Miami University Recreation Blog

Sport Club & Youth Gymnastics Intern

Assistant Director of Club Sports & Youth Gymnastics 

• Program over 40 gymnastics classes, private and semi-private lessons, special events, and a competitive youth team for over 200 youth per semester
• Support the daily operations of the Club Sports program with 54 teams and 1,500 athletes.
• Direct supervision of 30 student staff through hiring, scheduling, monthly trainings, semester evaluations, and payroll
• Direct supervision of one full-time professional intern

Health, wellness and recreation are all important aspects of my daily life. Still working in the field of recreation, overseeing a living learning community focused on Wellness and Sport, I help guide students to finding balance in wellness. Personally, I have learned the importance of exercise in my overall health and how important the link is between physical and mental health.

Entertaining my two littles (Reese – 5, Boone – 3) keep me pretty busy. Outside of that, I enjoy group fitness classes (specifically the strength focused ones, more so than cycle!).

In undergrad, Billy Willis single-handedly changed my life. He helped me discover my passion for recreation and student development, and helped me focus on academics and graduate!

After that, going to Miami – Mike Arnos had a profound impact on my leadership skills and professional development. I still think about the leader he was and I try to emulate his leadership style in how I lead our students, GA’s, and professional staff. I still brag on him to this day. 

At Ohio State – I’ve learned a lot from a lot of different people – but have truly been challenged to grow professionally by my current supervisor – Alice Ryan. She has helped me develop through situations I am uncomfortable in, and challenged me to find creative ways to solve problems.

All three of those individuals continue to help shape me into the professional I am today – and even personally have all helped me through personal challenges and cheered me on along the way. 

Outside of the professional world – my parents, husband, and kids are all people that motivate me to be the best version of myself. I always aim to give my kids the amazing life my parents gave me, and I lean on both of my parents for professional and personal advice. They’re my biggest role models! My husband inspires me to be the best wife and mom – just as he is the best husband and father. My kids are the joy of my life and I work hard to give them a great life and help them find joy and excitement in the little things!

There are probably a million ways. First – I built some of the most incredible relationships with the professional staff at Miami. I still have a picture of our team hanging in my office – some of the most cherished memories at work I have are from my time at Miami and the relationships I had with everyone in the department. 

Secondly, the professional development that I received while at Miami. I was so excited to get involved in everything I could to help become a well-rounded professional and Mike, Ron, and Doug allowed me to do just that. They were supportive of all of my goals and helped me find ways to become involved with different areas within the department. Because of that work – I find myself in a role supporting our entire department with strategic initiatives and creating efficiencies within the department. I truly couldn’t do this job without all the opportunities I was provided at Miami!

Get involved & trust others! Getting involved is what truly changed my college experience and allowed me to find the true version of myself. It’s important to trust others – specifically mentors – as they have a lot of advice and experience and are able to help guide you on a successful path.

There are literally a million. Outside of sharing a desk with Mike Arnos for a year, I would say my favorite memory was having B-Rec-Fast with the pro staff, where we brought in breakfast foods and enjoyed conversation together. I always looked forward to those and still smile every time I think about it!