head coach of the Mitchell College women’s lacrosse team, as announced recently by Director of Athletics Matt Finlayson. Ventresca will make her collegiate head coaching debut for the Mariners, who posted a 3-9 record in 2023, the most wins for the program since 2018. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Kristin Ventresca as our next head coach for our women’s lacrosse program,” said Finlayson. “Her passion for the sport, coaching experience, and dedication to providing a first class-student athlete experience will all have a positive impact for our women’s lacrosse program. Kristin has proven the ability to build successful programs and recruit quality student-athletes, which is exactly what this team needs as we enter the GNAC.” 

Prior to her arrival in New London, Ventresca spent the previous three seasons as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, Conn. During her tenure with the Warriors, she coordinated and implemented offensive strategy and skills, organized and managed team fundraising activities, and identified and cultivated high level potential recruits through clinics, tournaments, the transfer portal, and correspondences. Ventresca’s roles also included developing and presenting in-depth scouting reports for all opponents, as well as maintaining academic progress reports for student-athletes.  

“I would like to thank Matt Finlayson, Ashley Kishorn, Todd Peretz, and the entire search committee for this opportunity,” shared Ventresca. “The support I have felt within this community is amazing. I am excited to build the women’s lacrosse program here at Mitchell into a program that is competitive in the GNAC, while enhancing our student-athletes experience both academically and athletically.” 

Additionally, Ventresca has extensive experience at the high school level, having served as the head girl’s lacrosse coach at Montville High School in Montville, Conn., from 2012–2020. Under her guidance, the program made its first appearance in the CIAC Class S tournament in 2015 and went on to make it back to the state tournament in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. The team also took home a pair of Eastern Connecticut Conference division titles in 2016 and 2018.  

Ventresca and her husband Jon have four children: Shay, a graduate student at the University of Connecticut; Sean, a junior at Eastern Connecticut State University; Jack, a freshman at American University; and Liam, a high school senior at the Pomfret School.  

Award-Winning Journalist to Record Podcast with Students

Sep 15, 2023 | News

Award-winning journalist Julio Ricardo Varela will produce a “Latino Rebels Radio” podcast focused on neuro-inclusivity, belonging, and radical hospitality as a social justice movement in conversation with Mitchell College students on Fri., Sept. 22, 1–2:30 p.m. in the Weller Center at Mitchell College. The public is invited to attend.

Six Mitchell student guests will share personal stories of the joys and challenges they experience attending a college committed to embracing and celebrating difference. Representing many identities, the students include Tommy Simmons, David Arbuckle, Will Dreier, Olivia DeCicco, Alyssa Hovey, and Joseph “JuJu” Volkerts. The event is made possible through support from the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.

Inclusive experience extends to neuro-inclusivity
As the college population becomes increasingly diverse, institutions are grappling with how to create more welcoming, accessible living and learning environments. Mitchell College, whose mission is ‘developing and celebrating the power of unique minds,’ has long prided itself on offering students an inclusive experience that extends to neuro-inclusivity. Close to half of Mitchell College students are neurodivergent. At Mitchell, neurodivergent and neurotypical students take classes side by side, participate in campus activities together, and share the same residence halls and playing fields.

Dr. Tracy Y. Espy, president of Mitchell College, said, “Mitchell College is known for welcoming all students into a supportive, nurturing learning environment where it’s possible for them to take risks to find their true potential and discover what a meaningful life means to them. This kind of environment encourages growth and lays the foundation for personal and professional success after graduation. We are proud to be at the forefront of a contemporary social justice movement centering on beloved community, radical hospitality, and powerful individuality. And we are excited and grateful for the opportunity for our student voices to tell this story through the podcast with Julio Ricardo Varela and Latino Rebels Radio.”

Preceding the podcast, Varela will spend the morning meeting with faculty and students and will host a roundtable conversation with Mitchell’s First-Year Experience and college writing faculty to talk about using podcasts in the classroom. He will also discuss career opportunities with communication majors and Radio Mitchell club members.

