What is your current position and responsibilities?

I am currently the Assistant Director of Intramural Sports & Camps at the University of Cincinnati. I manage our intramural sports program, 10-week summer camp, and smaller camp events throughout the year.

How did you get involved with campus recreation?

I became an Intramural Official my first semester at the University of Virginia. While working my way up in both the intramural and camp programs, I had great supervisors who introduced me to NIRSA and the idea of continuing my career as a recreation professional. I had the opportunity to become a part of James Madison University’s first Campus Recreation Leadership cohort and spent two years there as the Graduate Assistant of Intramural Sports and Special Events prior to coming to Cincinnati.

In your opinion, what is the value of campus recreation?

Being able to provide opportunities to help better the campus, students/faculty/staff, and the community is what I believe proves Campus Recreation extremely valuable in any campus setting. Working at UC for 9+ years, I am continually amazed by the quality and diversity of our programs and services throughout the years. Everyone genuinely is committed to seeing our campus community passionate about recreation and well-being.

What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

I really enjoy experimenting with innovative methods, systems, or programs to further improve what we are doing at UC Campus Recreation, especially when our students come up with the ideas. For example this past summer, one of our student camp supervisors took the initiative to create two summer camp programs. One was a walking club that encouraged walking (with giveaways of course) for campers that did not want to participate in certain activities. Another was a camp shop stocked with small toys and candy where campers can trade in tickets (earned by doing good deeds/behavior) for items. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them implement programs and watch them succeed.

Who is your favorite sports team and why?

I grew up in New Jersey outside of Philly, so I will always be a Philadelphia Eagles fan (not a popular opinion, I know). From college to now, I have been a die-hard Virginia Basketball fan. I think Tony Bennett is an amazing coach and does more than just develop players as athletes. His five pillars philosophy (Humility, Passion, Unity, Servanthood, and Thankfulness) is a great read for anyone if you get a chance.