In Their Words | Springfield College
Baseball Alumnus

Eric Chase ’14

What impact do your gifts have on student-athletes?

The impact is endless. The gifts from alumni allow student-athletes the opportunity to take spring trips, get new equipment each year, and upgrade facilities. Our gifts allow kids the opportunity to pursue college athletics and give them a great experience at Springfield College.

When you were a student-athlete at Springfield College, in what ways did support from alumni, families, and friends impact your experience?

They all played a huge impact in my experience. Not only did we players form friendships and bonds on the field, but our parents also bonded together. We knew that no matter where we were traveling, we would have a large fan base supporting us. It made road games feel less like road games, especially when we were down south on our spring break trips. It also was cool to talk to former players who would come support us in Florida, and it was exciting to know that we had people following our games and our season from around the country.

Eric Chase ’14
Former Graduate Assistant, Men’s Lacrosse

James Breslin, G’08

Why do you give to Springfield College athletics?

My time at Springfield College, both as a graduate student and assistant men’s lacrosse coach, ultimately prepared me for my career in college athletics and beyond. The skills I learned and the people I met enabled me to do what I love with a career in athletic administration. Anything I can do to give back to the school that has given me so much is why I give to Springfield athletics.

What teams do you support and why?

I support the men’s lacrosse team. I was fortunate to work under Coach Keith Bugbee, who embodies everything that is good in college athletics. He taught me the right way to run a program, through hard work and life skills that I still use today. Coach Bugbee is also a great person outside the lacrosse field. He has given me so much, and the least I can do is give back to him and his program.

James Breslin, G’08
Women’s Swimming and Diving Alumna

Beth Byron '04

What impact do your gifts have on student-athletes?

I hope that any gift I’m able to give can contribute in some way to provide the best resources possible for the student-athletes at Springfield College today. I want them to be able to have an experience as great as the one I had.

How can coaches use philanthropic support to advance the student-athlete experience?

Coaches can use the financial support to cover meals, travel expenses, and the best equipment possible to help their student-athletes train and perform at their best.

Beth Byron '04