The “Deerfield” that we wear across our chests every Wednesday and Saturday does not just appear out of thin air. It takes countless hours of hard work, meticulous organization, and fierce dedication to be able to prepare nearly 440 student athletes for both practice and competition each season. Having to juggle uniforms, greens and grays, equipment, and so much else is not a job for the faint of heart. This year, the athletics stockroom welcomes Ms. Cathy Markowski as Stockroom coordinator.

Ms. Markowski returns to the Valley from Windsor, Connecticut. She brings with her a wide variety of athletics experience, ranging from competing to coaching and everything in between. She started her athletic journey as a stand-out volleyball player at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Since her collegiate career, she has coached at various institutions including Elms College, Worcester Polytechnic Institutions, Turners Falls High School, and the Loomis Chaffee School.

Prior to coaching the varsity volleyball team at Deerfield in 2008, Ms. Markowski was the Head Volleyball at College of Our Lady of the Elms in nearby Chicopee, Massachusetts. During her time at Elms, Ms. Markowski was awarded the 2007 North Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year after leading her team to an impressive 6-2 record in conference and a playoff berth.

Following her first stint at Deerfield, Ms. Markowski coached the volleyball team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Under her guidance, the Goats went over 0.500 in a very competitive conference. Before returning to Deerfield, Ms. Markowski led Loomis to a Class A New England Championship. Ms. Markowski worked closely with current Athletic Director Robertson Howe during her time in Windsor and he played a very large role in bringing her back to Deerfield.

Leading up to the Choate Day, Ms. Markowski could not be more happy to be a Door saying: “I cannot wait, the school spirit here at Deerfield is awesome!”