At CDS, Jackie Fitz-Randolph, Class of 2015, was more than just a standout student; she was a dynamic leader on the tennis court and a beloved, integral member of our tight-knit school community. Joining the tennis team in 8th grade, Jackie quickly became known for her unwavering commitment, skill, and leadership, traits that only deepened as her passion for the sport grew throughout her time at CDS.
But what truly set Jackie apart wasn’t just her athleticism, it was her dedication to learning and her ability to balance both academic and athletic pursuits with grace and determination. In CDS's supportive, close-knit environment, Jackie thrived academically. The smaller class sizes made it easy for her to engage with her teachers and confidently ask questions. One experience in particular, her public speaking class, left a lasting impact, shaping her communication skills in ways that have resonated throughout her life.
"My public speaking class changed the way I communicate. It gave me the confidence I needed, not just for business but in every aspect of my life," she shares.
There’s a memory Jackie often reflects on from those early days at CDS, a moment that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of her high school experience. It was the fan bus trip to Orlando for the state championships, a tradition that brought the whole school together to cheer on the team. “There was so much school spirit,” Jackie remembers with a smile.
Little did she know, the lessons learned at CDS, on the court and in the classroom, would go on to shape both her career and her approach to life. By the time Jackie graduated in 2015, she was ready to take on the world. She made her way to the University of Connecticut, where she not only pursued a degree in Communication but also took her tennis career to the next level. As a Division I player, Jackie balanced the pressures of school with the demands of her sport. It was tough, but Jackie was no stranger to hard work. By her senior year, she had earned the role of co-captain, leading her team both on and off the court.
“Being a student-athlete at CDS taught me invaluable lessons in leadership and teamwork,” she says. “But it also taught me how to manage my time and stay focused under pressure, skills that have served me well in college and in every part of my life since.”
After graduation, Jackie’s career took an exciting turn. She dove into the world of tech sales, joining Unqork, a company known for its no-code platform. For four years, Jackie worked as an Associate Client Executive, learning the ropes of business development and enterprise sales. She quickly found her footing, consistently exceeding sales quotas and earning top sales awards along the way. Jackie recently began a new career in the finance industry becoming an Account Executive at Addepar, a leading finance technology firm in New York City.
While her professional life was flourishing, Jackie was also exploring other passions. She began acting and modeling, finding creative outlets that balanced her fast-paced career. Over the past two years, Jackie has appeared in several campaigns, including commercials for Grow Financial and HCA.
Through it all, CDS has remained a constant source of support and pride. Jackie looks forward to reconnecting with her alma mater soon, with events like the upcoming pickleball tournament, and a ten year class reunion.
“I can’t wait to see everyone again,” she says. “CDS will always feel like home to me. It’s where I learned so much about who I am and what I can achieve.”
Jackie’s journey from the tennis courts at CDS to the fast-paced world of finance and beyond, has been one of growth, exploration, and incredible success. Her story is a testament to the power of hard work, the importance of community, and the belief that, no matter where life takes you, the lessons you learn along the way are always with you. As Jackie continues to thrive, it’s clear that the spirit of CDS will always be a part of her story, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.
We love sharing our CDS alumni achievements and are delighted to share Jackie's updates with the alumni community. If you are a CDS Alumni and would like to share your accomplishments, please contact our Alumni Engagement Coordinator, Carli Gauthier Mianne '16 at cmianne@cdspatriots.org and let us know what you have been up to since leaving CDS. We look forward to hearing from you!