How long have you been at Arcadia? Who/What brought you to Arcadia?

I began working at Arcadia during the 2014-15 academic year. How I ended up here is kind of a funny story. My previous boss forwarded me an email about the job opening at Arcadia and said that he thought it would be good for me to get some interviewing experience. I gave my resume a facelift and applied to the job 'for the experience'. The process was a reminder that doors will open along the way, but if you don't push forward you may never know they are there. My attempt to gain experience interviewing turned into a job. Why I ended up working here was two-fold; the athletics department staff showed me that hospitality wasn't unique to the south and I would have the chance to lead efforts on a staff that consistently placed the best interest of the student-athletes as the top priority.

What is your role and your responsibilities at Arcadia?

Officially, I am the Director of Sport Performance and Head Athletic Trainer. I also serve on the CARE Team (staff group that processes AU Concern forms). Unofficially, there's not many things I won't do if it helps one student, athlete, family, or team - from sitting in waiting rooms during surgeries, to mopping gym floors and raking fields and many things in between - I try to do more than what is expected.

Where did you attend college and where are you originally from?

I graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne College and the University of North Carolina-Greensboro where I earned degrees in Athletic Training and Sports Psychology. I was born in New Jersey, and in fifth grade moved to North Carolina, so much of my life was spent in the Tar Heel state. I tend to say 'wooter' and 'cawfee' but for most anything else, people say I talk funny. I typically just respond, 'I don't have an accent, y'all do.'

Did you play a sport(s) in high school or college?

In high school I played basketball and softball. The truth is, my basketball coach said we needed to join a spring sport to stay in shape and I never fell in love with the idea of running around an oval too many times to count for the track team. In college I played basketball.

I tend to cop out when asked this question. I struggle to pick a favorite team and often instead have favorite athletes and coaches on various teams. However I do have a favorite college team and that's Carolina, all day everyday. I grew up in Durham, North Carolina and the crap you get from people for liking the Heels only makes the feeling grow stronger.

What do you enjoy the most about working at Arcadia? What is the best memory you have working with the athletics staff?

Working at Arcadia has been the best and I have found a job I truly enjoy. Therefore, in seven-plus years, I haven't 'worked' a day. Co-workers turned into friends and welcomed me into their families with open arms, which helped a new place feel a bit more like home. My best memory at Arcadia is tough. There have been so many, and honestly each day I get to work with our great students and staff and that's an opportunity to make even more memories.

What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of Arcadia? What are some interesting things people may not know about you?

I enjoy cooking, reading and doing things to stay active. Every 'off day' or chance I get, I try to drive and visit my family; whether it's my aunts, uncles, and cousins in New Jersey or my parents and brother in North Carolina. Let's just say I am extremely lucky to have people in my life that make saying goodbye so hard, and I try hard not to take that for granted.

What makes Arcadia student-athletes stand out to you?

The way they carry themselves, on and off the field, court, and pool. The way they push themselves in the classroom. The way they hold themselves to a high standard in all facets of their lives. The way they excel greatly and do so with class. For how they grow into amazing human beings, that I know without a doubt will make this big world a better place when they enter into it following their years at Arcadia. And lastly, for the gratitude they have shown, whether in the moment or years later - you can never underestimate the power of a 'thank you'.

How are you coping with the challenges of COVID-19 and what is one piece of advice you have for student-athletes dealing with similar challenges?

My positivity and optimism are sometimes so strong that on occasion it can make some people a little nauseous. But I'll say it, Covid-19 has sucked for so many reasons and for so many people. The pandemic forced me to be a bit more realistic, but that doesn't mean I haven't fought like crazy to make things that seem impossible feel a bit more possible. Myself and others planned and re-planned for months how to make Arcadia Athletics operate safely amidst a pandemic. A metaphor I've used is that I helped build a pretty awesome sand castle just for it to be demolished by a wave. But in life, even before a pandemic, there will always be waves and we can't stop them, but we can learn how to surf. Look daily for ways to make the best of the situation we are in and plan for how to come out of this season better than how you entered it. Lastly, find your 'why' and do your part to help end this.

If you didn't work in college athletics, what would you be doing?

When I was a kid, I changed my mind every other day about what I wanted to be when I grew up. One thing that each and every career included was helping or serving people in some way. I was lucky enough to find a way to do that within sports and my life has been made better because of it. To answer the question, I'll say I'd be a 911 operator - someone that remains calm, listens, provides support and helps people during what could be some of the most traumatic times of their lives.