What inspired you to do this kind of work?
My students always ask me how I decided on my career, or if I even knew what I wanted to do when I was young, to which I respond, “Find what you naturally enjoy doing and pursue it”.
By the time I was in 8th grade, I knew wanted a career in the field of Health & Sports Performance. Throughout junior high, I was reading everything I could on resistance training and recovery. I was getting up at 6:00 am to workout (on my own without any guidance from my parents or a coach), and in school I was memorizing the names and functions of every muscle and bone in the body. Pursuing these activities and studies provided me with great joy and helped me better to understand my body.
What is your position here and how long have you worked at O’Dowd?
I have worked at O’Dowd officially since 2011 as Head Strength & Conditioning Coach but had been volunteering as an assistant coach as early as 2007. In addition to coordinating weight room activities, I teach Sports Medicine and Anatomy/Physiology in the Science Department, as well as Physical Conditioning and Beginning Yoga in the PE Department. I also teach Strength Academy for middle school and high school athletes over the summer.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received (generally – it doesn’t have to be related to O’Dowd)?
Learn by doing. Whatever you are interested in, go out and do it. Ideally, identify a mentor or someone who can guide you along the way or create an opportunity for you to learn without having to re-create the wheel. This will save a lot of time, effort, and energy. Also, volunteering is a great way to gain experience and test the waters.
Two years ago, I heard Alabama head football coach Nick Saban ask his football players “Are you investing your time, or are your spending your time? Are you better today, than you were yesterday?” I am definitely INVESTING! Every night before bed, I review my day and find what went well and what things I want to tweak for tomorrow to make them better!
What is your favorite thing about your job?
Working with enthusiastic students to shorten their learning curve and provide an opportunity to explore and grow in the areas of Strength & Conditioning, Sports Medicine, and Anatomy & Physiology.
What about your field or position do you think would surprise people the most?
The amount of planning, attention to detail, and clear communication required.
What is the most interesting or surprising thing about you?
I love dancing – ballroom, salsa, line, fox trot, West Coast/East Coast swing. I also have practiced meditation for 24 years.
If you could rescue only one thing from your burning office, what would it be?
My external hard drive with all my family picture, lesson plans, journal notes, etc.
Bonus Questions
What is your favorite kind of music/what are your favorite bands?
I like so many different types of music. The occasion and environment will influences what type I choose to listen to. Instrumentals are pretty fun because they allow you to have a whole new experience from what you originally associate with the lyrical version. Movie sound tracks, marching bands, and Highland Game Drum and Bagpipes are pretty powerful as well!
What is your favorite sports team or who is your favorite individual athlete?
Don’t have a favorite athlete, but love the fluidity and grace seen from high levels of movement mastery, like Ido Portal, Erwan Le Corre, Bruce Lee, Connor MacGregor and Mike Tyson.