Alumni Spotlight: Liz Ciabattone-Little '15

Our Alumni Spotlight this month is Liz Ciabattone-Little. Mrs. Little graduated from Notre Dame in 2015.  

After graduating, she went on to the University of Tennessee for two years. While attending UTK, Mrs. Little was an active member of the astronomy club, as well as a founding member of the UTK law fraternity. Some of her favorite memories from her years at UTK include waking up to watch a World Record attempt, the campus concerts and speakers, and the Vols football games with family and friends. Mrs. Little says that while at UTK, one professor stood out to her. Dr. Linsday, her astronomy professor, constantly took the time to help her, as she had no background in physics. Mrs. Little says, “He ignited my passion for space that led me to be a camp counselor at an Astronomy camp for four summers...” and She now visits the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama multiple times a year. Mrs. Little says that attending UTK taught her many life lessons, such as the fact that making meaningful connections with both peers and professors can create long-lasting bonds, even after graduation.  

After two years at the University of Tennesse, Mrs. Little transferred to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to study criminal justice. Being very close to her sisters and mom, she moved home to be closer to them as well. Majoring in criminal justice at UTC, she graduated a semester early after working hard. At UTC, her favorite memories consisted of living with her best friends, starwatching at Harrison Bay, and bringing her puppy everywhere, even the soccer games. Mrs. Little’s favorite professor, Professor Policastro was kind, devoted to her students, and is still in touch with her today. She helped Mrs. Little chase her dreams of going to law school. Transferring to UTC after two years at UTK taught her that making and embracing that change, even if it's difficult. UTC also gave her a new outlook to saying yes and trying new things. Mrs. Little says that she joined so many new clubs and organizations, and even though it scared her, she made new friends and developed hobbies she didn’t know she was interested in.  

After graduation, Liz Ciabattone went on to study for the Bar Exam and applied to law school. Mrs. Little decided she wanted to become an attorney in her junior year of high school and achieved that goal. In the fall of 2019, she moved to Nashville to attend Belmont College of Law. From there, she graduated with her J.D. and certificate in criminal law in 2022. While in law school, Mrs. Little found an internship for a firm in Chattanooga. While qualified for the position, she believes that an attorney who had a connection to Notre Dame helped confirm her spot. After interning for three semesters and graduating, Mrs. Little was able to sit second chair in a case she assisted in, starting her career and giving her the opportunity to start her own solo practice. Mrs. Little gives us a quote that has stuck with her during her years as an attorney: “You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man’s freedom. You can only be free if I am free.” -Clarence Darrow. She believes that defending those who do not have a loud enough voice is one of the most important things you can do. She has always loved helping others and is passionate about her job.  

Today, Mrs. Little is living her best life as an attorney, professor, and soccer coach. She touches every life she encounters with kindness, and leaves everyone smiling. Mrs. Little is also very active in Notre Dame Alumni life. In the summer of 2025, she participated in the Lady Irish Alumni Soccer game, as well as joining the girls' soccer coaching staff in June of 2025. She has also helped coach the mock trial team at Notre Dame since 2022. She loves being called on for the Freshman Seminar project and gives her all every interview.