Transferred Just To Be A Manager

Leslie Johnson Head Manager at Elon:

I went to North Carolina State University for my freshman and sophomore years of college. I tried to manage there, but Sidney Lowe did not allow female managers. That was extremely disappointing to me. I had managed basketball throughout high school and wanted to continue on through college. When I decided to transfer to Elon, I knew I wanted to manage. I got the basketball coach from my high school to recommend me for the position and I was able to get it!

Last year, there were only two of us. This year, there will be four. Our responsibilities serving as a manager are pretty much the same as every manager throughout the country: doing team laundry, running the clock during practice, setting up and cleaning up practice, loading the bus for road games, laying out jerseys for games, ordering food to eat on the bus, getting food for pregame meal, etc.

I just love what I do. I don't mind spending a lot of time in the gym. I understand how important it is for everything to run smoothly in a basketball program and I love being able to help make that happen. If I didn't enjoy what I was doing, I wouldn't be successful.

Being a manager requires you to perform to the best of your abilities in the classroom. It's not as difficult as it seems to manage and balance the 15-credit course load. I study and do homework while I do the team laundry and on the bus to and from road games. I'm never up past midnight doing my homework or studying. I somehow find time to get it all done and keep my grades up!

When I first started, I thought that doing the laundry and wiping up sweat off the floor was gross, but I soon got over that. I obviously have to do things in the locker room when the players aren't in there, so I have to get to practice before them and stay after. It takes a lot of time, but in the end it's all worth it.

Paying my dues as a manager has allowed me to travel with the team. Looking back at the games, I would have to say my favorite game was definitely the Elon vs. NC State game at the Greensboro Coliseum. I found myself getting so excited and wanting to win so badly, even though I had just spent two years as an NC State fan. During that game, I realized how glad I was to have transferred to Elon. I love the team, the coaches, and the fans and how close-knit they all are.

Being a manager has taught me incredible time management skills, communication skills, and has really helped me grow up. Whether I go into medicine, sports, or law, I will use those skills. I have become an extremely hard-worker since becoming a manager and I know I will continue to work even harder!

Check out this video of Leslie highlighting her duties and experience as a manager: