By Chris Blumenstetter '05
If one wishes to relocate even the strongest, most sturdy tree or the smallest, most delicate flower, they are in for an arduous task. Though challenging, the job is possible if desired. The crux of the deed lies not in the bearing of the massive weight, or subtle handling of the fragile petals, but the preservation of what is most important to the organism: the roots. Stony Brook University Graduate Trisha Lollo ('99) has transplanted herself multiple times in her life while still remaining firmly grounded in her Long Island roots.
Growing up mere miles from Stony Brook University, Trisha was introduced to SBU through summer instructional volleyball camps in 1990 where she first met long time coach Theresa Tiso as a bashful middle school student. That serendipitous meeting was a catalyst that would influence Lollo's life significantly. From that point on, Stony Brook would make up part of her being. She would go on to serve as a ball girl for the women's volleyball team matches for years to come, strengthening her relationship with the Seawolves.
After graduating Ward Melville High School, Trish tried her hand at going away to school. Her roots weren't quite strong enough to endure such a drastic transition (yet). She found herself returning to what she knew best and enrolling in Stony Brook University for the second semester of her freshman year and would join the volleyball squad full time prior to the start of her Sophomore year.
Lollo will be the first to admit that her on-court contributions were minimal, but would never downplay the influence her collegiate athletics experience had on future endeavors. She had ambitions of a career in medicine, which would necessitate intensive schooling. She credits her volleyball career as terrific training not only physically, but also mentally.
"Coach [Tiso] cultivated strong relationships among teammates. Practices were challenging, which led us to lean on one another for support," Lollo Explained. She described her schooling to be just as challenging. The adversity and rigor experienced could only be persevered through by calling upon the fortitude required to be a student-athlete.
Coach Tiso, now retired from coaching and serving as a Associate Professor at SBU, fondly recalls the local product. "She was a positive player that absolutely loved the game. She understood the big picture in regards to the priority of academics and was a great teammate."
Unbeknownst to her at the time, Tiso was part of the strengthening process for Lollo's Long Island roots. The supportive atmosphere she cultivated endures even today and can be seen in the creation of a Stony Brook Volleyball Alumni Facebook Page that Tiso runs to help bring past players together.
Humble and selfless as a good coach usually is, Tiso credits the players. "All I did was start a Facebook page...the kids took over from there." The impact was on display at the 2016 Stony Brook Athletics Hall of Fame induction when alum Jessica Serrano-Plugues (Volleyball '00) was inducted and many players made the trip to reunite, recall, and celebrate.
Trisha had to withdraw from the team before her senior year to meet the growing demands of her Biology degree. She worked closely with Neurobiologist Dr. Mary Kritzer at Stony Brook Hospital as part of an internship that she credits as both valuable and eye opening. It was during this time she realized she wanted to pursue the 'people side of heath care', as she describes.
This pursuit would lead her to world renowned Yale University for postgraduate study where she obtained a Master's Degree in public health with a focus in healthcare management.
After graduating she moved into New York City to accept a positon at the NYU Medical Center as manager of the pediatric cancer program. She spent about two years in Manhattan living with former volleyball teammate Katie McCabe. The two built on an already strong relationship from their undergraduate studies and remember on these days with ear to ear grins.
After these memorable times the pace of life began to pick up, and Trisha uprooted herself again. She was offered a prestigious position across the country at the University of California San Diego as an associate administrator of oncology services, where she oversaw the delivery of cancer care at two hospital campuses. "California was absolutely beautiful", Trisha said, "The weather, proximately to the Pacific and genuinely sweet people made the time there memorable."
Opportunity arose quickly again, this time in the MidWest, where Lollo secured a position as vice president of cancer services for the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in 2011. Her move west would bring her closer to home, where she would be traveling to frequently over the the next couple of years and put her true character and loyalty on display.
Around the time she was being appointed in St. Louis, Trish's former teammate, roommate and closest friend Katie McCabe received some sombering news when she was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. Dumbfounded, bewildered, and befuddled, Katie called on her longtime friend for guidance, answers, and support.
"I was diagnosed on a Monday afternoon. The next thing I knew Trisha was next to me translating medical jargon from doctors on Tuesday morning. She was instrumental in saving my life," McCabe says. Trisha spent a week in New York, despite the demands of a new job, making sure Katie had the best treatment plan possible. When discussing her role in the process, McCabe's appreciation and graciousness for the support of her friend is almost tangible.
"Trish went above and beyond what a friend, sister, or teammate would do. It is a true testament to who she is: An amazing, trustworthy, loyal friend and eternal teammate". McCabe said. McCabe, now Katie Rich, has an additional reason to be grateful.. Katie was introduced to her eventual husband by Trisha when they were living together in Manhattan years earlier. The lucky beaux? Trisha's cousin; making the connection between these teammates even deeper, as Trisha serves as Godmother to Katie's child.
Trisha's incredible intelligence and professional acumen has aided her continual ascension up the corporate ladder. This past August, she was appointed the prestigious position of President at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. Her responsibilities are met with grace and professionalism, as she models leadership and guidance for the hospital. She is able to establish and maintain budget plans, promote the growth of her facility while staying ever present on the hospital floor and in close touch with patients and staff. She embraces the challenges of rapid growth brought on by national health care and the Affordable Care Act and is prepared for the dynamics of what is a truly constantly changing field.
Her ties back east remain strong. She returns to New York to be with family and friends often and attributes all success to her strong support system. "The experience of a student-athlete makes anyone lucky enough to do it uniquely marketable and disciplined." Lollo said by phone on a call she was so graciously willing to make on her way home from another late and demanding evening in her position.
Too humble to brag and to graceful to boast, the amazing life journey of Trisha Lollo is now spotlighted for all those impacted by her incredible personality to revere.
TOGETHER WE TRANSFORM
