Competitive Spirit Runs Family Deep for Caufield

(PITTSBURGH, Pa.) - It is easy for Chandler Caufield to say that she truly cannot remember a time of her life without sports.

From the time she was a little girl Caufield has spent every summer shooting hoops with her mom, dad, and sister.  She played tee-ball, soccer, and even ventured into volleyball before finding that her true passion lies in basketball.

It is no surprise that sports plays a large role in her life as sports have always been a major part of her family and shape the way she approaches situations.  Her father, Jay Caufield, played professional hockey winning two Stanley Cup titles with the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Her mother was always involved with running and track and her younger sister will be a freshman on the Allegheny College women's basketball team this year.

"There really are no negatives about having a father who played professional sports," Caufield said. "Growing up in a family of athletes I have inherited a certain mindset, you know what you need to do and work really hard at it."

"Plus, if my dad told me to get on the line for a workout, he knows what he is talking about and I can't really argue with him," Caufield laughed.

Caufield explained how basketball has been her constant, providing an outlet, and saying the sport is something that defines her. 

"You're not just a regular person when you are an athlete, you have a different mindset, and it is that competitive nature, hard work, and dedication that keeps me motivated," Caufield said.

Caufield is a senior on the Carnegie Mellon University women's basketball team and can't imagine not playing the game she has come to love.

"It is kind of weird right now at the beginning of my senior year because I just can't fathom not playing basketball," Caufield said.

Caufield grew up in Pittsburgh and attended North Allegheny High School.  It was always a rule in her family that she had to be involved in some sort of activity, and she chose basketball.

"You have to really love your sport," Caufield said.  "I really loved basketball and wanted to play and even though my dad didn't play basketball we were lucky to have shared interest in sports and he was athletic enough to learn the game and help me."

"Things will get tough in basketball, but you get that gut feeling when you just have to keep going," Caufield continued. "You have to deal with it because you can't just break down and fall over when things are tough."

Being from such a close family of athletes, things can get pretty competitive around the house.

"We certainly are competitive in everything," Caufield said.  "We went to the beach and decided to play some football, but we couldn't just play a game of football. There were rules and each team was planning routes."

Caufield and her younger sister Maddie are close and get along really well.  Caufield is a lot like her dad while Maddie is more like their mom, which makes for friendly family competitions.

"Someone is always a little upset that they lost, but we all get past it," Caufield said.  "We will be playing Allegheny this year and I just cannot wait to play against my sister!"

There is no doubt that you will find Caufield's parents up in the stands for that match-up, as they can be found at almost every home game cheering on the Tartans.

"It is so nice being able to go up and see my family after the game and then sit around and analyze my game play with my dad," Caufield said.  "I am the only local girl on the basketball team, so it is nice to have that support in the stands."

It also has been fun for Caufield to grow on the court in front of her parents as an individual player, but also as a team.  When Caufield was a freshman, it was also head coach Jacquie Hullah's first year. 

"It is nice growing into the game with these girls and Coach Hullah," Caufield said.  "We have learned the system together and have become comfortable playing as a team."

This year, Caufield is looking forward to the women's team advancing to the NCAA tournament and being a major contender in the University Athletic Association (UAA) after a season where the talent was better than what their record showed.

"Last year our record was what it was on paper, but that was not who we were as a team and I think we will do a lot better this year," Caufield said.  "We have strong upperclassmen and all of the freshmen have been great so far."

For Caufield, she is looking forward to entering her senior season.

"I want to do what I haven't done in the past," Caufield said.  "I want to focus on getting my shots and assists and getting my teammates to where they want and need to be also."

The Carnegie Mellon University women's basketball team has their first official practice on October 15 and one month later kick off the season Saturday, November 15 at Waynesburg University at 1:30 p.m.