For our first Alumni Spotlight Series: Athlete Edition of 2021, we decided to catch up with six former student-athletes– Meghan Foley (women's basketball), Emma Hryzan (field hockey & women's lacrosse), Devin Lacroix (women's soccer), John Lagerfeldt (baseball), Amanda Poulin (field hockey & women's track & field), and Amanda Snyder (volleyball)– all of whom have three things in common: they each competed in each year they were a Fighting Scot, each obtained a bachelor of science in Recreation, Sport and Wellness (RSW), and each now currently hold a graduate assistant coaching position or assistant coaching position.

Recreation, Sport and Wellness Professor, Dr. Valerie Gin had this to say about her former students: "It's been one of the greatest investments of my life to encourage and equip students to live out their callings. God gifted RSW students to impact the world through sport and it's amazing to see the opportunities and positions of influence they have been given."

Through our Q & A below, all six alumni take us through the trials of finding a coaching job in the midst of a pandemic, what made them want to go into the coaching field, how their time at Gordon prepared them for their new roles, who had the most influence on them during their collegiate career, as well as advice they'd give to current student-athletes. 

Q. What were the challenges in trying to find a GA/coaching position during a time where sports were put on hold and in question? Where are you currently working and coaching?

Meghan Foley: The biggest challenge for me with searching for a GA coaching position in general was that it was something I have never done before and didn't know where to start. I came up with a 'timeline' for myself of how to tackle the process and although it was a challenge, I think this 'timeline' ultimately was a blessing in disguise. I was planning on going to the "So You Want To Be A Coach" conference during the Women's Final Four in New Orleans with my teammate, Alisha Henderson in April. In my personal timeline, that was going to be the starting point in the process, but once I found out it was canceled due to the covid, I took it as a wakeup call to put the pedal to the metal and get my name out there by reaching out to coaches. Although not going to the conference seemed like a challenge at the time, looking back on it I now, it was for the better because it allowed me to end up where I am today. Another challenge I faced was having zoom/phone calls, for the most part, be the primary form of communication rather than meeting face to face. For me, I find it easier talking and meeting new people in person where you can be more animated and personable. I got a position as the Graduate Assistant for the Suffolk Women's Basketball team, right in downtown Boston. There, I will also be getting my masters in the Administration of Higher Education.
Emma Hryzan: When looking for jobs, there were very few organizations and schools hiring. Many schools were waiting to see if there would even be a season before hiring. Most of the positions available were graduate assistant positions. I wasn't originally planning on going to graduate school, but I decided that a graduate assistant position might be a good opportunity to take advantage of at this time. I am currently working at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI as their Women's Lacrosse Graduate Assistant Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach. I am pursuing a Master of Science in Sport Management. 
Devin Lacroix: It was difficult going into or trying to commit to such an unknown situation for sure. The challenge of not knowing is very scary but I did know that wherever the Lord wanted me to start my career is where He would make possible. Currently, I am an Assistant Coach for Gordon's Men's & Women's Soccer programs.
John Lagerfeldt: I was constantly checking job openings for opportunities once the spring sports season ended. My goal was to find a graduate assistant position and I was willing to move wherever I needed to in the country in order to find one. So I am currently a Graduate Assistant Coach for the Baseball program at Greenville University in Greenville, Illinois and I am in the process of getting my MBA which is a two year program. 
Amanda Poulin: Trying to find a coaching position in a time such as this was stressful none the less. I am blessed to say that I am now the Assistant Field Hockey Coach at Houghton College. 
Amanda Snyder: There were definitely challenges of feeling security in the potential job. I think most athletic departments, like mine, were trying to plan for the future without actually being able to make any moves. I was offered my assistant coach position in April but had to wait until July to sign a contract because of their hiring freeze. I had to have faith that everything would work out and God would provide for me. Fortunately, he did provide, and I am currently working as the Intern Assistant Volleyball Coach for Grove City College. I am not doing a masters program. 