About Julio Ricardo Varela
Julio Ricardo Varela is a seasoned, award-winning journalist and founder of Latino Rebels, one of the top U.S. Latino digital media sites in the world. He is currently an MSNBC opinion columnist and has worked in various leadership, operational and editorial roles over the course of his career with organizations including Pulitzer Prize-winning Futuro Media and Al Jazeera USA. He has contributed to The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, The Atlantic, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC News, Quartz, Le Monde, WGBH, WNYC, Face the Nation, Fusion, Univision, and Telemundo. In 2015 he was honored by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists with its inaugural DALE Award for going “above and beyond to ensure Latinos are fairly and accurately represented.”

Mitchell College Welcomes Four New Faculty

Sep 15, 2023 | News

Mitchell College announces four new full-time faculty members for the Academic Year 2023-2024 in the areas of criminal justice, science, sport management, and communication: Dr. Timothy Daty, assistant professor of criminal justice; Christy Dukehart, visiting assistant professor of sport management; Dr. Richard W. Sanders, associate professor of chemistry; and Michael H. Stoner, visiting instructor of communication.

Dr. Timothy Daty

Dr. Timothy Daty’s academic focus is behavioral science and criminal justice. He holds an undergraduate degree in business management from Quinnipiac University, a master’s in higher education policy from The George Washington University, and a doctorate in criminal justice from the University of New Haven. Daty has taught widely in criminal justice at the University of New Haven and the University of Rhode Island and has an interest in social justice, criminal justice pedagogy, and applied research. 

Christy Dukehart

Dukehart teaches sport management and has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Belmont University in Nashville, where she played softball. She also holds a master’s in accounting and an MBA from Northeastern University. Additionally, she earned a Master of Applied Science from EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Switzerland. Dukehart consulted for the International Academy of Sport Science and Technology, Ernst & Young, and several other sport entities in Europe. She has also been the owner and CEO of Dukehart Softball Academy in Connecticut since 2013.

Dr. Richard W. Sanders

Dr. Richard W. Sanders teaches chemistry and scientific writing. He recently retired from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), where he has taught since 1995; he currently holds the title Professor Emeritus at the USCGA. Sanders has an undergraduate degree from the USCGA as well as a master’s and a doctorate, both in chemistry, from the University of Connecticut. Over the course of his career at the Academy, Sanders taught a wide variety of chemistry and related courses, undertook a rigorous program of corrosion research, mentored students, and served in several leadership roles. He sits on the editorial board of Estuary Magazine and serves on the board of ISAAC (Interdistrict School for Arts and Communication) in New London.

Michael H. Stoner

Michael H. Stoner teaches communication and joins the full-time faculty as a one-year visiting instructor in communication. He has rich industry experience in advertising and marketing in account/brand management on high-profile consumer and nonprofit brands. He is also the founder and managing director of YEARONE, an advertising and marketing firm, and has taught at the University of Colorado (CU)-Boulder. Stoner holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Kenyon College and a master’s degree in media and public engagement from CU-Boulder.

Dr. Elizabeth Beaulieu, vice president for academic affairs, said, “We are excited to welcome these four outstanding educators as they contribute to robust learning experiences for Mitchell College students and to our overall goal of academic excellence.”

Dr. Tracy Espy, Mitchell College president, said, “Growing our full-time faculty is a priority for Mitchell College, and our newest faculty members join a community of collaboration and innovation. As they explore their own academic interests, our students will benefit from the unique perspectives and experiences these educators bring to the classroom and curriculum.”

Kishorn Joins Mitchell College as Associate Athletic Director

Aug 17, 2023 | News

The Mitchell College Department of Athletics is happy to announce the recent hiring of Ashley “Stick” Kishorn as Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator.

Kishorn joins the Mariners following a six-year tenure at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where she served as both a head field hockey coach and administrator. Kishorn will oversee all internal operations for Mitchell’s department, which is comprised of 12 varsity sports. She will also serve as the compliance coordinator and Title IX Deputy, and as SWA she will be involved in senior-level management decisions at both the campus and conference levels.

