I came into the University of Richmond in the Fall of 2008 having spent some of my high school years being a "manager" for the high school women's team while I was doing my own sports. I also knew two people that would be playing for the University of Richmond, so they put me in contact with one of the assistants at the time. I interviewed, but it was evident not many people were interested, and I became the second manager.
My freshman and sophomore year I was under another manager and it was just us two. My junior year, last year, I became the head manager and hired one other manager. We tend to operate efficiently with two people. I am responsible for setting up practices and games, by getting water coolers, basketballs, and the clock out. I sit behind the bench where I help with water and whatever the players or coaches need during the game. During practice, I run the clock, while also attending the needs of the coaches and staff. I take stats at some practices and most days assist in drills, whether it is through passing, defense, offense, or playing in a scrimmage or pick up game. After practices I have to clean up everything and then do the laundry. Road trips I pack everything and assist with hotels, pre-game meals, and other duties needed. The off-season is no time off either, as I am assisting the coaches and helping out however I can.
Working hard for the past three years has allowed me to become a great manager and irreplaceable, as told to me by numerous coaches. I have been able to learn the game in a more detailed manner and work in a variety of areas to expound my expertise and love of the game. Being successful for the women's team has also allowed me to work with the men's team, as well as in other departments around the athletic offices. It is hard to pinpoint specific advice that has help me become a successful manager. Every time a coach compliments me or says how well I am doing it just further provides support to work hard. They understand how important managers are and are always the first person to recognize their importance. Having coaches notice your importance is good enough advice for me to work hard and achieve whatever goals I may have.
Throughout my three years, I have had the pleasure of working numerous camps, from the day, team, and overnight camps the women's teams puts on to the men's teams day camps. I have also been fortunate enough to work hard with the Indiana Pacers and assist them in a week of their camps, in which I served as a coach. While working, I also have found memories from games. While every game has a certain memory, the biggest game I am constantly reminded of is the A-10 Championship game my freshman year at Charlotte, against Charlotte. Unfortunately, we lost, but it was a great game, it was on ESPN, and we had just come off a 20 point comeback against a tough Dayton team in the semi-finals. While the outcome was not desirable, the tournament was unforgettable, both for the highs and lows. Another memorable game was against UConn in Storrs, for obvious reasons.
With that being said, my ultimate goal in life is to work in basketball. Preferably in the front office of the NBA, or for an NBA team. However, I am also milling around in my head the prospect of coaching. I believe I have numerous options and am looking forward to exploring these options in the near future. I believe my future career will be in basketball, as it is a game I truly love and I am looking forward to giving back to the game more than it has given me and it has given me a whole lot.
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