As her time at Lasell University comes to an end, Maddie Caro leaves behind a career defined not just by wins and championships but by consistency, leadership, and an unwavering belief in the process. From the moment she stepped on campus as a freshman, Caro carried a vision, not just for herself, but for the program. Joining a young roster filled with freshmen and sophomores, she saw the potential early on.
“We were a small team, and I envisioned the success we could achieve if we put in the hard work,” Caro said. That mindset never changed. Even as the team went on to win championships, she emphasized that “success only comes from the work put into it, not the reputation itself.”
One moment that perfectly captures that journey came in 2023, when Lasell captured the Great Northeast Athletic Conference Championship (GNAC). For Caro, that match stands above the rest.
“It was a moment where our team proved that even with doubts from other people and obstacles along the way, we rose to the occasion with grit and resilience,” she said. It was more than just a title; it was a validation of everything the team had built. But not every defining moment came in victory.
One of the toughest challenges of her career was falling short in the NCAA Tournament. “This was very hard for me; it was our last chance to advance further than our team had in the past,” Caro admitted. Still, she found pride in the bigger picture, leaning on her teammates and recognizing “I was still proud of having a successful career otherwise.”
That bond is what Caro says she’ll miss the most. Beyond the competition, it’s the shared experience that meant everything. “There’s something special about working towards a goal collaboratively with my teammates,” she said.
“I have made some of my best friends through the sport of volleyball.” Being a student-athlete shaped her far beyond the court, teaching her how to manage a demanding schedule and handle adversity.
“Balancing a busy work, school, and athletic life prepares me for time management in the real world,” she explained, while also emphasizing the importance of resilience and growth when things don’t go as planned.
Her leadership journey began early. When she was named team captain during the spring of her freshman year, everything shifted.
“I realized that I had a lot of responsibility as a young athlete,” Caro said. Leading a team that included older players could have been intimidating, but she leaned into authenticity. “I knew I would be a good leader as long as I stayed true to myself and trusted my training.” That approach became the foundation of her impact, both as a player and as a teammate.
By the time she wore her Lasell jersey for the final time, its meaning had grown deeper than ever. “Wearing my Lasell jersey meant so much to me; I knew how much hard work I had put in with my team,” she said. The moment was bittersweet, knowing the journey was ending, but the legacy would continue.
Caro credits much of that journey to the people around her, especially her senior class.
“They have been there with me every step of the way and will continue to stay by my side beyond Lasell,” she said. She also pointed to her coaches—Jeff Vautrin, Caitlyn Garcia, Evan Omi, and Preston Yong, as lasting influences who “taught me grit, resilience, and confidence.”
As she looks back, Caro hopes to be remembered for more than her performance. “I want to be remembered as someone who my teammates could always count on,” she said. “Someone who truly cared and worked hard for everything I have earned… not only for myself but for my team.” And while her playing career may be over, the lessons and relationships will stay with her long after her final match.
If she could offer one piece of advice to her younger self, it would be simple: “Stay true to myself, keep my head up high, and strive to achieve more than I think I could.”
–May 15, 2026–
