Sidney Crippen-Lay chose to attend Stan State because of the opportunity to continue playing softball. What she also got was an opportunity to make connections with faculty and peers that she will have for years to come.
“Stanislaus was far enough away from home that I got to become independent, but it was close enough that my family still got to be a part of my college career,” said Crippen-Lay, who is from Colusa.
Crispin-Lay enjoyed her time at Stanislaus State, but it wasn’t without its hardships. Like so many of her classmates, she has attended virtual classes during the COVID years, and she also suffered a sports injury.
“I have learned in the past five years that everything tends to happen for a reason,” she said.
Because so many places were closed during COVID, she got to spend more time with family. Additionally, her injury allowed her to observe the game from the bench, and she picked her coaches’ brains as she watched.
“These hard situations, although I could not see it at the time, helped me grow as an individual, as a student and as an athlete,” Crippen-Lay said.
She has partnered with the newly formed Turlock Little League Softball and helped guide its player development.
She has given private lessons, put on player clinics, and held multiple coaching clinics.
“I think the most powerful thing I have learned as a student and as an athlete is that it is important to be willing to learn and adapt. The professors and coaches have walked similar paths,” she said.
She plans on returning to Turlock after she graduates to cheer on the athletes and help guide them in their sports careers.
Her own career goals are to become a professor and coach college softball. She said connections she has made at Stanislaus State will afford her the opportunity to play and coach in Europe and New Zealand.
#StanGrad File
Name
Sidney Crippen-Lay
Hometown
Colusa, CA
Degree/Credential
Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology
What memories stand out most from your time at Stanislaus State?
“While attending Stanislaus State, I have had the privilege of being on the softball team for the last five years. I will forever cherish the memories I have made with all of my teammates. The bus rides, early morning weights and practices are things I will miss being a part of. Being a part of the softball program has been one of the best opportunities I have been a part of, and I can’t wait to see this program grow under Coach Aja Scheuber.”
Which faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you, and why?
“The Kinesiology Department has been the best support system while I was trying to navigate the right path for my future. I would like to thank Dr. Susan Eastham and Dr. Erin Hall for always being big supporters of my goals and for helping me find the best major. I also would like to thank Professor Janice Herring for pushing me in the classroom. The three of them all love their jobs, and it translates into energy in their classrooms.”
What advice would you give to current and future students?
“If you are not happy with where you are in life, you are the only person that can change that. Hard work will always pay off. It may not happen immediately, but it will happen.”
Note: This article is part of the StanGrad series highlighting Stanislaus State students who are part of the Class of 2023. Read more StanGrad profiles.