Q. What made you decide to enter into the coaching field?

Meghan Foley: It was easy to develop a love for the playing the game of basketball as my brother and I grew up playing it but my time at Gordon really made me fall in love with every aspect of the game. I realized the impact that basketball can have on my mental, physical, and emotional health through the relationships and challenges faced throughout a season, which have made me into the woman I am today. I wanted to enter the field of coaching to share my love of the game, through my passion, dedication, and knowledge, with young girls and women in hopes that they are able to discover their full potential, both on and off the court, while having fun playing the game they love. 
Emma Hryzan: Back when I was playing youth sports, I could see myself pursuing coaching when I got older. The idea of coaching has always been in the back of my mind. However, I wasn't sure if I wanted it to be something that I pursued full-time or part-time. When lacrosse season was canceled this past spring I knew that I wasn't ready to give up lacrosse in my life and that I wanted to look for a coaching position. I wanted to share my love and passion for sports as I mentor young women.
Devin Lacroix: I have always loved playing sport, especially soccer. I knew I always wanted in my life but did not know I truly wanted to coach until I took classes with Dr. Gin. 
John Lagerfeldt: I have played baseball my entire life and I have always loved playing sports growing up, so I really enjoyed being a part of a team. I was fortunate to learn from some great coaches throughout my time as a player and I wanted the opportunity to teach players and help them improve on and off the field. 
Amanda Poulin: I have been an athlete my entire life and could not picture my life without sports. Unfortunately, you cannot always be an athlete forever, but you can assist others in reaching their full potential and outlet your passion for athletics in coaching. Dr.Gin always said that work should feel like play, and I can gladly say that I thoroughly enjoy my job to the point where it does not even feel like a job. Following something you are passionate about is a good option for everyone. I highly suggest!
Amanda Snyder: Two words: Dr. Gin. I took Dr. Gin's coaching theories class when I was a sophomore at Gordon to fulfill a credit for my Recreation, Sport, and Wellness major. It was my favorite class I took in college. It was so fun to learn about different coaches and their philosophies and think deeply about the type of coach I would want to be one day. She would always tell me I was going to be a great coach one day, practically speaking my future into existence. Although I was always thinking to myself, I didn't know if I even wanted to be a coach, Dr. Gin knew. When the time came to decide what I wanted to do after graduation, I had two options. The first, and the one that was in my plans, was to get my masters in Sports Psychology. The second was to take the job I am in now. Dr. Gin encouraged me that I could go to graduate school at any time but this opportunity at Grove City was open now and it was perfect for me. I ultimately decided to go into coaching because I care about the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical development of my players through the sport of volleyball. The job that I have now provides me with the opportunity to focus on spiritually mentoring my players, which is the best part for me! 

Q. How did your time as a student-athlete and a Recreation, Sport and Wellness major help prepare you for this position?

Meghan Foley: As a student-athlete I was able to see the game from two different perspectives. First, I had the privilege to play a lot of minutes as my time as a Fighting Scot which allowed me to see the game in a different light. It gave me hands on experience that helped me increase my knowledge of the game, taught me how to handle/manage pressure, and how to lead while being on the court through my actions. Secondly, I got to learn to lead from the sidelines when I got injured. Those three months showed me how important it was to use my voice while leading rather than relying solely on my actions. It gave me an entirely different view of the game and lastly, it taught me the toll an injury/being sidelined can take on your mental health and how important it is for coaches and teammates to check in and look out for every member of the team. The RSW major, specifically Dr. Gin, was the one who helped me realize my potential. Between her classes and the relationship I formed with her, it gave me the tools and confidence I needed to pursue coaching as my career. Being an RSW major showed me the importance of building relationships with everyone I meet and how to live each day to the full. I would not be who I am today without Dr. Gin and the RSW major as a whole. 
Emma Hryzan: Being a recent student-athlete has allowed me to connect with the players. I am able to understand what the players are going through and relate to having to balance school and being an athlete. These girls, especially the seniors, are scared that they are going to lose their lacrosse season and I know what it is like to lose a season. Recreation, Sport, and Wellness is a people major. It has taught me so much about creating relationships with other people and enhancing their quality of life. One of my classes, Philosophy, and Theories of Coaching, prepared me for this position more than I had imagined. We learned about leadership, the qualities of a leader, and past and present coaches. One of our projects was to give a presentation on what is our coaching philosophy. This is something that most coaches develop over time and some coaches have yet to do. 
Devin Lacroix: The Recreation, Sport and Wellness major at Gordon is like no other, hands down best major. Throughout my four years at Gordon Dr. Gin and Dr. Jerry Logan prepared me for a real coaching job. The major taught me how to be creative, loving, caring but that you can still do all of that while competing hard to win! The major tested me many times so that when I got into a position of leadership or coaching, I knew what to do. 
John Lagerfeldt: I learned a lot from the Recreation, Sport and Wellness major which has translated to coaching. The major taught me the importance of building relationships and the having the ability to connect with people. This is especially important in coaching because in order to get the best out of your players you have to build relationships and connect with them. You have to show them that you care about them as people and not just players on a field. The major also taught me the importance of problem solving and how crucial it is to be able to adjust on the fly in order to solve problems. The best coaches tend to be the best problem solvers and the Recreation, Sport and Wellness major really focused on teaching all of us how to improve our ability to solve problems when they arise. 
Amanda Poulin: The RSW has taught me so many things I did not even imagine, but I have used all of the material! I saved my favorite books from the courses and notes from different classes. I look through these often to ground myself in where I started, but also have been attending coaching seminars because there will always be material to learn! Being an athlete myself has really benefited the ways that I can connect personally to my athletes, which is something that I really value as a coach.
Amanda Snyder: Dr. Gin always says that the RSW major is a people's major. She taught us how to use the vehicle of sports to impact people – to listen to people, respect people, encourage people, and enhance others' lives. The people skills I learned through the RSW major have given me confidence going into my first year of coaching. 

