POUGHKEEPSIE, New York – The Marist community is mourning the loss of Courtney Fisher, a rising sophomore on the water polo team. Courtney, 19, passed away Friday morning in a car accident in her home state of Ohio.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Courtney appeared in 10 games during her freshman season. She scored three goals, had one steal, and one field block after joining the team as a walk-on. Known as an outstanding student, Courtney was a Biomedical Sciences major who was named to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll following the 2015-16 academic year.
“Courtney was hands down the hardest working person on our team,” said Grace Doerfler, Courtney’s teammate and a rising sophomore. “If you looked in her direction during any challenging practice or drill, she would be completely in the zone. She never once complained about something being too hard. And I think that speaks a lot about her character.
“With this loss our team has and will come together like never before. There is no doubt in my mind that every second played in the water we will be thinking of Courtney and our love for her.”
Natalie Benson, who served as Marist head water polo coach the previous three seasons, remembered Courtney as “one of the nicest kids you’d ever want to meet,” and as someone who was selfless, caring, and fun to be around. She would dance to Ellie Goulding or Justin Bieber songs in front of the whole team, and earned the respect of her teammates through her joyful nature, kindness, and work ethic. She was supportive of her teammates, a motivator, and a leader.
“Courtney wanted to prove to people back home and within the Marist community that she could do it,” Benson said. “Not too many people come from Ohio to be a Division I water polo student-athlete. She achieved the goal she set out for. She did it.”
Benson said that during the spring of 2015, Courtney emailed her and expressed her desire to be part of the Marist water polo team. Although Benson was not in a position to offer her a scholarship, Courtney earned a spot on the roster. She made a strong impression on the coaching staff during the first water polo team meeting of the 2015-16 season by wanting to prove how much she belonged. She reinforced that throughout the season with how she trained and prepared.
“The entire Marist community is saddened by the loss of Courtney,” Marist Director of Athletics Tim Murray said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Courtney and her family.”
The football, men’s soccer, women’s soccer and volleyball teams will celebrate mass in the Marist Chapel on Sunday, Aug. 14, at 1 p.m. to honor the memory of Courtney. All are welcome to attend.
Press release courtesy: Marist Athletics