Hello Access Athletes Community,
I am privileged and grateful to have the opportunity to serve as a contributor to Access Athletes. Rather than jumping right in with a commentary on an issue or the sports topic of the day, I believe it would be more appropriate to use this occasion to introduce myself and provide some background information on me.
After graduating from Washington State University with a communication degree, I worked for two seasons with the Yakima Sun Kings of the Continental Basketball Association. It was here that I learned that professional sports involved much more than what happens on the field, or on the court in this case. It’s a business, and a sometimes harsh one at that.
My experience with the Sun Kings was an eye-opener for me. So much so that I spent a few years figuring out what direction to take with my life and decided to go back to school to further pursue my education. I earned my master’s degree in physical education at Eastern Washington University and, after graduation from EWU, I was fortunate enough to return to Washington State University as a staff member in the athletic department, where I have been ever since.
In addition to my work at WSU, I’ve had the great opportunity to attend and work at major sporting events such as the PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, and Kentucky Derby. Working in collegiate and professional sports has allowed me to experience the full gamut: from a small collegiate event with just a few people in attendance to a national event with the full attention of media and fans. Regardless of its size and scope, I love every minute of it.
I am very much cognizant of the responsibility I have at Washington State, and that is working with, and for, our students. Though my influence may be small in comparison to a coach or professor, my greatest responsibility is to help our students prepare for life after college.
I believe that in order to impart knowledge, you must always be open to acquire it. I have gained and learned much over the past decade, but I still have much to discover.
I hope that by serving as a contributor to Access Athletes, I will be able to impart what I have learned, and hope to discover a few things along the way.
I am looking forward to it.
