January 2025 Alum of the Month: Faimie Kingsley ’09
Hotchkiss Alum of the Month

Fifty years ago, 89 students arrived in Lakeville and ushered in a new era of women and girls at Hotchkiss. Throughout the 2024-25 academic year, Hotchkiss will reflect on their inspiring legacy, pay tribute to the achievements of students who followed in their footsteps, and gratefully acknowledge all members of the Hotchkiss community who boldly helped steer the School forward.


By Erin Reid P’01,’05

Hotchkiss Alum of the Month January 2025 Faimie Kinglsey

Faimie Kingsley ’09 credits Hotchkiss for serving as the inspiration for her career. “Hotchkiss shaped me as a student and athlete,” said Kingsley, associate director of admissions and a volleyball coach at The Bishop’s School in San Diego, CA.

Kingsley says the impact of Hotchkiss was long-lasting, particularly in seeing how “multi-hyphenated adults” (such as teacher-coach-advisor) influence the lives of students during their formative years. “This motivated me to pursue a career in independent school admissions, where I can be that multi-hyphenated adult for students who might need a little guidance or a leap of faith.”

She learned about boarding schools from her eighth-grade basketball coach. “My coach saw qualities in me—independence, confidence, curiosity—that she believed would help me thrive in a boarding school,” she said. “But affordability seemed impossible without financial assistance, and my parents responded with an immediate ‘no.’ We were far along in the application process for local private high schools, so applying to an out-of-state school with an intimidating price tag was out of the question. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t change their minds. Reluctantly, I put my dream aside and enrolled in an all-girls private school in Brooklyn.”

The topic resurfaced when another basketball coach, Mark Cheong, reignited her interest. “His son attended a boarding school, and he arranged panels featuring both boarding school students and, on a separate occasion, admissions staff to speak to our team and interested families.” One of the speakers was Pat Redd Johnson, a former associate director of admissions at Hotchkiss. “When Pat spoke, her infectious energy and passion for the School stood out. I left thinking, ‘I want to go wherever Pat Redd Johnson is!’”

With Cheong’s guidance, Kingsley began the application process. “Once we visited Hotchkiss, everything clicked. From the warmth of the community to the academic rigor and extracurricular opportunities, I could see myself there. The School’s commitment to balance—excelling academically while pursuing passions like basketball—felt like the perfect match for me.” 

Kingsley arrived on the Hotchkiss campus in September 2006 as a repeat lower mid, and she was inspired by many faculty members. “Fred Benjamin taught me to think critically about personal growth. Amanda Bohnsack ’98 in admissions guided my transition to Hotchkiss. Jennifer Craig was a mentor from the lab to the court and beyond. Amy Vendetta instilled in me the process of finding fun in discipline and teamwork. David Bolmer ’73 and Christie Gurney Rawlings '85, P'12,'14,'19 were constant sources of encouragement in volleyball. Robin Chandler ’87 exemplified leadership and dedication in athletics. French instructors Abdoulaye Fall and Sarinda Wilson P’14,’17 deepened my appreciation for language, culture, and global perspectives. Richard Kirby P’08,’09,’14,’15 and Nate Seidenberg motivated me to set ambitious goals and push beyond my limits in track and field.”

Experienced at basketball, Kingsley was a beginner in volleyball, and track and field was entirely new to her. “For the first time, I had access to top-tier facilities just a short walk from my dorm. That accessibility, paired with the encouragement and support of amazing teammates, coaches, and athletic trainers, completely transformed my relationship with athletics,” she said. “These experiences, on and off the court, sparked my passion, shaping me into an athlete and leader. For me, sports have always been an equalizer. Beyond the obvious physical benefits, sports teach invaluable life skills.”

As an admissions professional, Kingsley enjoys connecting with potential candidates about their passions, whether they love sports, arts, or academics. “Athletics play a significant role in admissions because they show how a candidate can balance discipline, teamwork, and personal development. I draw from my own experience applying to Hotchkiss in my current work. The admissions staff immediately put me at ease; they truly wanted to get to know me beyond my achievements in sports and academics.”

Kingsley studied business, marketing, and communications at the University of Denver as a foundation for a career in admissions. “Simultaneously, I pursued Division I volleyball, and later, professional volleyball.” She went on to earn a master’s degree in sports management from the University of Florida because of its emphasis on athlete development. At the time, it was the only program that balanced both the business side of sports and the mental, emotional, and physical care of athletes. “This holistic approach has been invaluable, not only in shaping my coaching philosophy but also in helping me support athletes in a way that prioritizes overall well-being.”

Kingsley is the recipient of the John McLendon Minority Postgraduate Scholarship issued by the National Association of College Directors of Athletics and the John McLendon Foundation, as well as the NCAA Division I Sportswomen of Colorado Perseverance Award. She serves on the board of Inspiring Young Minds, an organization that supports students applying to boarding schools. Coach Cheong, who guided Kingsley in her Hotchkiss application process, is the nonprofit’s co-founder. 

She says that her work ethic, which she further developed at Hotchkiss, continues to serve her. “Applying to Hotchkiss was challenging, but it was nothing compared to the intensity of the academic environment. I was able to refine my ability to thrive under pressure and effectively balance multiple responsibilities. I also learned that competition doesn’t have to be isolating. The collaborative spirit taught me that success is most meaningful when shared.”

As Hotchkiss commemorates the 50th anniversary of women throughout this academic year, Kingsley reflects: “It’s an indescribable feeling to benefit from the efforts of all the women who paved the way for me, allowing me to be the best student-athlete I could be. I feel honored to have contributed to this history for future generations of student-athletes.” 

Kingsley returned to campus in October for Athletic Alumnae Weekend, which was a poignant moment. “It showed me just how far Hotchkiss has come and the ongoing work the School is doing to create an equitable and holistic experience for all. It’s the people who make Hotchkiss truly distinctive, and I am endlessly grateful for their influence on my life.”

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