Catherine Scarantino

A passport to opportunity

For Catherine Scarantino ’26, photography has been more than a passion—it’s been her passport to opportunity. A lifelong Mets fan from Long Island, she spent the summer stepping into Citi Field not as a spectator but as a photography intern, capturing the energy of game days, the joy of fellow fans, and the sparks of postgame fireworks. That same lens has also taken her abroad to stage editorial shoots on the streets of Florence and to creative collaborations with classmates in Endicott’s photography department.

Through it all, Scarantino has fully harnessed the power of the Endicott Experiential Edge. Her internships, study abroad projects, and close mentorships have not only sharpened her technical skills but also given her confidence to pursue a career in the competitive world of sports and fashion media. Here, she reflects on her most surreal moments behind the camera, the lessons she has carried forward, and the advice she has for future Gulls looking to turn their passions into professions.

You first connected to the Mets through your work with the New York Teachers’ Federation—can you walk us through how you leveraged that experience into landing the Mets internship?

The New York Federation of Teachers and my supervisor, Mary Vaccaro, have been nothing short of amazing since I joined them for my first internship in 2023. My first internship taught me a great deal, including the importance of connections and networking. The teachers’ union partners with multiple organizations throughout New York City, one of which is the New York Mets, and I leveraged that connection to secure my role at Citi Field.

What does a “day in the life” look like for you at the Mets?

One of the things I loved most about my internship is that every day is always different. On game days, a typical “day in the life” as a Mets photography intern starts around 3:30 p.m. for a 7:10 p.m. game. I arrive at the office around four, sit at my desk, and get to work, finishing up last-minute editing from the game before. Sometimes, my team and I go out to shoot batting practice, where the players get in a couple of hits before the game, interact with fans who have come to watch, or conduct some pregame interviews with the media.

Once my supervisors send our assignments for the day, I get started on the busy game day ahead, including taking pictures of promotional items that they’re giving away at the gate and taking “photos on the field,” where fans get to step on Citi Field soil and take pictures with their family and friends.

Once pregame responsibilities are completed, my endgame responsibilities vary depending on what’s needed that day— shooting the veteran of the game, scoreboards, fans, or the game itself from the photo well. On Fridays, post-game responsibilities include a fireworks night, where fans get to stay after the game is over and watch the fireworks over the stadium.

Was there a moment during your internship when it really hit you: “Wow, I can’t believe I get to do this”?

One moment during my internship where I had that feeling was the first time I got to shoot the game in one of the photo wells. I was sitting on one of the stools, waiting for the game to start with my big 400 mm lens, looking out at the field, when nerves hit me so hard that I thought I was going to throw up. I had been coming to the stadium for years with my friends and family, working towards that exact moment, so it was crazy to actually see it come true.

How has your time with the Mets changed the way you see the possibilities for your career?

Being with the Mets gave me a lot more confidence in myself as a photographer. As the only one in my family to pursue a more “artistic” career choice, it can be nerve-racking because I have always had doubts about how I would make this a viable career. After this internship, I’ve worked with and met many amazing people in the industry who have given me valuable advice. My mentors, Liz Flynn and Jessica Ciminelli, along with the rest of the team at the Mets, have been nothing short of amazing in answering all my questions and showing me the ropes. They have definitely become not only people I look up to, but also friends who have helped me build the confidence to pursue this career path after graduation.

You studied abroad in Italy and worked on editorial projects with models—how did that international experience stretch you as a student and as a creative?

While studying in Florence, Italy, I took a fashion class where we were tasked with creating our own editorial project for the company Fiat. I had three weeks to accomplish everything, from finding models and hand-selecting pieces they would wear during the shoot, to multiple fittings to ensure their clothes would work, gathering the necessary equipment, and finding someone to assist with hair and makeup. This project challenged me as a creative and as a student by pushing me out of my creative bubble and working within a tight time frame to complete a project.

What surprised you most about working on fashion/editorial projects compared to sports media?

While I love shooting sports, I also enjoy being challenged and doing something outside of my comfort zone. I’ve also discovered that I love doing fun fashion/editorial photography. Since doing that project, I have continued to have an interest in fashion. The project opened my eyes to how fashion is a part of other industries, such as sports, from teams being sponsored by different brands to individual athletes’ personal style and how they integrate their style into their game-day outfits. 

Did your time abroad influence your approach to storytelling or design in ways you now bring into your work with the Mets?

Yes, before I went to Italy, I was also fortunate enough to travel to Copenhagen, Denmark, with Endicott. That trip was my first time traveling to the other side of the world, and it broadened my perspective on both design and people. I love seeing how different places and people bring such unique characteristics to the table. When I walk around Citi Field, I enjoy seeing the diverse fans who pass through the stadium. These people come from different backgrounds and walks of life, yet they all gather at the ballpark to share their love for their favorite team.

Endicott emphasizes learning by doing through the Experiential Edge—how did your internships and study abroad experiences complement what you’ve learned in the classroom?

One thing I love about Endicott is its experiential learning style. Regardless of your best practices, experience is the best way to learn, grow, and discover what truly energizes you.

Looking back, which class or professor at Endicott gave you skills or confidence that you use every day in your internships?

The opportunities within the photography department at Endicott have been invaluable and numerous. I love being challenged by my professors/mentors, and I enjoy working towards a goal, whether it’s an individual or group project. I’ve learned to collaborate with peers in other majors, such as graphic design and architecture, to work on projects and contribute to a larger creation. I realized that being a photographer in the sports industry is very similar to working on projects for classes; my photographs play a small role in a larger production.

Between Italy and New York, you’ve had some incredible opportunities—what’s one piece of advice you’d give another student who’s trying to take advantage of experiential learning at Endicott?

Be willing and open to everything. You never know where opportunities will lead you, even if it wasn’t your favorite. I love meeting new people and asking questions about their lives and what challenges they’ve faced.

What do you hope to do after graduation? Is the dream to stay in the sports world, or do you see yourself blending sports, media, and fashion in new ways?

After graduation, I plan to continue my involvement in the sports industry. I love that this career path is so versatile—you never know where it will lead.

Last fun one: If you could pick one Mets player, past or present, to sit down with for a long coffee chat, who would it be and why?

My favorite baseball player is David Wright. His time with the New York Mets has had a significant impact not only on me but also on my family. We’ve watched him play third base from the stands throughout his career, and he has influenced/shaped who I am as a person today. While he’s made significant contributions on the field, one of the things I admire most is who he is as a person off the field. I was fortunate enough to have watched him be inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame on July 19, 2025, which also coincided with my birthday. Some say that you should never meet your heroes, but I love how my interaction with him took me right back to being a little kid at the ballpark.