June 15, 2021
Caitlin Coomes ‘01 starred in both soccer and track and field at Mounds Park Academy. Her experience playing at MPA nurtured her love of athletics in general, which stayed with her through her entire playing career. Much of that love she credits to one source. “The quality of the coaching at MPA was excellent,” Coomes said.
In soccer, Coomes was a three time Tri Metro all-conference selection and earned all-state honors in 2001. On the track, she qualified for the 2000 MSHSL state meet in 100m hurdles and holds the school record in that event. She won the 2001 Athena Award, which honors female high school seniors for their athletic achievements.
Coomes especially treasures her MPA memories of the team getting ready before practice. “There was so much laughter, playing was the best way to end the school day.”
Following her MPA career, Coomes went on to play collegiate soccer at Carleton College in Northfield, MN. Her breakout season came as a junior when she started all 16 games and scored 7 goals, tied for the team lead. She was voted team captain as a senior. She also competed on the women’s track and field team, competing in the hurdles and heptathlon for the Knights. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a double major in anthropology and sociology in 2005. She is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.
Coomes is also a graduate of the University of St. Thomas School of Law, earning Summa Cum Laude honors. She currently works as an attorney-advisor for the U.S. Department of the Interior.
