When Francesca Beighley, Jillian Durst, and Alyssa Schofield crossed the stage at Carlow’s 2025 Commencement, it wasn’t just a celebration of academic achievement—it was the latest chapter in a friendship that began more than a decade earlier on the little league softball fields of Plum Borough.
“We’ve been close since elementary school,” said Francesca. “Our dads coached us, we played every season together, and we were always at each other’s houses. We just kind of stuck.”
The trio played on the same teams through middle and high school. Even then, they couldn’t have predicted they’d end up attending the same university—let alone graduating together, each entering a different branch of the medical field. What brought them all to Carlow was a combination of scholarship opportunity, a welcoming team culture, and a shared desire to pursue healthcare.
“It was smaller—but it didn’t feel small”
“I originally didn’t even plan to go to Carlow,” Alyssa admitted. “But I went on a tour and something just clicked. It was smaller, yes—but it didn’t feel small. Everyone knew your name. That kind of environment is exactly what I needed.”
Francesca completed her BSN in nursing and recently passed her NCLEX. She’s now preparing to start work in the cardiothoracic ICU at Forbes Hospital in Monroeville. Jillian, who earned her bachelor’s in biology at Carlow, is currently completing her master’s in cardiovascular perfusion—a highly specialized program offered at only a few universities nationwide. Alyssa, who began as a pre-nursing student, pivoted into respiratory therapy after discovering her interest in a more fast-paced, cross-unit hospital role. She’s now studying for her board exams and exploring opportunities at both UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Children’s.
Despite their different majors, they leaned on one another throughout college—academically, athletically, and emotionally. “Carlow made it possible to do both—pursue a challenging medical degree and play softball,” Jillian said. “We had clinicals, labs, exams—and we also had team practices and long bus rides to games. But the professors were flexible, the coach understood, and we always had each other.”
“You’ll crush it”
That support was a lifeline in a challenging environment and their bond made a difference. “We’d see each other in passing and be like, ‘You’ve got this test—you’ll crush it.’ Or we’d be studying on the team bus thanks to the Wi-Fi,” said Francesca.
Some of their most meaningful memories came from Carlow’s annual spring break trip to Florida for softball training. “We always dreamed about something like that as kids,” Francesca said. “Getting to do it together, in a beach house, with our parents there—it was surreal.”
Every year, the Carlow softball team rents a large beach house, giving players a chance to truly bond. “That week made us feel like a real team,” said Jillian. “It wasn’t just about the games—it was about building trust, making memories, and enjoying this rare chance to live, play, and study side by side.”
The three credit Coach Glenn Zinsmeister for being a constant advocate—understanding when clinicals conflicted with games, stepping in when students needed academic flexibility, and creating a team culture where student-athletes could thrive without sacrificing their goals. “He cared more about us as people than just as players,” Alyssa said. “And so did our professors.”
Eventually, both Alyssa and Jillian stepped back from the team due to the growing demands of their programs. But even then, the connection never broke. “Even when I wasn’t playing anymore, I still felt like part of the team,” Alyssa said. “Nobody made me feel bad about it. They just cared about me. That’s what makes Carlow different.”
“You just have to want it”
Their advice to future students? Don’t underestimate the power of community. “If you’re worried about balancing a sport and a medical career—don’t be,” said Jillian. “Carlow has the support in place to help you do both. You just have to want it.”
“And take a tour,” Alyssa added. “Once you see the campus and meet the people, it all feels different.”
Now entering the next phase of their professional lives, Francesca, Jillian, and Alyssa know they’ll continue to lean on each other as colleagues, as friends, and as Celtics—part of the Carlow Community.
“It definitely wasn’t always easy,” Francesca said. “But we made it work. That’s what we’ve always done.”