To say that Randolph-Macon College student Andrew Tiffey ’22, a communication studies major, is passionate about lacrosse is an understatement. The Columbia, Maryland native is captain of the men’s lacrosse team, has played for the Yellow Jackets for three years (including two years alongside his brother, Ryan Tiffey ’20), and says unequivocally, “It’s the sport I will always love.”

A Tailor-made Internship 
Since 2016, when he was a high-school junior, Tiffey has been an intern at East Coast Dyes (ECD), a manufacturer of high-quality lacrosse equipment in Towson, Maryland.

“For more than three years, once a week I’d go to the ECD warehouse, pick up a box of lacrosse heads and stringing materials, and string the heads at home before returning them,” says Tiffey. Once he started college, he interned at ECD each summer.

Learning to Adapt
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, ECD switched gears and began manufacturing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). “I am excited that we are able to manufacture the face shields that protect medical personnel as they put their health on the line every day to keep us safe,” says Greg Kenneally, president and co-founder, on the company’s website. “Would we love to be watching lacrosse and launching new lacrosse sticks? Yes, but this situation is bigger than lacrosse.”

Making a Difference
Since early May, Tiffey has worked in the ECD warehouse, assembling face shields and cutting out hospital gowns and ponchos. This PPE is vital for healthcare workers who may come in contact with COVID-19 patients.  

“So far, we’ve sent 200,000 ponchos and other items to hospitals across the country,” says Tiffey, who works—at a safe distance—with 20 full-time and part-time employees. “The most fulfilling thing about interning at ECD is knowing I can make a difference in the fight against this pandemic. And it’s great to continue building relationships with employees at ECD and meet new people in the lacrosse community who love lacrosse as much as I do, and who want to help frontline workers across the country.”

Mike Kenneally, vice president and co-founder of ECD, oversees the production of gowns and shields at the company.

“Andrew has always been a great employee; he is one of our top stringers,” says Kenneally. “When we called him to help produce medical supplies for frontline workers, he did not hesitate to jump in. We love hiring student-athletes because they understand the value of hard work and dedication. Andrew is a great example of those values.”

Zooming through Change
Although Tiffey misses his teammates, he’s discovering new ways to stay connected to them.

“My lacrosse coach, JB Sheridan, was very proactive by sending the team a summer workout packet at the beginning of May, with specific routines to do at home,” says Tiffey. “It’s been difficult not finishing the season and not seeing my teammates and friends; however, Coach Sheridan has established a great system of communicating through Zoom video meetings. There’s nothing I want more than to play the game I love on Day Field with the teammates I love.”