Tell us about your professional background and what led you to work at UNLV.

I spent many years (15+) working as an Academic Advisor for different colleges & universities. I wanted to experience that work in all areas online, public, private, and community colleges. Each experience was rewarding and challenging all at once. I tried to be very purposeful in finding positions that would serve students and positively affect the trajectory of their lives.

Your job title is "Senior Coordinator Academic Success Coaching." What does your job entail? 

I lead a great team of 12-15 Graduate Assistants and Front Desk leaders. I coordinate Academic Coaching to market our soft-skill development coaching services to all UG students. Essentially, I am a developer of people as I evaluate how staff and services can consistently be accessible and valuable to UNLV. I create partnerships with other programs in hopes that my investment and collaboration will reverberate positivity and that ASC Coaching will ultimately be a great service to many.

What is a common misconception about Academic Success Coaching you would like to clarify?

Many students and some staff think that Coaching is tutoring. We do not tutor students, as ASC Tutoring addresses specific academic subject topics (Science, Math, etc.). ASC Coaches work with students 1:1 and in group settings to expose and guide their soft-skill development to empower them to succeed in college and life. Soft skills are the building blocks of the life skills we all need to feel successful, encouraged, capable, and seen. 

What is your favorite part about your job here at UNLV?

I absolutely love the Coaching Spot location. My office feels much like a coffeehouse where you would come to write a novel. I enjoy the interesting conversations that I get to engage in with students and my staff. I also enjoy walking around campus during the non-Summer months because it's a beautiful campus. 

What would campus look like without you (or your department in general)?

Wow, great question! The ASC provides invaluable services to students from all walks of life who might otherwise be invisible on campus. Our offices are incredibly deliberate and passionate about helping and meeting students where they are in their academic journey. The ASC rocks, and we are here to stay! 

Tell us about an object in your office and what it represents to you.

I am a Cookie Connessieur and love the Cookie Monster character. I have a stuffed animal of him in the corner of my office that reminds me to enjoy life one cookie at a time. 

What advice would you give your younger self? 

Be purposeful about networking. Surround yourself with people who will teach, challenge, and love you. 

Tell us what your ideal summer vacation is.

Barbados, any time of year, sipping on a cold, jazzy cocktail! 

What is your year, major, & sport?

I am a junior majoring in anthropology and play on the UNLV women’s volleyball team. 

Why did you choose to come to UNLV?

I chose to come to UNLV because of the campus, support staff on the academic and athletic sides, and the abundance of activities in Las Vegas!

What role has the ASC played in your success at UNLV?

It made life on campus so much easier. Figuring out what major I wanted to pursue, signing up for classes, getting in touch with my advisor, and putting a schedule together that worked with me and my sport wouldn’t have been possible without the ASC.

What is one piece of advice you would give to new UNLV student-athletes? 

Find something you’re passionate about outside of sports and academics that defines you. Your sport and school can become repetitive and overwhelming sometimes, and having something fun to escape to and pour your heart into is really important for your mental health.

How does it feel to be invited to represent the Mountain West Global Challenge team in Slovenia this month?

It is an honor! I’m really excited to play my favorite sport and learn more about it from a different perspective. I’m also excited to explore Slovenia, Croatia, and Venice. As an anthropology major, getting to know and understand other cultures is very important to me.

What would you say has been the most challenging experience as a college

Athlete? How did you overcome that challenge?

Adjusting to a completely different lifestyle than the club volleyball and high school balance that I had at home. I graduated in 2021, so coming to UNLV my first year was my first introduction back into the physical classroom since COVID. I overcame that challenge by making myself a schedule and sticking to it. Assigning myself days to do homework for certain classes, putting in the time to do film and meet with coaches, and most importantly, scheduling myself creative free time. It really made a difference.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to stop comparing myself to others. Everyone’s journey is different, especially in the athletics world, and if you try to mimic someone else’s process, you’ll struggle later in finding your own.

What is something on your bucket list?

I would love to travel and play volleyball in South America! 2023 has been full of blessings, and during this year has been my first time out of the country. I can’t wait to explore more.



What is your year, major, & sport?

I am going into my senior year. I am majoring in Kinesiology and am on the volleyball team here at UNLV.

Why did you choose to come to UNLV?

I chose UNLV because I loved the location of the school and everything Las Vegas has to offer. The volleyball program also provided a great opportunity for me to continue playing at the next level. The team and staff made it feel like a second home and made my decision easy. 

Describe what it's like working with your SAAS Academic Eligibility Specialist.

The SAAS academic advisors are great resources and provide support through everything. My advisors have helped me plan out my path in college and helped put me in a position where I can be successful throughout my four years and in the future.

What is your favorite thing to do on campus?

My favorite thing on campus is going to other sporting events and games. I also really like studying at the Library and Hospitality building! 

How does it feel to be invited to represent the Mountain West Global Challenge team in Slovenia this month?

I am so grateful for the opportunity to play and represent my school and conference on the Mountain West team this year at Global Challenge. Being selected to travel to Europe to play at a high level is something I never thought I would be able to do. I'm super thankful to my staff and team for supporting me and making it happen!

What hobbies do you enjoy outside of school?

Outside of school, I enjoy hanging out with my friends! I also like cooking new things and painting.

What does a typical day look like for you as a student and a student-

athlete?

Our days are pretty busy during the season due to traveling and games. Most of us have our classes during the mornings. We head to the gym in the early afternoon for film sessions, meetings, treatment, rehab, practice, and weights. We meet with our team nutritionist and psychologist during the week. After practice, we have the rest of the night to finish our homework and have free time! 

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

In the next five years, I plan to continue playing volleyball professionally. I also plan on earning my master's degree in Kinesiology and working in the Physical Therapy field.