Q. Who/what had the biggest influence on you during your career as a student-athlete at Gordon?

Meghan Foley: Without a doubt my teammates. The teammates I had throughout my four years at Gordon are some of the very best people in my life and gave me the very best moments of my life. I had my highest and lowest moments with my teammates by my side and never once did their love or support waiver. The influence they had on me is the most crucial part as to why I wanted to become a coach. Knowing them and hearing their experiences in life and basketball are what will help me become the best coach I can possibly be.
Emma Hryzan: Dr. Gin and Cory Ward (Head Field Hockey Coach) had the most influence on me during my career as a student-athlete. The day I met Dr. Gin she showed me so much love and joy and has continued to do so. She puts a 10 on everyone's head and knows we will achieve great things. She motivated me to work hard both on and off the field. A saying that she likes that I remember and think back on to this day is "When you can do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world." She has given me so much support and guidance over the years with everything from assignments, internships, injuries, and jobs. Cory always said that if we needed anything he would be there for us. Injuries are both physically and mentally challenging to overcome but Cory was consistently encouraging and supporting me. Cory always wanted to know how I was doing with my injuries and appointments, as well as school and my overall well-being. During my last year at Gordon, I missed almost all of field hockey season due to my knee injury. Cory was there for a late-night hospital visit, talks about classes, and throughout my return to playing lacrosse. He wanted to see me back on that field just as much as I did. He truly wanted me to succeed both on and off the field. 
Devin Lacroix: Bess Watson (former Women's Soccer Assistant Coach) had the greatest influence on me at my four years of Gordon. She not only hyped me up for games but she also was always there for me whether it had to do with grades, missing home, or just being an amazing coach and great mentor. I played to make her proud every game. 
John Lagerfeldt: There are so many people who had a great influence on me in my career as a student athlete at Gordon. But I am especially thankful for Dr. Gin and Dr. Jerry Logan who helped me grow as a person and as a student during my time at Gordon. They both pushed me outside of my comfort zone and taught me many valuable lessons that I will hold with me for a long time. I am also forever thankful to Coach Mansfield (former Head Baseball Coach) for giving me an opportunity to play baseball at Gordon, because I know my experience would not be the same if I was not a part of the baseball program. 
Amanda Poulin: The person who had the biggest influence on me during my time at Gordon was hands down Dr.Gin. She has taught me so much about the importance of following my dreams, doing what you can to assist others in reaching their fullest potential, and the importance of God in everything. I literally would write down like quotes od things she would say in class and write them on a chalkboard in my dorm room. I actually still have the board!
Amanda Snyder: Lizzie!!! Lizzie (Athletic Trainer) supported me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She majorly enhanced my athletic experience at Gordon. Lizzie capitalized on the time she spent making sure her I was physically fit to be on the court by getting to know me, listening to me, being there for me when I was struggling, and always encouraging me by reminding me of truth. She was a bright light in my life every day. Being in her presence meant all of me was wanted, accepted, and loved. Whether I was crying from a back spasm or just played the best game of my career, Lizzie was there for me – to comfort me or to celebrate me. I will forever cherish her impact on my life. 

Q. What advice would you give to current student-athletes who want to make the most out of their experience at Gordon? 

Meghan Foley: Get to know the people in the athletic office. Through interning with Kendall Bukuras (SID) I got to meet and learn from a lot of the coaches and staff members at Gordon. There are some really good coaches but more importantly really great people in that office and you should take advantage of having those resources right upstairs. Also, once you learn what goes on behind the scenes, it will make you much more appreciative/thankful of what and who goes into making every game day possible (send kendall.bukuras@gordon.edu an email every once in a while thanking her). Lastly, I would say soak up every moment and take nothing for granted because it goes by faster than you think.
Emma Hryzan: Current student-athletes, enjoy your time at Gordon playing the sport that you love and all the experiences life has to offer. Take advantage of opportunities because you never know where they will lead you. Believe in yourself and have faith in your abilities. 
Devin Lacroix: The advice I would give is, do not take it for granted. I was told college would fly by and it felt like I blinked and it was over. Play every game like it is your last, make friends, go to class and never stop wanting to get better!
John Lagerfeldt: I would tell current student-athletes to work hard with your teammates at your sport and spend time creating great relationships and memories with them off the field as well. Find a good balance between school, your sport, and your friends. Don't take a single day for granted because having the chance to be a part of a team with some of the best friends you will make in life is really a once in a lifetime opportunity that creates amazing memories.
Amanda Poulin: Being a student-athlete can be tough, but a challenge always comes with a reward. Do not give up and always push yourself beyond what you think your limits are, because you are a lot more capable than you think you are. Time sure does fly so enjoy every moment of it! 
Amanda Snyder: Lean into the people and the opportunities that are in front of you. Your days as a college athlete are numbered and they are valuable. Give everything to your team and let them love you, build you up, and encourage you. Buy into Gordon's culture and let your life be transformed. Gordon is a safe place to fail and get back up so have courage, be bold, and step out in faith. 
 
If you would like to nominate a former teammate, friend, family member, or even yourself, we want to hear from you! All you need to do is fill out a brief questionnaire below. You can find the Alumni Spotlight: Athlete Edition Questionnaire HERE.