In what can only be described as a remarkable twist of fate, three siblings from New Jersey, known as the Coffaro triplets, are set to graduate together from Moravian University in Pennsylvania this spring. Initially, the three had distinct plans to pursue their college education at separate institutions but ultimately found themselves united at the same university.
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Nicholas Coffaro, 22, took the first step towards this unexpected journey when he received a football scholarship offer from Moravian University. “I was recruited to play football here and, after touring the campus with my family, we all instantly fell in love with it,” he shared in an interview. Although he started as a football player, Nicholas later switched his focus to lacrosse, committing to the sport in November 2022.
Meanwhile, his sister Toriana chose to explore other options. She had her sights set on Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. However, after a chance visit to Moravian, she found herself captivated by the atmosphere. “I got bored one weekend and decided to drop by Moravian, which is just an hour and a half from home,” she explained. After attending a football match, she was so impressed that she promptly withdrew her application to Salve Regina and made it her mission to convince their brother Francesco to join her.
Francesco was easily persuaded, stating, “I instantly fell in love with it too. It’s a comfort knowing my siblings are by my side.” Following this, both Toriana and Francesco applied to Moravian in February 2023 and were delighted to find themselves accepted into the same class as Nicholas.
The triplets are thankful to be close to their family, which they believe enhances their college experience. Their parents, Nick and Gina Coffaro, reside around 80 miles away in northern New Jersey and often visit. Nicholas remarked that it presents “the best of both worlds.”
Despite majoring in different fields—Toriana in media studies, Francesco in public health, and Nicholas in marketing—the siblings enjoy spending quality time together on campus. “We’re fortunate that our friend groups are actually one big group,” Toriana noted. The closeness they share has been further solidified by their shared college experience, which includes classes, projects, and a wealth of memories.
As the graduation date approaches, the triplets are beginning to contemplate their futures and how they may diverge. Toriana envisions working in the fashion industry, specifically in public relations in New York City. Francesco shares a similar ambition, aiming to take his career in the healthcare sector to urban settings. “Whether that involves a hospital or health system, I’m open to all possibilities in New York,” he mentioned.
Nicholas, on the other hand, is more inclined towards returning to New Jersey, saying that he is currently taking it “day by day.” His aspirations involve pursuing a career in sports, aiming to potentially coach at the collegiate level or even work in a marketing capacity for a sports team.
Reflecting on their time together, the Coffaro triplets expressed a deep sense of gratitude for their unique college experience. Growing up side by side, then sharing required courses and involuntarily working together on group assignments in university has drawn them even closer. “I truly wouldn’t change it for anything,” Toriana concluded with a smile. “I love it.”
As the trio prepares to turn the page to their next chapter, their shared journey through college serves as a testament to the strength of sibling bonds and the unexpected pathways life can take. With their individual talents and interests, it will be fascinating to see where life leads each of them after graduation.