Forever Scarlet Knights

The newest crop of Rutgers University alumni will embark on their postgraduate careers following the conclusion of university commencement on May 12.

Several of the graduating seniors reflected on their experiences representing Rutgers and how they will forever be Scarlet Knights!

Leigha Devine
Women’s Golf 
Major: Sport Management and Master’s in Global Sports Business

Why Rutgers: I chose Rutgers because I saw it as the perfect blend between Athletics and Academics. I wanted to challenge myself in the classroom and on the golf course, and Rutgers gave me the opportunity to do that.  

What is something you would tell your freshman self: I would tell my freshman self is to WORK HARD. Everything you could ever want to happen during your time here will happen if you just put the time in. Don’t squander this opportunity; take it for what it is and MAKE IT GREAT.

What advice would you give to future Scarlet Knights: Do everything. If you think it might be a good way to get involved, take the chance; it could be fun! Jump into anything and everything you have a passion for. There are so many wonderful programs and opportunities at Rutgers to discover what you love. Use these four years to find it.

What will you miss the most about your time at Rutgers: I will miss the ability to see all those who play a part in my success on a daily basis. My teammates, my coaches, the administrators, and support staff have become some of my closest friends and most influential people in my life. Losing such direct access to them is undoubtably what I will miss most when I leave The Banks.

Future career aspirations: My future career aspirations include my dream of taking golf as far as I can and playing on tour. I hope as I move forward in my career, I can represent the R proudly. Being a Scarlet Knight has been one of my greatest pleasures and I can’t wait to bleed scarlet forever!

Steven Coponi
Men's Track and Field
Major: Mechanical Engineering

Why Rutgers: Rutgers is my home school and offered me an opportunity to compete in one of the most competitive athletic conferences, while also pursuing a world-renowned engineering degree.

Greatest Rutgers memory: My first time throwing over 70 meters (231 feet) at the Florida Relays.

What is something you would tell your freshman self: There's no such thing as the right or wrong choice, it's on you to make your choice right.

What advice would you give to future Scarlet Knights: Believe in yourself and take full advantage of the tremendous support system that is in place for you to succeed.

What will you miss the most about your time at Rutgers: I will miss the friendships that were built through success and hardship, the bonds I have made with my teammates will last many lifetimes.

Future career aspirations: After earning my master's degree in the upcoming year, I aspire to join the workforce and develop new technologies to drive our country and humanity forward.

Shane Knobloch
Men's Lacrosse
Major: Supply Chain Management

Why Rutgers: Rutgers has always been a part of my life growing up, coming to football games with my dad and other family members who have gone here, as well as coming to New Jersey state championship lacrosse games to watch my parents' coach. On top of this, Coach Brecht showed me the most interest out of anyone in the recruiting process, and playing in the Big Ten cannot be beat. Also, the great facilities we have at the Rodkin Center!

Greatest Rutgers Memory: Feeling the power of the home crowd in our NCAA Tournament win against Harvard on Yurcak Field. The fans were unbelievable, the atmosphere was unbelievable, and we played unbelievably.

What advice would you give to future Scarlet Knights: Don’t wait until next year. You never get to be in a locker room with the same group of brothers again. Enjoy every practice, every lift, every game. Don’t take days off, they’re always numbered.

Future Career Aspirations: Hopefully play in the Premier Lacrosse League this summer and have a long, healthy career. Also, figure out the job search. [Knobloch was selected in the first round, fourth overall by the Carolina Chaos].

Marique Dieudonne
Field Hockey
Master's in Communication & Digital Media

Why Rutgers: It’s an amazing school that allowed me to pursue a masters in communication combined with playing field hockey.

Greatest Rutgers memory: It's really hard to choose! I'll say playing against Northwestern in the alumni game in 2022, it was amazing to see how everyone that came to watch is connected through Rutgers and the Field hockey program! I’m also so grateful for all the friendships I’ve made here.

What advice would you give to future Scarlet Knights: Enjoy every minute of it! It’ll be over before you know it.

Future career aspirations: Leading a company in sports marketing and being able to shoot campaigns with professional athletes.

Sophia Cardello
Women's Lacrosse
Major: Communication

Why Rutgers: I chose Rutgers because of the close-knit culture the team brings and the competitiveness. I also had the opportunity to make history for a program during my time here at Rutgers!

Greatest Rutgers memory: Beating Northwestern at SHI Stadium in the pouring rain to advance to the Big Ten Championship in 2022.

What is something you would tell your freshman self: Everything happens for a reason. Never shy away from your goals, always work hard and remain true to yourself. Enjoy every moment of it because you never know when it will be your last game. Take every challenge head on.

What advice would you give to future Scarlet Knights: This is truly the greatest school I can't imagine myself anywhere else. Enjoy the process and the journey and do not worry about the wins and losses, make the most of the memories and the people around you. Embrace every situation and learn from adversity.

What will you miss the most about your time at Rutgers: I will miss the energy and spirit at Rutgers. Nothing compares to the alumni and fan base us Rutgers Athletes get. Also, nothing gets better than a Saturday football gameday at SHI Stadium.

Future career aspirations: Pursuing a career in sports marketing or sales.

Zach Hayn
Men’s Basketball
Major: Labor & Employment Relations

Why Rutgers: Rutgers is Jersey’s State school and presents plenty of opportunity and a wide, loyal alumni network.

Greatest Rutgers memory: My greatest Rutgers memory has to be scoring in a game in Jersey Mike’s Arena against Michigan. I’ll never forget the roar of the crowd and the reactions of my teammates and coaches on the bench going crazy.

What is something you would tell your freshman self: I would tell my freshman self to say yes to as many things as possible and take advantage of all the college experience has to offer. At the end of the day, all we can take with us are our diplomas and the experiences we had and lessons we’ve learned.

What advice would you give to future Scarlet Knights: I would tell future Scarlet Knights to go to as many events as possible; go to a football tailgate, check out our softball team, maybe try an RA event. There are so many opportunities to do things and meet new people on campus, so I’d definitely suggest taking advantage of it.

What will you miss the most about your time at Rutgers: Hands down, I will miss being able to spend time with my friends and coaches the most. Rutgers has paved the way for me to meet new people who I’ll consider lifelong friends and I’m nothing but grateful for it.

Future career aspirations: I want to work in the Financial Services industry as a Financial Advisor. My goal is to be able to help people by educating them about the markets and the simple steps they can take to be financially savvy.

Emily Mahaffy
Women's Rowing
Major: Environmental Policy, Institutions, and Behaviors

Why Rutgers: I come from a long line of Scarlet Knights - I chose Rutgers to continue that legacy.

Greatest Rutgers memory: My greatest memory at Rutgers is one of my top memories of all time. My freshman year we made the Varsity 8+ Grand Final at the NCAA Championships. After an amazing race, we were able to row under a bridge where a sea of Rutgers fans stood cheering. I still get chills when I think about singing the fight song going under the bridge!

What is something you would tell your freshman self: I would tell my freshman self that it is never really that deep. I had my best moments academically and athletically when I made sure I was having fun throughout the process.

What advice would you give to future Scarlet Knights: Make connections with your professors. They are here for you during your time at Rutgers but also when you graduate.

What will you miss the most about your time at Rutgers: Waking up and getting to have fun with my teammates every morning!

Future career aspirations: I will be attending law school and working towards a career in environmental law.