Lauren Caiaccia, a physical education teacher and girls varsity basketball coach, was inducted into the Binghamton University Athletics Hall of Fame on September 27 for being part of the university’s 1995 women’s volleyball team.

The entire team earned their Hall of Fame induction this fall after years of process and consideration. Binghamton University Sports Information Director John Hartrick said, “The 1995 volleyball team set several historic ‘firsts’ which makes it stand out as a Hall of Fame team.”

For Coach Caiaccia, this is her second time entering the Hall of Fame. In addition to her team’s recognition this year, she was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004 as an individual player for her impact on the program. She was also named the University’s “Athlete of the Year” in 1995 and received both the ECAC Merit Medal and John Bilos Award in 1996.

Led by head coach Sheryl Sousa, the 1995 volleyball team finished the season 40-9 with the program’s highest win percentage at 82%. The team captured Binghamton’s first-ever SUNYAC and New York State titles and became the first to reach the NCAA Division III tournament.

“Being able to share [the induction] with my teammates this past fall was truly an incredible experience. It brought back so many great memories. We all felt young again,” Coach Caiaccia said.

Coach Sheryl said, “What made the 1995 Binghamton volleyball season truly special was the people. Every team member played a vital role in achieving something remarkable. We prioritized teamwork, and I’m proudest of how a diverse group came together to fully function as one unit. The collaboration we built meant as much as the victories themselves.”

Coach Caiaccia was a standout outside hitter and multi-sport athlete. During her time at Binghamton, she earned All-SUNYAC honors, set six school records, and helped lead the volleyball team to record-breaking wins. 

Coach Sheryl said, “Her athletic ability was exceptional, but what really set her apart was her unwavering passion for the game. She combined raw talent with a tireless work ethic and a genuine love for volleyball.”

Marnie Andrews Cooley, a player on the team, discussed Coach Caiaccia’s energy and leadership on and off the court.

“She was the spark of ignition for almost all the spirit and enthusiasm our team exuded during those years,” Ms. Cooley said. “She never let us get down, and that was key to keeping our momentum in all the hard moments we faced.”

Coach Caiaccia said she remembers wanting to give her best every day, knowing that the effort and commitment would lead to wins and success: “We had a chant we used to do: ‘The team united shall never be defeated.’”

Coach Caiaccia was more focused on softball and basketball until her sophomore year at THHS. At that time, she was encouraged by Wanda Nix, the namesake of the THHS gym, to try out for varsity volleyball. 

The exploration and courage she received from her time at THHS led her to try out for Binghamton’s volleyball team. “Townsend Harris taught me to take risks, give your 100%, not be afraid to fail, and to go after your passion,” Coach Caiaccia said.

Being part of the Binghamton volleyball team held a deeper meaning to Coach Caiaccia. In her induction ceremony speech, she said, “We were women’s sports before women’s sports are the way they are today. I am grateful for the opportunities Binghamton provided young female athletes in the 90s. It was life changing. Because of Binghamton, it really drew me [into pursuing a career in education and sports].”

After graduating and spending years coaching at various colleges, Ms. Caiaccia began teaching at THHS in 2007. “Through my teaching and coaching, I strive to leave THHS ‘greater than I found it’ by creating environments where effort, sportsmanship, and teamwork inspire students and athletes toward their highest personal and professional growth,” she said. 

Alumna Sierra Berkel played basketball for THHS under the guidance of Coach Caiaccia.  “After playing [basketball] at THHS, I then played at the next level in college, and now I am teaching and coaching at a high school,” she said. “[Coach Caiaccia’s] model of how to really inspire athletes is one that I borrow from in my work every day. She genuinely cares, and that’s what makes her so unique.”

Current sophomore and varsity basketball player Ava Yan said she appreciates how intense and passionate Coach Caiaccia is. “I like that she always pushes us to be the best we could be,” Ava said. “She makes sure our practices are scheduled to work on all aspects of our game. While it may seem really intense, it does help us in the long run.”

For Coach Sheryl, what began as a coach-athlete relationship has since evolved into something deeper. “Transitioning from being her coach to becoming her colleague and friend has been a truly rewarding experience,” she said. “It’s not often that you get to see someone grow from a dedicated athlete into a respected professional and peer.”

“I think a lot of times growth doesn’t happen until either you are uncomfortable or experience failure,” Coach Caiaccia said. “The greatest successes come from taking risks, so don’t be afraid to take that risk, put yourself out there, seek the training, get extra help, and put in the hard work. Each game is one game at a time, and no opponent is out of reach.”