--- title: Students Hit All the Right Notes at Fall Pitch Party description: Students showcased innovative ideas at the Fall Pitch Party, competing for cash prizes and recognition in a vibrant entrepreneurial atmosphere. image: https://horn.udel.edu/hubfs/Canva%20images/2026%20Fall%20Pitch%20Party%20winners%20and%20judges.png --- [![University of Delaware](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/HPE_Jan2017/logo.png?width=168&height=70&name=logo.png "University of Delaware")](http://udel.edu) #### Horn Entrepreneurship # [Stories & Updates](https://horn.udel.edu) ## Students Hit All the Right Notes at Fall Pitch Party by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • November 03, 2026 ![2026 Fall Pitch Party winners and judges](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/2026%20Fall%20Pitch%20Party%20winners%20and%20judges.png?width=1200&height=628&name=2026%20Fall%20Pitch%20Party%20winners%20and%20judges.png) The University of Delaware's Entrepreneurship Club brought creativity, energy and a little friendly competition to the Venture Development Center (VDC) on Wednesday, October 28, for its Fall Pitch Party: Pitch Perfect. Students took center stage to share their entrepreneurial ideas, compete for cash prizes and prove they had what it takes to deliver a pitch-perfect performance. With just 90 seconds to impress the judges and audience, student entrepreneurs pitched everything from innovative products to creative services. The competition featured both returning participants and first-time pitchers, each bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the stage. This year's judges included Lauren Roberts, founder of OBEnaturelle; Drew McAleer, account manager at Edwin & Elliot Co.; and Cate Leidich, sales representative at Toast. All three are UD alumni with experience in Horn Entrepreneurship programs who brought valuable insights and advice to the competition. ![2026 Judges Fall Pitch Party](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/2026%20Judges%20Fall%20Pitch%20Party.png?width=1200&height=628&name=2026%20Judges%20Fall%20Pitch%20Party.png) ## **Top Three Winners** **First Place: Maggie Worontzoff, Rise — $300** Maggie Worontzoff, a Class of 2030 operations management major, took first place with Rise, a smart sleep mask designed to help students and working professionals develop healthier sleep routines. Featuring a gradual light function that gently wakes users, Rise aims to make mornings easier and more refreshing. ![2026 Maggie Worontzoff Fall Pitch Party](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/2026%20Maggie%20Worontzoff%20Fall%20Pitch%20Party.png?width=1200&height=628&name=2026%20Maggie%20Worontzoff%20Fall%20Pitch%20Party.png) **Second Place: Gabrielle (Gabby) Campagna, GigSaver — $200** Gabby Campagna, a Class of 2027 international business studies major with a minor in French, earned second place with GigSaver, an app that connects bands with vetted substitute musicians when a member drops out before a performance. The platform alerts nearby, qualified musicians to help bands find a replacement in under 30 minutes. GigSaver is preparing to launch in Philadelphia. ![2026 Gabby Campagna Fall Pitch Party](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/2026%20Gabby%20Campagna%20Fall%20Pitch%20Party.png?width=1200&height=628&name=2026%20Gabby%20Campagna%20Fall%20Pitch%20Party.png) **Third Place: Keira Loftus, Save the Date — $100** Keira Loftus, a Class of 2030 computer science major with a minor in entrepreneurship, placed third with Save the Date, a line of individually packaged, smashed dates offering a convenient, better-for-you snack alternative to traditional protein bars. Made with dates, nut butter and chocolate, the snacks offer natural sweetness without refined sugar, along with protein and micronutrients. ![2026 Kiera Loftus Fall Pitch Party](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/2026%20Kiera%20Loftus%20Fall%20Pitch%20Party.png?width=1200&height=628&name=2026%20Kiera%20Loftus%20Fall%20Pitch%20Party.png) ## **Topical Awards** The top three weren't the only students to hit a high note! Additional awards recognized pitchers who stood out for their creativity, passion and promising venture ideas. **Most Creative:** Emily Scanlon, Slickbrush ![2026 Emily Scanlon Fall Pitch Party](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/2026%20Emily%20Scanlon%20Fall%20Pitch%20Party.png?width=1200&height=628&name=2026%20Emily%20Scanlon%20Fall%20Pitch%20Party.png) **Most Promising:** Alyssa Mohammed, Pupchat ![2026 Alyssa Mohammed Fall Pitch Party](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/2026%20Alyssa%20Mohammed%20Fall%20Pitch%20Party.png?width=1200&height=628&name=2026%20Alyssa%20Mohammed%20Fall%20Pitch%20Party.png) **Most Interesting:** Matthew Schatzel, Goalsettr ![2026 Matthew Schatzel Fall Pitch Party](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/2026%20Matthew%20Schatzel%20Fall%20Pitch%20Party.png?width=1200&height=628&name=2026%20Matthew%20Schatzel%20Fall%20Pitch%20Party.png) **Most Passionate:** Averie Siegle, Easygomap ![2026 Averie Siegle Fall Pitch Party](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/2026%20Averie%20Siegle%20Fall%20Pitch%20Party.png?width=1200&height=628&name=2026%20Averie%20Siegle%20Fall%20Pitch%20Party.png) Every student who stepped up to pitch also received a $20 gift card in recognition of their participation and entrepreneurial spirit. Congratulations to all the winners and participants, and thank you to our alumni judges for sharing their time and expertise! Organized by UD's student-led Entrepreneurship Club, Pitch Party gives aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to test their ideas, practice their pitching skills and connect with the entrepreneurial community. With support from Horn Entrepreneurship and the VDC, students have access to the resources and experiences that help turn ideas into action. From first-time pitchers to returning competitors, this year's participants showed that UD's next generation of entrepreneurs knows how to hit all the right notes. #### About Horn Entrepreneurship [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://www.udel.edu/research-innovation/horn/) serves as the creative engine for entrepreneurship education and advancement at the University of Delaware. Currently ranked among the best entrepreneurship programs in the U.S., Horn Entrepreneurship was built and is actively supported by successful entrepreneurs, empowering aspiring innovators as they pursue new ideas for a better world. 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