The college selection and recruiting process for today’s high school student- athletes likely looks a bit different than the one their parents experienced. The deciding factors for many who chose to continue the family legacy at The University of Scranton remain unchanged: lasting connections and factors they describe as “bigger than the great academic and athletic programs.”
Among current Royal athletes,15 have parents who attended the University, and more than half of those participated in Scranton Athletics.
The baseball program includes four second-generation Royal athletes: junior Dominic Chieffalo ‘25, senior Brendan Douthit ‘24, senior Joe Lisicky ‘24 and sophomore Aidan Rumain ‘26.
Chieffalo’s father, Dan ’91, played baseball at the University. The Wall of Fame member ranks in the top 10 in program history in triples, home runs and RBI.
“Seeing my dad’s Scranton experience firsthand definitely played a substantial factor in my decision. My dad is still super close with his teammates and seeing their connection last 25-plus years is powerful. Through this I saw how Scranton is bigger than the great academic and athletic programs ... a place where you can develop lifelong relationships,” Dominic said.
Douthit's father John '90, was also a four-year member of the team.
“Growing up, I always remember going to Scranton, seeing the picture of my dad’s 1990 team in the Long Center trophy cases and hearing stories about the team and Coach (Bill) Howerton,” the younger Douthit said. “There was definitely an impact from my dad having played at Scranton, but...the fact that he has always been so proud of being a Scranton graduate meant much more to me than just the baseball history.”
Multiple members of the Lisicky family attended Scranton. Joe’s father, Jack ’90, played basketball and Joe’s older brother, Jake ’22, was a five-year member of the baseball program. The two brothers were teammates on the 2021 team that captured the first Landmark Conference title in program history.
“I believe my dad and brother going to The University of Scranton played a huge part in me coming here. Whenever I visited my brother, the guys on the team treated me like a brother. The team culture was something that I wanted for my college career,” Joe said. “My dad and brother have done great things as alums of Scranton and I wanted to follow in their footsteps.”
Rumain’s father, Brian ’94, was a four-year member of the men’s soccer program during his time at the University.
“My dad going to Scranton played a part in my choice to come here because of all the positive things he told me about the school and just the overall atmosphere of the town," Aidan said.
Eleven and Counting
Junior Emily Bannon ’25, of the women’s soccer team, has 11 relatives who have all graduated from Scranton, including Emily’s father, Jim ’90, and her brother, James ’23, along with aunts, uncles and cousins. Emily, her dad, and her brother each spent their first year on campus as Driscoll Hall residents.
“Scranton had been my top choice for a long time. It checked a lot of boxes for me. It has a great business school. I love the soccer culture and strong program. The facilities are also beautiful. It’s close to home and my family is here,” Emily said.
Other student-athletes with parents who played a sport at Scranton include:
Sophomore Denis McBride Jr. ’26, men’s soccer team. Father, Denis ’81, played soccer.
Senior Maddy Ryan ’24, women’s basketball program. Mother, Rose ’89, played basketball.
Junior Ashley Usaitis ’25, women’s track and field team. Father, Robert ’91, was a member of the swim team.
Junior Maggie Daly ’25, women’s swimming and diving team. Mother, Sandra ’91, was a member of the cross country team.
First year PJ Kellachan ’27, men’s basketball team. Father, Patrick ’91, was a member of the swim team.
“When I reached out to Coach Matt Pivirotto and decided to check out my dad’s alma mater, it became a homecoming of sorts for my father, Denis McBride Sr. ‘81 and uncle, Thomas McBride ’86, both of whom hadn’t been in Scranton for a couple of decades. The time I spent walking the grounds with the two of them was hilarious as they recounted where former landmarks used to be and what buildings were new additions since they called this place home. The University has a special place in my family’s heart,” Denis McBride Jr. ’26 said.
