How did you get selected for this forum?
It was a fairly simple process. We nominated ourselves, then were chosen by our athletics department to apply for the forum. After we were chosen to apply we filled out the official application consisting of six questions, a resume and a headshot. Then after that we just had to wait.

When did you find out you were selected?
I found out early last week. It was very exciting. I called my parents right away.

Could you talk a little about the forum? Who gets to participate, what is it about, etc.
This is how the NCAA describes it: “The NCAA Career in Sports Forum is a four day event through which selected student-athletes will explore and be educated on careers in sports, with a primary focus on collegiate athletics. Through the use of dual tracks, participants will examine the key functions of a coach or administrator within sports. Foundational skills such as communication, networking, recruiting, managing culture, transitioning and budgeting will be covered with participants. The Forum will be conducted in a two-year rotation for NCAA sponsored sports, with the inaugural Forum open to student-athletes who have interest in coaching the sports of: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Football, Gymnastics, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling. The administrator track will cover the areas of: Academics, Compliance, Facilities, Life Skills, Marketing and Promotions and Sports Information.”

Are you considering a career in sports? Do you hope to coach someday?
I am. Sports have been very influential on my life in contributing to the woman I am today. I really want to give that same opportunity to girls. I definitely would like to coach someday, but I think I’ll do the administration track at the forum because I can make more of a difference on a larger scale.

How do you think Mount Holyoke, in terms of both academics and athletics, has influenced your future plans?
Being a part of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee has influenced my decision to be a part of athletics beyond the soccer field. There’s a lot we can do for kids that go further than teaching them the skills necessary to dribble a ball. Attending Mount Holyoke and being part of a varsity team has shown me the positive influences that athletics can have on a person.

Anything else you want to add/comment on?
I really feel honored that I was chosen to attend this forum. All of the candidates that were considered are very strong and capable women, some I felt to be more qualified than me. I’m just really humbled and honored I was chosen, and I’m going to do my best to represent Mount Holyoke to the best of my abilities.

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