Former WNEC standout Teddy Woeppel takes winning attitude from volleyball court to business world

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Former Western New England College standout Theodora (Teddy) Woeppel was all business during her outstanding women’s volleyball career.

Now she is about to embark on a new career in the business world as the Marketing Director for Access to Media starting in January. The Chicopee, Massachusetts based company is a marketing and advertising company specializing in serving entrepreneurial businesses, according to its web site.

Woeppel’s new position will require hard work and sharp organizational skills, things she excelled at during her undergraduate career where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication, Media, in 2007.

At present Woeppel serves as the Communications Director for the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc, a position she has held since June 2007. Her responsibilities include lots of media and Chamber membership contact, web site maintenance, public relations, and both editorial and publishing duties.

Somehow she is finding the time to pursue her master’s degree in Communication at the University of Hartford in Connecticut.

“Sometimes I don’t get home until late at night, but it’s been extremely rewarding,” she said. “The classes are engaging and thought-provoking, and I thoroughly enjoy the stimulation and energy a college campus provides. I hope to complete my thesis by next May.”

The 6’2” Woeppel enjoyed a successful career as a middle blocker for four seasons and was among the top players in leading the Golden Bears to a 74-56 record (56.9%) from 2003 through 2006. With Woeppel helping to lead the way, Western New England College advanced to the semifinals of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament all four seasons.

The native of Cooperstown, New York still holds the school record for career blocks (362) and blocks in a match (21 against Framingham State in 2004).

While attending Western New England College, Woeppel completed an internship at CBS 3 in Springfield and served as a Peer Advisor.

Woeppel credits the College and her involvement with the volleyball program with providing her the necessary skills to succeed after graduation.

“While at Western New England College, I received a very solid education, as well as important life experiences,” she said. “The Communication program rivals Syracuse and Emerson, and continues to grow. I still keep in touch with many of the instructors I had, and couldn’t recommend them enough. The College helped me with the tools needed to transition from college to career and beyond.”

Being a member of a highly-competitive Division III volleyball team was something Woeppel will cherish forever.

“I highly-valued and greatly miss being part of the volleyball program,” she remarked. “Coach Greg Poole was positive, energetic, and completely committed to giving our team the ultimate student-athlete experience. I cherished every moment I spent on the court, and value the relationships that were developed with my teammates.

“As an athlete, you come to learn a lot about teamwork, passion, and leadership, and this program did exactly that for me,” Woeppel commented.

This fall Western New England College posted a school record 27-10 this fall and advanced to the championship match of The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) Tournament for the first time in its three years in the league. The Golden Bears then played in their second ECAC New England Division III Championship and reached the semifinals for the first time.

Woeppel was more than a casual observer, she attended several matches.

“I closely followed the team this season and was extremely impressed with the talent and compatibility these women possess. I believe that much of the team’s cohesion and chemistry has to do with its coach and leadership. This was apparent with how first-year head coach Kait Kozak brought her team to the finals of the conference tournament, and then into the semifinals of the ECAC Tournament. I couldn’t believe what a turnaround the program has made and how far it has come,” noted Woeppel.

Woeppel mentioned that she is excited about the future of the team and looks forward to participating in Alumni events.

With her positive attitude and strong work ethic, the future is indeed bright for this Golden Bear.