Welcome to Pathlete
Your Partner in Understanding the College Recruiting Process
We are a mother-daughter team, who walked in your shoes. Like you, we found it challenging to navigate the college recruiting process...we learned a lot along the way as Kayleigh 'KC' committed to play women's lacrosse both as an undergraduate and graduate school student. Kayleigh's student-athlete eligibility ended in 2026, and now, that her playing career is over, we are comfortable sharing what we learned about the college recruiting process. Our sessions include topics like how to get noticed, how to stand out when emailing a coach, how athletic & academic aid work, student-athlete health insurance, transfer portal & so much more. Our biggest learning? You, the student-athlete, need to lead your recruiting journey. Being a student-athlete is a full-time job and today is just the beginning. We won't do it for you, but we will help when you are ready.
About Kayleigh 'KC'
At age 6, I already played on multiple basketball teams and did so for most of my childhood with my Dad as one of my coaches. By 7th grade, basketball was my passion, when Coach Fildes, our middle school's hoops and lacrosse coach, asked me to try-out for lacrosse. I had held a stick once & hated it! But, Coach Fildes convinced me; the rest is history. Thankfully, when I made a more established travel lacrosse team, just two years after Coach Fildes re-introduced me to the game, my parents were supportive. I still cherish that together time as we drove 60 miles (each way) two to three days a week, so I could be coached by Rick Pound, my mentor to this day. To say most college coaches hadn't heard of me is an understatement. My first national tournament wasn't until 8th grade, I had little game footage, no IG page- I was the underdog. Worse, my HS Athletic Department offered little support. I was willing to put in the work, but had no idea where to start- I had a call with NCSA, but it was a big investment. So grateful, I had Coach Pound to help guide me. I sent hundreds of emails to coaches, played in as many tournaments as possible, worked out almost every day for hours, studied, & listened to every word of advice that was given to me. I wanted to be a collegiate student-athlete but also wanted an amazing college experience. Even more challenging, I was searching for schools with actuary science major, a big time sports following and women's lacrosse- not an easy combination! After 32 school visits I found the perfect fit for me at Butler University, where I graduated in three years with my bachelor's degree, while using only two years of eligibility. I entered the transfer portal, for grad school, looking to use my final years of NCAA eligibility, while getting my Master's in Mental Clinical Health Counseling. I was accepted at a highly accredited program for my major, Rider University, and secured a roster spot for the Rider Broncs women's lacrosse team. I was proud to lead the Broncs as Captain, team leader in total points & second in goals my final season. I continue to be involved in the sport as a travel coach for Ultimate Lax & love helping younger athletes develop. In just four years, I went from a lacrosse player no coach ever heard of, to playing for two great colleges, surrounded by amazing teammates all while earning two degrees. My journey was filled with many ups and downs, but one I'm so proud of having. I can't wait to share what I learned & help you find the right collegiate academic & athletic path.
About Keri
I can't take any credit for Kayleigh's accomplishments, other than Chris & I being willing and able to support her dream. Honestly, that's the way it should be- your child making their own path, with guidance, of course. It's how we approached helping Kayleigh once we realized her statement of 'I want to play lacrosse in college' wasn't just words; it was followed by her actions.
Fortunately, Chris and I are both sports feins. I went to Xavier University and secured my bachelor's in Sports Management. While at Xavier I rowed Club Crew, which brought me and my teammates across the mid-west for regattas. Sophomore year, I petitioned Xavier Student Government and started the Xavier Men's Club Hockey team; being from Buffalo, I missed the game so much. 30 years later, the Xavier Club hockey team is still going strong. I'm so proud that hundreds of Musketeers have had the opportunity to continue to play the game they love, while getting an awesome education. I think so many college bound student athletes don't even consider club sports when searching for the right school fit. Both the Xavier Crew and Hockey teams practiced multiple times a week, traveled across the country & had a blast doing it. In fact, Conner, our HS junior is exploring club golf so he can continue to play the game he loves while attending the college or University that is the best fit for him! My sports management degree and club hockey experience helped launch my early career as I worked in the ICHL for the Cincinnati Cyclones & then the NHL Buffalo Sabres. All-in-all, we are a passionate sports family. Chris' career has taken him from managing MAAC Men's Big Four College Basketball, to Buffalo Bandits Lacrosse, as well as the Athletic Departments at both Xavier & Seton Hall Universities. For the last 23 seasons, Chris has had the honor of working for the Buffalo Bills organization. Chris' Dad, Brian, spent decades in college athletics, both as a college football coach, as well as an Athletic Director; we definitely leaned on him for advice during Kayleigh's recruiting. Even with our backgrounds, the college recruiting process was a learning experience. Kayleigh's path likely would not have changed, but the information would have helped us ask better questions, allowed us to prepare a bit more financially & ultimately, felt more secure in decisions made along the way. Now that our days of cheering Kayleigh on from the sidelines are over; I'm proud to partner with her as we share our experience & knowledge with the goal of making your college recruiting path a bit easier.