Name: Kaci Redding Wright
Graduation Year: 2004
Major: BA in Special Education/ Elementary Education
What have you been up to since graduating from Monmouth?
After graduating Monmouth in 2004, I started my career as a first grade teacher in the Holmdel School District. At Holmdel, I was the head girls' cross country coach and assistant track and field coach for nine years. I got married to my husband, Craig, in 2013. I also taught one year in Louisville, KY while he completed his fellowship program in orthopedic surgery. We now live in Montclair, NJ with our two children Shane (3) and Sloane (1).
What is your fondest memory at Monmouth?
This is a tough question to answer. As crazy as it sounds, I would have to say my freshman year of preseason. I remember being excited and proud but extremely nervous and scared. The first day we met on the track for one of our run tests and the amount of support, encouragement, and the overall positive atmosphere was when I realized I had made the best decision in coming to Monmouth and was right where I needed to be. I quickly learned that preseason was more than getting in shape. It was a time to bond with your teammates and set the tone for the season. This is when I met my friends for life.
If you could travel anywhere in the world next week where would you go and why?
I would love to tour Italy and enjoy the culture, wine, and food. On my way home, I'd make a stop in the Alps and snowboard which I learned to love after college.
If you could master one skill right now that you don't have, what would it be?
Photography is something I have always had an interest in and would love to pursue. I often think "that would be such a great picture" and to be able to capture special moments the way I see it would be fun. I also would love to master the skill of meditation. It's hard to find time to slow down and to be able to be in the moment but also so important and needed.
If you could give advice to a current Monmouth player, what would it be?
Know that your time at Monmouth will go quick and it's time you will never get back. Cherish the time you have with your teammates and take advantage of the knowledge of your coaches. Everything you go through both positive and negative is a learning experience.
How did your time at Monmouth prepare you for life after graduation?
Monmouth provided me with a great, practical education and I truly utilized what I learned and applied it to in my profession. Many life lessons were taught in the unique situation of being a student-athlete. I learned that a strong work ethic, determination, and having your heart in the right place will get you positive results in life.
Between your former teammates and coaches, who has had the most impact on your life?
Both my teammates and coaches have had a huge impact on my life. Without Coach Turner having confidence in me as a player, I most likely would not have ended up at Monmouth. Being a student-athlete at Monmouth is a huge part of who I am today. I learned from Coach that hard work ethic does not go unnoticed which is something that has always stayed with me. I appreciate the time and effort Coach Turner puts into the alumni and although your time playing at Monmouth is over, you always feel like you are part of the program. My teammates during my time at Monmouth have become my lifelong friends whom I don't know what I would do without. We have lived together, been in each others weddings, and have supported each other well beyond our time at Monmouth. I am very grateful for the time I had at Monmouth, for the memories made, and the friends I met.
