Where Are They Now? Kristen Downing

Far and away the all-time singles wins leader in Seton Hall tennis history, Kristen Downing served as the anchor on some of the most successful teams in program history.

A regional and conference power under former head coach Kevin McGlynn, the Pirate teams of the mid-nineties featured four of the five winningest players ever to compete for SHU. Downing was joined by Hope McGratty (57 career wins), Sharla Ciaco (61 career wins) and Kriss Poldma (65 career wins) in helping to carry on the proud tradition started by Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Famer Sue Patton, who guided the program through its first 18 years of existence and posted 17 winning seasons.

In her time at The Hall, Downing racked up an unrivaled total of 86 wins as an individual. According to the SHU record book, she remains the only Pirate other than 2012 All-BIG EAST selection Chloe Sher to post multiple 20-win seasons, with her 26 victories in 1992-93 ranking as the third-highest single-season total in the 39-year history of Seton Hall tennis.

Her effort that year was instrumental in lifting Seton Hall tennis to new heights as the team completed season with an unblemished 17-0 dual match record that included a 5-0 mark against BIG EAST opponents, establishing a standard of excellence for all future Pirates to follow.

Downing, now Kristen Liteplo, currently resides in Massachusetts with her husband and two children. A long-time proponent of the game, she has worked within the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for over a decade.

With tennis season well underway for our current Pirates here at The Hall, SHUPirates.com had the chance to catch up with the program’s all-time wins leader as a part of our ongoing Where Are They Now? series.

Q: Where do you live now and what are you up to these days?

Liteplo: I live in Reading, Mass. with my husband of 11 years and our two children. We have a daughter Maya who is about to turn six and a son, Michael who just turned three. I work for the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and am about to enter my 12th year with the organization. I work in the Community Department where we help to grow the sport of tennis across Eastern Mass.

Q: What is your favorite memory as a Pirate?

Liteplo: All of my favorite memories of college include the tennis team. We had a unbelievable coach and great teammates. I don't recall all the wins and losses but my favorite part of being part was being part of the team and the road trips! The friendships I made continue to this day.

Q: Do you still keep in touch with any of your former teammates and if so, who?

Liteplo: Yes, I am able to keep in touch with many of my former teammates either in person, phone or Facebook. Some of these players include Jen O'Neil, Sharla Caico, Kaire and Kriss Poldma, Tera Benoit, Tammy Zawacki, Judy McAuley, Monique Williams, and Tami Galeai.

Q: Do you still follow the Pirates and what are your thoughts on the program today?

Liteplo: Yes, I still keep follow the SHU tennis program. I have exchanged emails and have had phone conversations with the current coach Greg Wyzykowski. He is doing a great job and the current players are fortunate to have him. Coach Wyzykowski has been involved with the USTA as a coach and contributor. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program.

Q: As you know, the support of former student-athletes to Pirate Blue is critically important. Why do you think it's important to give back to the current generation of student-athletes?

Liteplo: My time at Seton Hall was such a fantastic experience for me. It is important to me that the Athletic Dept can continue to provide current and future student-athletes the same opportunities it did for me.

GO PIRATES!

Check back soon to see if one of your favorite former Pirates will be the subject of our next installment of Where Are They Now?

Previous Where Are They Now? Interviews

February 21, 2013

"Gyrating" Joe Lorenzo - Alumnus

February 6, 2013

Luther Wright - Men's Basketball, 1991-93

January 16, 2013

John Morris - Baseball, 1980-82

December 12, 2012

Rimas Kaukenas - Men's Basketball, 1996-00

November 28, 2012

Clark Topping - Men's Golf, 1996-1999