by Ryan Fasciano, Sports Information Intern
Hall of Fame Bio
Teamwork is a key element to Christine DeBiase’s,’90, life. This stems from her experience as a student-athlete at the State University of New York at New Paltz, where she played soccer and softball. She played second base in softball and goalkeeper in soccer. She continues to use the teamwork strategy in her job as vice president and corporate secretary of MetLife Inc. in New York City. She has been with MetLife for 16 years now.
“My experience as an athlete has been instrumental in the success of my career,” said DeBiase. “In my career I have always taken a team approach, especially when managing. If you all are not on the same page, it won’t work. Because of this mentality, I am successful.”
DeBiase has been very successful, from the work place to the athletic fields. In 1988, her sophomore year at New Paltz, the softball team won the State Championship.
“Our team was really, very good,” said DeBiase. “At the time we were not the favorites to win the tournament, but we swept the games like professionals. After winning the championship, we arrived at the gym late that night. The school already put up our championship banner. I will never forget that moment.”
DeBiase considers her four years at New Paltz to be one of the best times of her life. Along with the State Championship her softball team won, she personally won the Heinz Ahlmeyer Award for the 1989-90 athletic season, her senior year. The award is the highest award one can receive as a student-athlete at New Paltz. She was then inducted into the New Paltz Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998, and later on inducted into the Carol Eckman Society, for her continued service to young women and girls in both athletic and professional development. DeBiase said it was an honor to be in the Hall of Fame along side former teammates and other distinguished student-athletes. The best part was the fact that her father was there to witness the induction; he passed away nine years ago.
“My father was an incredible inspiration for my love of sports,” said DeBiase. “As a child, we watched hours of sports together. He taught me everything I know about sports. I am very happy that he was able to share my Hall of Fame induction ceremony with me.”
DeBiase will be moving to Charlotte, N.C. with her wife Ellen and two children Sophie, 12, and Marko, 8, to start a new chapter in her life. She will head the retail unit of MetLife’s law department.
“It will be quite an adjustment moving from the city, where I have been my whole life, to Charlotte. It is a new adventure we all look forward to,” said DeBiase.
