Women's Basketball | 4/6/2020 12:22:00 PM

At Rensselaer, we are proud to recognize the student-athletes who are members of the Class of 2020. We thank them for their hard work, dedication and tremendous efforts in representing the Institute in a first-class manner academically and athletically. We wish them well as they continue to complete the semester and become Rensselaer alumni / alumnae. 

While at Rensselaer:
Four-year performer ... Played 96 career games, scoring 591 points with 457 rebounds and 90 blocks ... Senior: Captain ... Averaged 15.7 points and 11.6 rebounds with 70 blocks ... All-Liberty League Second Team ... Liberty League Defensive Player of the Year ... Industrial and Management Engineering major ... Minor in Business and Finance ... SAAC ... Marketing and Promotional Coordinator in 2019-20 ... Internships at National Grid and Providence Water.

Favorite sports memory during career?
"The hundreds of memories I have with my teammates. Winning, losing, laughing. My teammates becoming family over a year of incredible moments." - April 2020

What makes Rensselaer so special?
"The ability to bring people together and watch and cultivate relationships and trust and friendships and in the process accomplish something great. I would pick the moments when my teammates pick me up off the floor or when you know your teammate is having a rough day and you see how the spirit of the locker room can pick them up. How one of your teammates can make your day. The happiness I get when I am walking and see one of my teammates on the other end of campus. Eating breakfast after 6am lift and before 8am class. Studying in the union. Crying in the locker room. The trust and love that you get along with those memories will last for a lifetime connection with my teammates." - April 2020

What are your post-graduation plans?
"I will be working for Procter & Gamble next year as an engineering line manager." - April 2020

From the coaching staff:
"Celia is a prime example of knowing that past accomplishments and accolades do not entitle one to opportunity or future success, but that both are predicated on hard work, commitment, perseverance and growth. She came to RPI as the Rhode Island Basketball Player of the Year, but knew that accomplishment and recognition didn't entitle her to a position, playing time or a leadership role on the team. She committed herself to the work needed to become an excellent collegiate basketball player, a starter and captain. She transformed herself physically, while always remaining a student of the game. Perhaps Celia's greatest growth came when she couldn't play due to injury. Rather than languishing in self-pity, she chose to focus on rehabbing and being a team leader in other ways, teaching and encouraging in practices and games. She became a team organizer for community service, funding raising, team building and bonding. And, it didn't stop. Celia's growth in leadership expanded right through the 2019-20 season. She combined her intelligent, analytical and organizational abilities with her sense of humor, caring, ebullient spirit and passion to pursue excellence and motivate her teammates to do the same." - April 2020

What others say:
"One of the kindest people I have ever met; from day one she included all of us in everything we did, on and off court, and held no judgement of any kind. She has a really kind personality and is very easy to talk to and get along with. Celia is a great leader who held everyone to high standards." - March 2020

"I have never met someone so dedicated to not only basketball but her own teammates well being. Celia was a true captain on and off the court. She always made it her mission to push everyone on the court and make sure she included everyone off the court. She worked for every minute she played and pushed others to do the same. Celia has overcome so much these past four year and I have full confidence that she can overcome anything that the world has for her next. Love you!" - March 2020

"Celia represents everything that a teammate captain should be. She worked hard off the court to ensure team unity and worked hard on the court to help us be the best team possible. We'll miss your height,C, but we'll miss your heart more. Grateful to call you my teammate and friend. Best of luck with everything." - April 2020

"Celia Tomlinson is a role model in every aspect. Whether it was on the court cheering her teammates on or planning team bonding activities, Celia did it all. She always lifted everyone's spirits and offered encouraging words. One of my favorite things about Celia is that she had a special nickname for every player on the team. That's just one example of how much the team meant to her. We will miss you!" - April 2020

"Celia Tomlinson is an extraordinary person. She will put others before herself every time, and will go to all ends of the earth for someone. I am super lucky to call her my best friend. Love you WYFE." - April 2020

"She's brought the team closer and made it a family. She has also been a great example on the court to finish her basketball career on the highest note possible." - April 2020 

All Senior Celebration Series pieces are available by clicking HERE.