Why did you become a student manager?
I wanted to become the student manager because I wanted to be an athlete without actually playing the sport haha. In all honesty, I thought becoming the manager would teach me a great deal of responsibility while giving me the feeling of being apart of a team.
What team are you a student manager for?
The Student Manager For the Women’s Lacrosse
What’s it like being surrounded by women all of the time?
Being surrounded by women majority of the team is pretty fun, I'll have to admit it was pretty weird at first. I wasn’t sure how to present myself to the girls. Overtime, we broke the barriers being awkward and now I’m the token sister * fist emoji*.
What are some perks of being a student manager?
Definitely traveling (I took my first plan ride to Colorado) and extremely cool JMU Lacrosse gear.
Does being a student manager affect your academics?
In the beginning it did, but ultimately, it came down to time management. For example, if I knew I had a test I wasn't prepared for, I wouldn't attend practice-I would focus my time on that test. Time management is a key component to staying in good academic standing.
What do you love most about being a student manager?
Great question! I would have to say that I love being apart of a team. I love being able to help in any way I can.
What’s your relationship like with the girls?
We're basically soul sisters (except I'm a soul brother).
What is the most memorable thing that’s happened this season?
Honestly, meeting the girls has been the most memorable thing to happen. It was a moment I couldn't wait for. I remember the day perfectly. It was very cloudy and rainy, I ended up getting soaked because I didn't have a rain jacket.
Why sacrifice so much just to manage?
I want the girls to succeed and want to help in anyway I can.
Are you planning on being a manager again?
I will be the student manager again this coming semester- the Mamba will return.
Finally, tell me about the day in the life of a student manager. What’s a typical school day like for you? What’s game day like? Away games?
On Mondays and Wednesdays, around 12:30, I head down to Godwin to see what needs to be done in the office. This could range anywhere from submitting game footage or checking recruit emails. Somedays, I'm in charge of food orders, which includes calling restaurants and asking them if they can fit 32 girls (plus coaching staff, and athletic training crew (huge shootout to Marisa). Then I have to get 40+ people to email me their orders so I can send them off to restaurants. From there, I go to the park around 3:30 PM, grab balls/cones while the girls stretch. Next, I grab the scoreboard clock so we can keep track of time and so I can let the coaches know when its time for the next drill. Somedays, I have to do filming, which includes climbing on this metal death trap that is really high so they can have a better viewing angle while they are watching the film. It really sucks when it rains because it gets cold and lonely up. I usually stay up there till the end of practice. When the time comes, I join the last group huddle, grab the balls, cones, and goal post and put them all away in the shed.
Thanks for being a great manager, Jay!
