Alumna/us Athlete of the Month: Caitlyn Petro '16

Alumna/us Athlete of the Month: Caitlyn Petro '16
Brewster Athletics

Alumna/us Athlete of the Month: Caitlyn Petro '16
UMass Amherst Lacrosse

Our final Alum of the Month for the year goes to an alumna whose school spirit and passion for Brewster athletics ran deep. Her passion ran so deep, in fact, that in her senior year, she started a Bobcat Nation Club and spent much of her time spreading Brewster spirit across campus! It is with great excitement we announce Caitlyn Petro as our featured alum for May. Along with being a Brewster superfan, Petro was one of the best lacrosse players the program has seen.  She was a two-year standout for the Bobcats and led them to the Lakes Region League championship game in her senior year along with being named a League All-Star.  

“Petro was dominant for us during those two years,” noted head coach Melissa Lawlor. “She was excellent at the draw and could really shoot the ball. I’m so excited for her and her successes at UMass. In addition, she was just a great kid to have in our program.  A real team-first type of player!”

After Brewster, Petro went to UMass Amherst where she was a four-year contributor in their lacrosse program. Although her season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Petro was having her best season yet, and earlier this month was named a NCAA Division I All-American. Petro is the first Brewster alumni to earn that recognition from the Girls Lacrosse program. Other notable accolades for the Manchester, N.H. native during her UMass career include being a two-year captain, named to Atlantic-10 All-Tournament team as a junior, and being the UMass record holder in draw controls per game.


With her season being unfortunately cut short, Petro had time to connect with Bobcat Nation and reflect on her careers both at Brewster and on the college level.

Bobcat Nation: How did Brewster prepare you for the rigors of life after high school?

Petro: Everyone hears this constantly, but I just have to say it again—time management! Brewster really prepared me for juggling school, lacrosse, and everything else that comes with being a Division I athlete. I was well adjusted and settled into a schedule early in my college career because of the preparation I received Brewster.

Bobcat Nation: What are your best memories from being a student-athlete at Brewster?

Petro: First off, I just loved every second of my time at Brewster! But there are a few moments that definitely stood out: I really enjoyed the Nate Billings Classic games under the lights on Brown Field. The boys and girls played back-to-back games and it just seemed the entire Brewster community came out to those games. There seemed to be such great spirit and camaraderie at those games. And, my junior year watching the Girls’ Varsity Soccer team beat Berwick down on Palazzo Field in penalty kicks was unreal. Again, it was a game that the whole school was there for, and although I was not a soccer player, just to be a part of that atmosphere was special and made all the students proud to be at Brewster.

Bobcat Nation: Who were the teachers that had the biggest influence on you from Brewster?

Petro: I truly feel that every staff member at Brewster had an influence on me at some point in my two years, but I would have to say the relationship that I had and still have with Melissa Lawlor is important. I am thankful for all that she did for me in those two years and really appreciate all she has done for me. I would also have to mention Mr. Palmer and Mrs. Found, as they were both very supportive of me academically.

Bobcat Nation: What’s been your best moment playing at UMass?

Petro: The 2017 NCAA Tournament run—we won our conference tournament that year and upset a top 10 team.We fell in the round of 16, but it was just a special team and one that I will never forget. I also need to include our win over Boston College this year. They have been one of the top programs nationally and our in-state rival, and to knock them off this season was such a great feeling.

Bobcat Nation: What is your advice to current Brewster students?

Petro: I just would want the current students to appreciate the people they have around them. The friends you make and the relationships built at Brewster will last a lifetime. Additionally, take advantage of the teachers, because they are some of the best and have tons to give and they just want to help you succeed.

Bobcat Nation: What are you studying and what are your plans after UMass?

Petro: I have one more year of eligibility remaining and I am a marketing major at the Isenberg School of Management. I also am working toward a minor in communications and hope to land something in either field…but I still have some time.

Photos courtesy of Umass Athletics