Generations of Competitors

CJ Spadafora

Family traditions create lasting memories and foster a sense of shared history and a sense of belonging. CJ Spadafora is proud of his heritage and the lasting legacy his family will have on the university and its athletic programs. It began with his grandparents, Ann and Cecil Spadafora, who were among the very first donors to establish a football scholarship, and his parents, who instilled in him the importance of giving back to the community. As a former collegiate athlete, making an impact on the life of a student-athlete is just one of the reasons he enjoys giving to IUP. Honoring the legacy of his grandfather is another. Cecil’s passion was golf and the Spadafora family generously supported the golf program. Helping coaches improve their programs is important to CJ. Former coaches have been like family to the Spadafora family. Shared passions ignite bonds and friendships that last a lifetime and the bond between the Spadafora family and IUP is still going strong. Recently, CJ established the Spadafora IUP Swim Team Enhancement Fund which will ensure the sustained growth and excellence of the swimming and diving program. The greatest lesson CJ learned from his grandfather was the importance of a thriving community and how you do not have to be a graduate of IUP to appreciate the integral role the university has in the community. Strong communities build strong businesses, and strong families build both.

Paige Mikesell ’22

Her parents have always been supportive of her and her siblings—all competitive swimmers. But Paige Mikesell credits her two siblings, Claire, and Luke, for pushing her to be a better competitor. In 2021, she and her siblings—all members of the IUP Swimming and Diving team—achieved All-America status, a feat unprecedented in IUP history. When asked by recruits what makes IUP swimming and diving a great team, Paige immediately gives the top credits to her coaches, Chris Villa and Adam Stoner whom she believes to be two of the best coaches ever. “They know how to push you to success, but also stress the importance of life balance outside of swimming,” she said. Good facilities are also crucial. To compete at the collegiate level demands rigorous training, mental resilience, and passion for pushing physical limits. Having two operating pools on campus ensured that every team member had time in the pool to refine their technique, build endurance, and enhance their overall performance. She is grateful to donors like the Spadafora family who recognize the importance of quality facilities and the direct impact they have on the performance of the athletes. Also, a scholarship recipient, Paige is grateful for the help offered to her as a student. Without it, it would be difficult to be a successful student-athlete. Because of her success in the pool, Paige has reaped the rewards of a successful collegiate career and gives back by giving lessons to the next generation of swimmers.