I Chose Division II

Yesterday we  had the opportunity to take part in an NCAA photo shoot, interview, and filming for the 40th anniversary of Division II.  A camera crew followed our little family around for the day, and then we both got interviewed on how being a Division II athlete helped influence our lives and careers. A few snap shots from the day below:

  I am bias to college athletes because I was one, but I do believe that former college athletes are some of the most disciplined, motivated, and hard working professionals I run into.  Obviously being in a sales and development role the qualities which it takes to be successful in this profession are similar to those that it took to be successful on the field or court.  The core values for the Division II  are below, the mantra "Life in the balance" is what it is all about:

 

 

 

These values are ones that John and I still live by today.  As we had the opportunity to go through this for the NCAA it was a refresher to look back and see just how much we still live by these values each day.  I owe so much to Bentley, Sandy Hoffman, my teammates, the NCAA, and other DII athletes to where I am today.  I wouldn't be where I am without the experience as a professional, but more importantly where I am as a mom and a wife in having met John through the work we both did with the NCAA.  I had the chance to give some advice to student athletes in the interview and there were three things I wanted to have resonate 1. Find your passion, go after your dreams.  Work is a major part of your life and you better like what you do 2. Just do it, don't be afraid to go after your dreams.  Don't let age, experience or lack thereof get in the way of the goals you want to accomplish.  Doors are going to slam in your face, but if you persevere you will find those people that will give you a shot.  But you won't get that shot unless you have passion.  I think back to when I first was trying to break into medical devices.  I got turned down by a half a dozen companies before I found one manager that gave me a chance. It was because I was passionate, I didn't have the skills or experience to actually do the job.  I was just relentless in pursuit of my goal.  3. Don't ever give up.  Life is hard, work is hard, there are ups and downs...have a great attitude and role with the punches.  Funny enough I didn't start heading my own advice to rolling with the punches until I got married and had a baby.

I am forever grateful for the opportunities the NCAA has given me, and most importantly for Sandy Hoffman recruiting a lefty from Haverhill, MA to be a part of her team.  I wouldn't have this life if it wasn't for you giving me a shot and the opportunity to be a part of your team. 

I am so happy that I chose Division II, or I guess I should say maybe Division II chose me.