“We are excited to welcome Ashley Kishorn to the Mitchell College community,” stated Director of Athletics Matt Finlayson. “This is a pivotal leadership role for athletics and Ashley’s combination of coaching, playing and administrative experience at the Division III level will have a positive impact for the College. Her passion for the student-athlete experience and their overall development will serve our current and future Mariners extremely well.”

Along with serving as the head coach of the Eastern Mennonite field hockey program since 2017, Kishorn also held the title of Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and the SWA. In these roles she facilitated all compliance inquiries for student-athletes and coaches including, but not limited to eligibility paperwork, transfer portal, rules interpretation and NCAA waivers and reports. Additionally, Kishorn was the Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee at EMU, while also assisting the Athletic Director with coach evaluations and serving on all hiring committees within the athletic department. During her tenure with the Royals, she developed the Women in Sport program, assisted with organization and implementation of end of year student-athlete recognition banquet, and served as a committee member for the University’s giving day event.

“I am thrilled to join Mitchell College Athletics, thank you to the search committee for this opportunity,” said Kishorn. “I am excited to step into athletics administration under the guidance and leadership of Matt Finlayson. Matt’s enthusiasm and vision for the growth of Mitchell Athletics inspired me to take the position. My coaching background has led me to pursue a leadership role in athletics, and this experience has prepared me to serve student-athletes, coaches, staff and the campus community. I am excited to experience life on the Connecticut coast and look forward to an exciting future with the Mariners!”

After arriving as the head field hockey coach at EMU, Kishorn immediately began to make an impact. In her second season at the helm, she led the squad to an eight-win season, the most wins since 2011. In 2020, Kishorn led the Royals to their first .500 record since 2010, then in 2022 the team posted a 10-7 record, the most since the 2011 season. She also excelled in recruiting, landing the largest EMU field hockey roster in over twenty years.

Prior to taking over the EMU program, Kishorn served as an assistant field hockey coach at Williams College, Lynchburg College, and Wilson College. During her playing career she was a member of the Salisbury University Division III National Championship field hockey team in 2009.

Kishorn holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science with minors in athletic coaching and marketing/management from Salisbury. She earned her Master of Education in educational leadership from Lynchburg College.

Hoch Named Head Coach of Men’s and Women’s Cross Country

Aug 17, 2023 | News

Tim Hoch was hired as head coach of the Mitchell College men’s and women’s cross country programs in July 2023.

Hoch will make his collegiate head coaching debut with the Mariners. A runner at both the high school and collegiate level, Hoch spent the 2013 season running cross country as a student-athlete at Mitchell College.

“I’m hoping to bring a positive and supportive approach, implement individualized training plans, team building activities and a strong emphasis on goal setting and boosting the cross country program for years to come,” Hoch said in a statement.

During his lone season with the Mariners, Hoch competed in all eight events and led the team at one event. He finished 13th at the Wesleyan Invitational and led the team at the Elms Invitational where he placed 58th overall. A one-time NECC Rookie of the Week that season, Hoch recorded his fastest time on an 8k course at the Connecticut College Invitational. While at Mitchell, he was also a member of the men’s basketball program for one year.

“I’m thrilled that Tim Hoch has agreed to be our new men’s and women’s cross country coach and confident that he will bring the same passion and work ethic directing this program as he did when he was a student-athlete,” said Todd Peretz, associate athletic director and former cross country head coach. “Tim’s personality and communication skills will help him to guide and mentor our men and women while also being a valuable tool in the recruiting process.”

Following his year at Mitchell, Hoch was a three-year letterwinner on the men’s basketball team at SUNY Maritime College, where he was one of just two Privateers to start in all 25 of the team’s games during his senior season, and was second on the team in scoring with 374 points. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in global business at Maritime, Hoch went on to earn a master’s degree in leadership/management from Waldorf University.

A native of Fishers Island, N.Y., Hoch also served as head coach of the boys’ basketball team at Fishers Island School. In this role he led and managed the high school basketball program and played a pivotal role in developing student-athletes both on and off the court. As the head coach, he designed and implemented practice plans, developed game strategies and provided skill instruction to players.

