Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Expanding the Family
9/14/2012 12:00:00 AM | General
Sept. 14, 2012
With so many changes going in Athletics, it can be easy to lose the fundamentals of building a program. With a new Athletic Director and new head coaches in volleyball women's basketball and football, it's easy to understand how it'd be easy to focus on their individual problems rather than the athletics department as a whole. However, there seems to be something new with some sports; senior staff members in the Athletics department are inviting the newer ones into their personal space to make them feel `at home.'
Last week, Men's Golf Coach Angelo Sands invited me to his house for dinner with the golf team. He also invited the new AD Pat Chun, his family, and a couple of boosters as well. He required everybody to wear a "Hello, my name is" nametag and on the nametag, we were required to write our name and where we're from. Coach Sands and his wife made a delicious meal for all of those in attendance.
These dinners, especially for a non-student athlete, can sometimes be awkward if you don't have much in common with them. I only knew about half the men's golf team from the video I made last year on "The Fountains Golf Tournament". That didn't stop anybody from trying and getting to know me. Though the nametag seemed a bit juvenile, it was the basic conversation starter for everything. One golfer had "Pablo from Spain" so I brought that up. Several other guys on the team were from Orlando, where I was raised most of my life, and conversation ensued because of that. The best part was that no matter who I talked too, everybody was so inviting and willing to chat. Mr. Chun spoke to the group before dinner and even played a little ice-breaker, we had to say our name, affiliation with athletics, and favorite movie. Again, a little childish, but we learned a lot about each other and we were starting to feel a comfortable with each other. Even after dinner, Coach Sands and his wife made us "care-packages," as he called them, which was a cottage cheese tub full of food to take home; something only my close friends and family have done for me.
It was genuinely a good time. Mr. Chun's children were teaching me to do cartwheels, the golf team and I talked about our cultural differences, (thanks to those nametags), and Sands told us stories about his wonderful experiences in Japan.
I have been a part of the Athletics department for a little over a year and this this is the first time I've actually felt part like I'm part of the family. Never would I believe a coach would host a dinner and extend an invitation to people beyond his players and boosters. There is a feeling of `family' in athletics; one that was barely seen last year and it's nice to see that the coaches, players, and boosters are all together in making it more important to have. Golf season hasn't started yet and Coach Sands is already reaching out and making everyone part of the team. It's a nice feeling to have in the workplace; and the free food just makes it better.
Ginette Javier
Ginette.Javier@gmail.com
