Springfield, Mass. - March 26, 2026 - Marisa Clapp Jones '04 distinguished herself as an exceptional three-sport athlete, competing in cross country, indoor track & field, and outdoor track & field while on Alden Street. From the very beginning of her collegiate career, it was clear she possessed something special—not just talent, but determination, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
If you are interested in attending the induction celebration and honoring Marisa's impact on Springfield College cross country and track & field, please register online here!
As a first-year, she made an immediate impact, earning NEWMAC Women's Cross Country Rookie of the Year honors after a runner-up finish at the conference championships. It was only a glimpse of what was to come.
Over the next three years, Clapp would come to dominate the conference. She captured three consecutive NEWMAC Women's Cross Country individual titles from 2001 through 2003, steadily improving each year and culminating in a remarkable winning time of 17:30.61 in her final championship race. Her consistency, discipline, and competitive spirit set her apart as one of the finest runners in program history.
On the national stage, Marisa proved she belonged among the very best. She earned NCAA Division III All-America honors in cross country twice, finishing among the top 20 runners in the country in both 2001 and 2002. She carried that same excellence into track & field, earning All-America honors in the 1500-meter run during the 2002 indoor season and again in the 2002 and 2003 outdoor seasons—an extraordinary accomplishment that showcased both her versatility and endurance.
In 2003, her achievements were further recognized when she was named NEWMAC Women's Track & Field Athlete of the Year. Years later, her legacy was cemented even more firmly as she was selected to the NEWMAC 25-Year All-Women's Cross Country Team—an honor reserved for the most impactful athletes in the history of the conference.
But what truly makes Marisa Clapp's story so powerful is what she has done beyond competition. After her days at Springfield College, she carried her passion for helping others into a life of advocacy and service.
She has dedicated herself to championing the rights and well-being of elderly and medically compromised individuals, working at both the state and federal levels. Through her partnerships with organizations such as the American Health Care Association and the Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities, she has ensured that vulnerable populations are heard, protected, and cared for with dignity.
Her journey is one defined not only by athletic excellence, but by compassion, purpose, and a commitment to making a difference.
Sign up for free today to receive the latest news about your favorite Springfield College Athletics program directly to your email here.
For the latest on Springfield College Athletics, follow the Pride on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to tune into all Springfield College Athletic events by subscribing to FloSports.
