Spider Soccer: Fitzgerald and Garcia Gain Real-World Experience Through Summer Internships
07/25/2025 | Women's Soccer
Two University of Richmond Soccer student-athletes spent their summer breaks pursuing internships aligned with their long-term career goals, gaining hands-on experience while preparing for their final fall season at UR.
Fitzgerald Gains Real-World Perspective at EY
Kiley Fitzgerald, a senior from Glen Allen, Va., interned with Ernst & Young in Richmond as an assurance intern. After discovering an interest in accounting during her sophomore year, she sought out an opportunity to apply her classroom knowledge in a professional environment.
"I developed a passion for accounting and wanted to understand how it operates beyond the classroom," Fitzgerald said. "I wanted to gain practical experience and see how the field works in the real world."
Each day at EY began with a check-in meeting to review priorities and assignments with her team. From there, she spent her time completing tasks and staying in regular communication with coworkers to track progress and receive feedback. She often joined fellow interns or team members for lunch and returned in the afternoon to continue project work.
"One significant lesson I learned is that curiosity is a valuable strength," Fitzgerald said. "It's essential to never hesitate in asking questions, even if they seem insignificant. The goal is to absorb as much knowledge as possible and grow both personally and professionally."
She credited her time at Richmond, both academically and athletically, for preparing her for the demands of a full-time work schedule.
"Balancing school and soccer gave me the tools to handle a full-time schedule," she said. "Even when I'm fatigued, I've learned how to persevere. A 9-to-5 job can be challenging, but as student-athletes, we're used to managing that kind of workload."
Outside of work hours, Fitzgerald made time to train before and after work and continued to think about her post-graduation future. Her internship experience left a lasting impression.
"Experiencing a typical day and week at EY revealed that a career in accounting is vastly different from the misconceptions many people hold," she said. "I was pleasantly surprised by the dynamic nature of the work and the engaging environment. It has solidified my desire to pursue this path after graduating from Richmond."
Garcia Explores Clinical and Surgical Settings
Anna Garcia, a senior from Newark, Del., interned as a medical assistant at Cardiology Physicians P.A., supporting patient care while gaining exposure to several medical specialties. In addition to assisting with clinical responsibilities, she also had the opportunity to shadow orthopedic, thoracic and breast oncology surgeons.
"I've always known I wanted to go into medicine, and this role gave me direct exposure to both the clinical and procedural sides of patient care," Garcia said. "I'm currently deciding between applying to Physician Assistant programs or medical school, and this experience helped me better understand both paths."
Her daily routine began around 7 a.m., rooming patients, reviewing medications and assisting with diagnostic procedures such as EKGs and device checks for pacemakers and defibrillators. She also observed surgeries ranging from lung resections to fracture repairs, experiences that expanded her perspective on healthcare delivery.
"I gained insight into how patients navigate life during and after cancer treatment," Garcia said. "One of the biggest lessons I learned is the importance of always being empathetic in communication. How you speak to someone can transform a patient's experience."
She also noticed how the teamwork and time management skills developed through Spider Soccer translated directly to the clinical setting.
"Being a part of Spider Soccer has helped me develop the discipline, resilience and teamwork skills that are essential in healthcare," she said. "Balancing academics and athletics taught me how to work effectively with others and manage my time efficiently."
In addition to her internship, Garcia completed two summer classes, continued training, and began preparing her graduate school applications.
"I've always thrived with structure and clear goals," Garcia said. "Training with teammates this summer has been a huge highlight. It reminded me why I love what I do."
Garcia said the experience confirmed her interest in a patient-facing career in medicine.
"Watching providers make such a meaningful impact, whether in the clinic or the OR, inspired me to pursue a career where I can combine clinical skill with compassionate, hands-on care," she said. "This summer gave me the clarity and confidence that I'm on the right path."
"We're incredibly proud of Kiley and Anna for the work they've put in off the field this summer," Head Coach Adam Denton said. "They're not only preparing for a strong final season with Spider Soccer, but also laying the foundation for life after college. It's exciting to see them pursue these career opportunities with the same passion and drive they bring to our team."
Fitzgerald and Garcia will return to the pitch this fall as Richmond begins its 2025 season on August 14 at VMI with kickoff slated for 4 p.m..
