This week, johnjayathletics.com caught up with former student-athlete Joleen Richards ('14). Richards was a two-year athlete for both the women's soccer and women's cross country teams. She was an inaugural member of the women's soccer program and appeared in 29 games as a forward for the Bloodhounds. She then ran cross country and in her senior season, the Global History major was named a captain. Richards will serve as a volunteer assistant coach for the cross country teams in 2019. 


1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
After John Jay College, I spent three years working multiple part-time jobs to discover what I enjoyed most. My "discovery period" led me to the marketing field at the Mark Morris Dance Group where I currently work as the Web and Social Media Manager.

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
One of my biggest accomplishments professionally was understanding that when I go on interviews, I am also the interviewer. I am interviewing the company to see if I fit into the "office culture", enjoy the responsibilities I'm given, etc. I learned that if I am investing 40+ hours a week into something, I should enjoy it too.

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
I was elected president of SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) during my last year at John Jay. I had a lot of great ideas, and I was painfully shy. However, that opportunity helped me develop leadership and public speaking skills. Overall, my experience at John Jay was filled with moments that challenged me and pushed me outside of my comfort zone.

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
My advice would be to live in the present and take advantage of every opportunity. Think about the future but don't dwell on it because your day-to-day life experience is what's preparing you for the future.  

5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
I have learned to always challenge myself. I played soccer and ran cross country at John Jay and each sport taught me something about myself. In soccer, you have the support of your team and to be most successful, you must play your part and trust your teammates will play theirs. In cross country, it was a mental game racing against your personal best. These two experiences prepared me for life after college.

6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
This year is the first year since John Jay I am not directly involved in sports. Previously, I worked as a sports counselor, soccer coach, and was a sports and development youth coach. Currently, I work for a professional dance company, but I miss the competitive nature of sports which is why I recently reached out to Coach Tony Phillips to be a volunteer assistant cross country coach in the fall.


2018 Women's Cross Country Update:  The women's cross country program finished in second place at the CUNYAC Championship. During the regular season, the Bloodhounds finished in second and third place at the Baruch and York Invitationals, respectively. Freshman Kellie Courtney was named the CUNYAC Rookie of the Year after her stellar freshman campaign, which included appearances at the ECAC Championship and NCAA DIII Atlantic Regionals. 

To view all of the previous Alumni Spotlights, please visit www.johnjayathletics.com/alumnispotlight. 

 

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