The 2025-26 Rams Reflect is the 11th in a series of annual collections. Senior captains and representatives of Suffolk teams have been invited to contribute viewpoints based on personal experience from both their senior seasons and full varsity careers at Suffolk University.
For a complete listing of past and present Rams’ Reflections, click here.
Chloe Clement, Women's Volleyball | Hometown: Lynn, Mass. | Major: Biology
If you had told me eight years ago that I would be playing collegiate volleyball, I would’ve laughed. When I stepped into the gym at Lynn Classical High School for freshmen volleyball tryouts, I knew nothing about the ins and outs of the game. All I knew is that the moment I picked up the ball, I finally found my game. Long practices, difficult losses, moments of doubt, and unforgettable wins all shaped me throughout high school, eventually leading to a senior season that changed my life. Still, while many athletes had already been navigating recruiting for years, I was only beginning to understand it halfway through my senior year. I was terrified that the journey I worked so hard for might end before it truly began. Then I got an email from Suffolk University.
When the coaching staff told me they would be watching at Boston Volleyball Festival, I knew it was my opportunity. That weekend, I played my heart out. Despite every mistake or loss, Coach Blanchard and Coach Sarah saw something in me that I hadn’t yet learned to see in myself.
I still remember riding up to the third floor of Ridgeway with my mom for my visit, completely overwhelmed with butterflies. But as the tour went on and the nerves slowly faded, I began to imagine what life could look like as a Ram, and the choice became clear. I mean how could I pass up on the team snack bag or the frigid gym temperatures?
While the campus and possibilities drew me in, it was truly the people who made Suffolk feel like home. The memories I’ve made with this people of this program will last a lifetime: the Lasell reverse sweep, receiving Elite 21, walking through the Dairy Queen drive-thru in Sandusky, Ohio, and playing Werewolf in the hotel lobby in Philly (sorry coach) are just a few of the countless memories I’ll carry with me forever.
To Coach Scott Blanchard, I am eternally grateful for the opportunity you gave me. I cannot imagine where I would be today without you. You helped me become not only a better player, but a better person. Taking a chance on me - even after the near loss to that 15s team - meant more to me than you’ll ever know, and there was never a day I took that for granted. You and the coaching staff created a home and a built-in sisterhood where young women could grow into themselves, and for that I will always be grateful. We’ll keep working on lunch plans and pronouncing my middle name.
To my teammates, thank you for bringing more friendship, laughter, and love into my life than I ever thought possible. From Delaney More listening to me vent, while studying for Biochemistry, to Jasmine James getting me to dance at those brutal 8 a.m. practices, and every laugh shared with the senior pack - thank you for making Suffolk feel like home. To the younger girls, thank you for trusting me as a captain and helping me rediscover confidence in myself. Every woman I had the privilege of sharing the court with shaped me into who I am today, and I could not be prouder to call myself your teammate
To the incoming Rams, I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but it holds true - this time goes by so fast. In the blink of an eye, you’ll be making your last serve, pass, set, or swing, and it’ll seem like just yesterday when it all began. Be a shoulder to cry on in the dark moments and a cheerleader in the light ones. Take every opportunity to learn and grow from your coaches, trainers, and teammates. And most importantly, let Coach “ace” you when you’re playing Queens.
To those who laid the foundation for my time here at Suffolk - Coach Leblanc, Coach Richards, and the Mass Impact staff - thank you from the bottom of my heart. From the basic rules of volleyball to the recruiting process, and every step between, none of this would’ve been possible without your support.
Suffolk Volleyball, you’ve helped me through battles nobody knew I was fighting. When life felt like a rollercoaster, you were my constant. You’ve prepared me for whatever comes next and I am eternally grateful for all you’ve done for me.
Sincerely,
Chloe Clement #23
Proud daughter of Evelyn Crowley
Proud big sister of Davin Clement Jr.