Bourgade Catholic, 2008
St. Louis the King, 2004
Before moving on to Bourgade Catholic in 2004, Cecilia attended St. Louis the King Catholic School in Glendale. Once she reached Bourgade, Cece sought the path of a promising athletic career while also staying highly active in many of Bourgade’s clubs, including a stint as Freshmen Class Treasurer in the 2004-2005 school year. Among all of Cece’s extra-curricular involvement, it was her performances on the volleyball court and on the softball diamond that really shined.
After graduating Bourgade Catholic, Cece pursued a bachelor’s degree in Biology at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (UAPB), where she was also a four-year starter on the Golden Lions softball team. Her junior season, Cece made 2nd Team All-Conference and in her senior season, the All-Tournament Team.
Succeeding her undergraduate success, Cece played one season of professional softball overseas in the Austrian Softball League, before returning to UAPB to enter their master’s program. Cece also returned to the UAPB softball diamond as a graduate assistant for three seasons. Cece would complete her master’s program earning a degree in College Student Personnel and a master’s certificate in Advising. UAPB would soon become Cece’s home for education, softball and her professional career path.
In 2014, Cece became a university recruiter in UAPB’s Office of Recruitment. In 2017 she transitioned into a Scholarship Coordinator role and then later into a Transfer Coordinator role which she is currently active in today. She also remains active in her coaching role for the Golden Lions softball team. Cece had never anticipated working in higher education until her time as a recruiter where she was able to connect with students who were transitioning from high school into college. Her passion for seeing students succeed quickly developed and it would inspire her to reflect on her own journey of success from Bourgade to UAPB.
Cece remains fond of mentors like Coach Huff who had a tremendous impact on her growth as an athlete and a person. Over recent years, Cece’s reflection of her path inspired her to make a promise for her 30th birthday — to give back to the community that helped her grow.
Cece fulfilled her promise by funding two $250.00 scholarships. These scholarships have helped support the tuition needs for two of Bourgade’s student-athletes who have demonstrated outstanding performance in the classroom and out on the softball diamond.
If you would like to nominate a graduate of one of the Diocese of Phoenix’s Catholic elementary schools or high schools, please email Colleen McCoy-Cejka at cmccoy-cejka@ceaz.org.