Academic Honors Recipients Announced for Spring 2023

Aug 16, 2023 | News

Congratulations to the following Mitchell College students named to the Spring 2023 Dean’s List (3.50+ GPA) or Commendable Scholar List (3.0-3.49 GPA).

Students must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

1. Must be a matriculated student.
2. Part-time students are eligible for commendable scholar status for every 12 calculable credits completed.
3. Must have a grade point average between 3.0 and 3.49 for the given semester (Commendable Scholar) or 3.50 and 4.00 for the given semester (Dean’s List).
4. May not have any Incomplete, Satisfactory (S), Unsatisfactory (U), Withdrawal or Failing grades for the given semester.

Dean’s List

Frank Aguanno | Syosset, NY

Jenny Alvarez | New London, CT

Jakobe Anderson | Franklin Park, NJ

Nicholas Anderson | Madison, CT

Avery Appiah | Old Saybrook, CT

David Arbuckle | Gales Ferry, CT

Araceli Archer | New London, CT

Amanda Arnold | Groton, CT

Isabella Avalos | Chino, CA

Sarah Aviles | Griswold, CT

Catherine Ayer | Weston, MA

Joshua Bar-Nadav | Narberth, PA

Jamya Beddoe | New London, CT

Samuel Bellos | Waterford, CT

Nicholas Benda | Preston, CT

Jenna Bennett | Shelton, CT

Taylor Bialowas | Jewett City, CT

Haley Blackburn | Norwich, CT

Jenna Blankenship | Virden, IL

Sabrina Bloise | New London, CT

Allison Blum | Garden Grove, CA

Christopher Bradley | Babylon, NY

Catherine Burnett | Fort Lee, NJ

Philip Burns | West Dennis, MA

Erika Byrnes | Wilmington, MA

Aaron Calouro | Westerly, RI

Ryan Camp | Cheshire, CT

Alexander Caramagno | Westfield, NJ

Shey Carrion | New London, CT

Nathanael Chadbourne | Brookline, MA

Andrew Champagne | Pawcatuck, CT

Alana Chappelle | Waterford, CT

Nolan Clack | Hanson, MA

Jessica Cochran | Pawcatuck, CT

Mya Colon | West Hartford, CT

Kevin Connelly | Scarsdale, NY

Ryan Cooper | Stratford, CT

Daniel Cruz | New Rochelle, NY

Marisa D’Agostino | Niantic, CT

Olivia DeCicco | Haverhill, MA

Robert DelaCruz | Uncasville, CT

Elias Deleon | Cromwell, CT

Leandra DeLeon Mordan | Waterford, CT

Olivia DeLoach | Spring Hill, FL

Joseph DeLoria | Ringoes, NJ

Luke Demsey | Cheshire, CT

Katherine Donahue | Portland, CT

Matthew Dougherty | Waterford, CT

William Dreier | Barrington, RI

Sa’Mya Epps | Poughkeepsie, NY

Jacob Faigel | Natick, MA

Gabriel Fish | Needham Heights, MA

Nicholas Forst | Ellington, CT

Grant Frieser | New London, CT

Morgan Frost | Brunswick, ME

Archie Gardner | N Charleston, SC

Kenyada Gedeon | Irvington, NJ

Alethea Gilliam | Ledyard, CT

Jack Green | Niantic, CT

Abdullah Hadhood | New London, CT

Xavier Haney | Oakdale, CT

Valois Hernandez | Norwich, CT

Hailey Hill | Jewett City, CT

Jayden Hines | New London, CT

Alyssa Hovey | Tolland, CT

Chelsea Jackson | East Hartford, CT

Noah James | New London, CT

Kyler Johnson | Kingston, MA

Edward Kaftan | Old Lyme, CT

Sevda Kalican | Quaker Hill, CT

