FangSide Chats: Getting to Know Kaitlin Teniente

During the summer, St. Mary's athletics will be bringing you "Fangside Chats: Getting to Know" profiles of our head coaches to shine a light on who they are outside of their sport.
 
We sat down with Director of Esports Kaitlin Teniente to find out more about her as she enters season six at St. Mary's. The Rattlers are coming off an extremely successful season that saw the five teams go a combined 41-19 in competition and three of the teams reached at least the quarterfinals in the ECAC, including Rocket League, which won the title.
 
Q: What is your favorite place you've ever traveled?
A: Barcelona, Spain for the food, the scenery and the people. While I was working at Wizards of the Coast supporting the esports marketing team, I had the opportunity to travel to Europe for a Magic: the Gathering event, which featured a tournament for professional and amateur players. This experience gave me the courage to step outside my comfort zone and embrace challenging opportunities.
 
Q: What do you enjoy doing most when you're not coaching or recruiting?
A: Disconnecting from the internet and social media to enjoy movies, books, and spending time with my family.
 
Q: What movie will you always watch on tv, no matter how many times you've seen it?
A: Ocean's Eleven
 
Q: What is your favorite quote and why does it resonate with you?
A: "What we all want from work is to be valued members of a winning team on an inspiring mission." - Graham Weston. As a coach and a leader, this quote serves as a daily reminder of our team's goals and accomplishments while also recognizing individuals for their contributions.
 
Q: Do you have a useless talent?
A: I taught my cat a few tricks: sit, spin, and handshake!
 
Q: If your pets could speak English, what do you think they'd say?
A: My cat, Layla, would probably say I stay up too late and should feed her more wet food.
 
Q: Name three songs on your playlist right now.
A: Once In a Lifetime - Talking Heads; Real Love - Mary J. Blige; Grace - Devon Wash
 
Q: What is your favorite sport to play, other than the one you coach?
A: Golf and tennis.
 
Q: If you could relive one moment from your life, which would you choose and why?
A: December 5, 2022, Rainbow Six Siege against Illinois State. We had an incredible 3-map series comeback that qualified us for the CEA Invite League grand finals. The energy in the Esports arena and production room was electric, and it's one of my proudest moments at St. Mary's.
 
Q: What is the weirdest food combination you love?
A: The soggiest French fries from McDonald's and a crisp Diet Coke.