Liam Kane | Waterford, CT

Jonathan Keating | Waterford, CT

Anna Kochansky | Bronxville, NY

Sean Kresge | Waterford, CT

Jessica Krupnikoff | Unionville, CT

Grace Kyle | Chevy Chase, MD

Matthew Ladd | Griswold, CT

Cole Lalli | Coventry, CT

Jason Landis | Summit, NJ

Gemma Landry | Lewiston, ME

Sarah Latch | Hampstead, NH

Justin-Corey Le | Norwich, CT

Hannah Lemke | Moodus, CT

Julia Lent | Miller Place, NY

Thea Lewis | North Baldwin, NY

Katelyn Lipsky | Plantsville, CT

Yesenia Lovaton | New London, CT

Christa Ellen Mancuso | Naugatuck, CT

Alexis Mangual | Waterford, CT

Michael Marchetti | Waterbury, CT

Jakob Margetta | North Attleborough, MA

Lindsy McFarlane | Plainfield, CT

Samantha McKenna | Millbrook, NY

Kayla McKinney | Groton, CT

David Meiliken | Rye, NY

Sara Milkowski | Manasquan, NJ

Sarah Morales | Ledyard, CT

Alexander Moubayed | Swansea, MA

Olivia Napolitano | Commack, NY

Alexander Nardone | Wellesley Hills, MA

Hannah O’Brien | Riverside, RI

Timothy O’Hayre | Hull, MA

Aliannys Ortiz | Groton, CT

Diamara Pagan | Norwich, CT

Julianne Park | Bedford, NY

Sarah Parker | N Stonington, CT

Jennifer Peck | Glastonbury, CT

Hannah Penn | New Fairfield, CT

Robert Perry | Carver, MA

David Pittman | New London, CT

Carly Potts | New London, CT

Emily Pratts | New London, CT

Thomas Progano | East Hampton, CT

Elisabeth Reid | Bedford, NY

Julianna Repaci | New Britain, CT

Emily Reynolds | Somers, CT

Liam Robb | Westfield, NJ

Owen Robbins | Salem, CT

Kesean Robinson | Middletown, CT

Cassandra Roman | New London, CT

Charlotte Rowley | Bedford, NY

Breana Rudolph | Glendale, AZ

Philip Sansone | Groton, CT

Aicha Santos | New London, CT

Yasmine Santos | Pawtucket, RI

Andee Schaffran | Olympia, WA

Alysson Schuyler | Groton, CT

Tessa Seesock | Jacksonville, FL

Ashley Septelka | Niantic, CT

Izabela Souza | Medford, MA

Arrianna Stark | Schenectady, NY

Molly Steel-Miller | Salem, OR

Haley Tedeschi | New London, CT

Brittney Tougas | Cranston, RI

Mariah Travisano | Putnam, CT

Joshua Tucker | Warwick, RI

Duneshka Vazquez | Norwich, CT

Nathanael Votta | Avon, CT

Alexander Walker | New Canaan, CT

Alexia Watson | Stamford, CT

Kaylin White | Silver Spring, MD

Brooke Whitmarsh | Portsmouth, RI

Tyelisa Wilson | Ledyard, CT

Lola Worsdale | Stonington, CT

Jacob Yoensky | Groton, CT

Francesca Zamarripa | Lithia, FL

Commendable Scholars

Flavio Alvarado | New London, CT

Kiara Ampuero | New London, CT

Devante Anderson | Groton, CT

Rajiah Betts-Smith | Windsor, CT

Nicholas Bracale | East Haven, CT

Olivia Bump | Columbus, OH

Michelle Castonguay | Northfield, CT

Wilton Causey | Worcester, MA

Andrew Colwick | Plantsville, CT

Kaila Crawford | Pleasanton, CA

Derek Dascoulias | Albany, NH

John David De Oliveira | Brick, NJ

Giuseppe Del Prete | Bronxville, NY

Jordan Epstein | Reisterstown, MD

Ian Falconi | Littleton, MA

Matthew Falk | Enfield, CT

Louis Fazio | White Plains, NY

Matthew Fingal | Port St Lucie, FL

Alicia Fitzgerald | Farmington, CT

Nayika Flerisma | Brockton, MA

Isabel Foley | Framingham, MA

Aidan Fontaine | Mystic, CT

Mauricea Francis | Windsor, CT

Tatyana Gales | Upper Marlboro, MD

Angel Galindez | Hamden, CT

Maxwell Gayle | Stamford, CT

Nia Gethers | Norwich, CT

Nicholas Ghirardi | Salem, CT

Michael Grey | East Islip, NY

Sylvia Guerrero | New York, NY

Nicholas Gyra | Wenham, MA

Beverly Hall | New London, CT

Maxwell Hibbard | Portland, ME

Robyn Higley | New London, CT

Melanie Hintz | Bristol, CT

Daniella Holland | Pearl River, NY

Aidan Jacobson | Branford, CT

Oscar Jacquot | Brooklyn, NY

Casey Johnson | New London, CT

Samantha Kasheta | South Windsor, CT

Ryan King | Norwich, CT

Emma Klein | Old Bethpage, NY

Emma LaBreck | Rollinsford, NH

Angel Ladford | Baltic, CT

Colin LaSaracina | Colchester, CT

Brandon Lee | Stockton, CA

Alessio Liberti | Glen Rock, NJ

Benjamin Logel | Pawcatuck, CT

Armando Lopez | Maplewood, NJ

Allison Loverin | Groton, MA

Kyrsten Lucas | Manchester, MD

Dylan Lucey | Lebanon, CT

Edward Lugo | New London, CT

Henry Lyle | Wellesley Hills, MA

William Magalis | Groton, CT

Logan Maneri | Canterbury, CT

Nicolas Mantilla-Aguirre | Needham, MA

Anthony Marini | Port Chester, NY

Ana Matos Diaz | New London, CT

Antonio Mattucci | Huntington, NY

Niko Mazzella | Niantic, CT

Christian Mercado | Rocky Hill, CT

Keyara Miller | Panama City, FL

Isabel Montenegro | Alexandria, VA

Owen Murphy | Milton, MA

Jacob Narvaez | Miramar, FL

Kilian Okech | Derby, CT

Michael Olivencia | Stratford, CT

William O’Toole | East Greenwich, RI

Sean Peper | North Easton, MA

Ileana Perez | North Arlington, NJ

Morgyn Perkins | Bristol, CT

Austin Polak | Ambler, PA

Dontae Pollard | Ft Walton Beach, FL

Jacob Quiles | Wallkill, NY

Snadooby Robert | New London, CT

James Robinson | New London, CT

Kyle Robison | Branford, CT

Allison Romano | Old Saybrook, CT

Emily Sargent | Westerly, RI

Guiseppie Satti | New London, CT

Rahel Scully | Kingston, NH

Thai-ler Sestokas | Danbury, CT

Kenny Sheehan-Heon | Norwich, CT

Hannah Shelkowitz | Rhinebeck, NY

Caitlin Shima | Ridgefield, CT

Thomas Simmons | Holtsville, NY

Brandon Sirois | Willimantic, CT

Samantha Sisco | Gales Ferry, CT

Marcel Smith | New Britain, CT

Natalie Smith | Massapequa Park, NY

Logan Smith | Quaker Hill, CT

Colin Steinberg | Wellesley, MA

Luke Sullivan | Shelton, CT

Bishop Taylor | Crestview, FL

Brooke Taylor | Uncasville, CT

Micheal Thompson | Rio Rancho, NM

Casey Tichy | Easton, CT

Paola Varela | Cranston, RI

Sophia Vece | Hamden, CT

Antonio Velazquez | New London, CT

Christian Villacci | Nesconset, NY

Raphael Vogt | Uncasville, CT

Joseph Volkerts | New London, CT

Randy Wah | New Britain, CT

Tanai Williams | Yonkers, NY

Rylee Grace Wood | Lloydminster, Canada

Bo Yaworski | Brooklyn, CT

Grace Yeung | Belle Mead, NJ