Alumna Look: Jessica Kaufman, Part II

From Emmitsburg to Bangkok.

It's crazy to think that I am 2 months shy of officially being graduated from the Mount for a full year.  The past 8 months have honestly been the craziest, most exciting, life changing months of my life. So let's go back to Spring 2014. As I'm currently writing this post while sitting on a ferry headed to an island in Thailand, I can't help but stop and think, “How the heck did I get here?!”

I can vividly remember that once my basketball career had come to an end, graduation was just around the corner and I honestly had NO clue what I wanted to do with my life once I left the Mount. And as we all know, post-graduation means questions, and I wanted to be prepared with answers. The only thing I was confident about was that come fall time, I would be working somewhere outside of the U.S.  I've always had a desire to travel and work internationally so I had at least a start to a plan.

I spent a lot of my time brainstorming ideas with a professor in my business major department (Sandra Sjoberg). She wasn't my advisor, but was just someone who I respected and felt very comfortable seeing/talking to on a daily basis, especially because she has spent a lot of time working internationally. She had a former student who taught English in Russia through a company called Language Corps. The Mount is the type of community where professors build relationships with their students, because they truly wish the best for them.  Without Professor Sjoberg, I would have never even considered teaching internationally.  She helped guide me throughout the end of my college career, and helped supply me with the support and confidence I needed to embark on this journey. The community we have at the Mount is definitely something that I didn't honestly appreciate until after I left the Mount. After talking to a Mount alum who had worked in Russia through Language Corps, I instantly knew that this is what I wanted to do. So I applied, packed my bags and moved to SE Asia to become an English teacher.

It's been 8 months since I've left. I have learned a lot since I've been here, and I think one of the main things I've learned is to appreciate where you've been, and where you're going. The Mount shaped me into a woman who was brave enough to move to SE Asia on her own. The Mount gave me the confidence I needed to leave my comfort zone. The Mount helped me build lifelong relationships, friendships and connections. Everyone has a different story that consists of different experiences. Everyone has a unique journey that develops them into the individual they are. I wouldn't be on this journey in Thailand, if it wasn't for the Mount.

To read Jessie blog "Living the Thai Life" about her experiences in SE Asia, CLICK HERE!

Alumna Look: Jessica Kaufman, Part I

After graduating from Mount St. Mary's last year with a degree in Business and a minor in Communications, Jessica Kaufman '14 traveled to Southeast Asia to teach English to children Thailand. Here is a powerful snippet from her blog:

 

 

"7 months ago, I left everything that was comfortable in my life, to move half way across the world to be an English teacher in SE Asia. At the age of 22, with nothing but an over packed suitcase, an empty passport, and some cash saved up, I embarked on arguably the craziest journey of my life. My teaching here in Thailand is coming to an end this week, and I can confidently say that I have gained more knowledge from teaching abroad than I could have ever imagined.  Here are the top 8 things that the mini humans/teaching in Thailand taught me:

1. Courage

 

I moved half way across the world, having never been to Asia before, didn’t know the language, didn’t know a single person living here, had ZERO qualifications to be a teacher… in other words it was easily the scariest moment of my existence. I will never forget the adrenaline rush that overcame me when I stepped off that plane in Cambodia. But most importantly, I will never forget the courage it took to get on that plane in the first place...."

 

To read the other seven things Jessie's experience have taught her, as well as more about Jessie's amazing year teaching in Thailand and see all of the amazing pictures, click HERE to access her blog.

Part II - In our next blog post, we will hear specifically from Jessie about how her time at the Mount helped prepare her to embark upon her Thailand teaching experience.

Mount Strength & Conditioning

The strength and conditioning program at Mount Saint Mary’s University focuses on three principles:

1.      Reduce the risk of injury

2.      Maximize athletic performance

3.      Educate the student-athlete

A major renovation of our Varsity Weight Room was just completed after a very generous gift
from local supporter Tom Wilhide.

The women’s basketball team will train year-round to continuously develop strength, power, speed, agility, flexibility and sport conditioning to maximize on-court performance and keep the women healthy. Our program believes that education is key in the development of student-athletes. Our athletes are encouraged to ask questions and learn. I want our athletes to know what we are doing and why we are doing it. At this particular time, the women’s basketball team is competing in the regular season. The team will continue to train hard about two times per week, schedule permitting, as the focus turns to the court. I’m excited for the ladies to continue regular season play and to see their off-season efforts in action.

The floor was completely re-done, while new graphics were added to the walls. Flat-screen TV's were added to aid in educating our student-athletes throughout their various workouts.

Within the past few weeks, the strength and conditioning program at the Mount has made great improvements to its facilities. The addition of new equipment allows our student-athletes to train using a large variety of training modalities and has the student-athletes more excited than ever to enter the facility. With the end of the semester quickly approaching our off-season teams will begin preparations to performance test shortly after Thanksgiving break and we’ll distribute winter break lifting and conditioning packets to the athletes as they return home to continue to prepare for their spring seasons.

The renovations also include complete power racks and platforms, free weights equipment and a sound system.

For current high school junior and senior athletes striving to compete at the collegiate level, I recommend finding a quality sports performance training facility with certified strength and conditioning coaches in your local area. Having the motivation to learn, train hard, and make yourself better will put you ahead of the rest entering the collegiate scene.

 

 

  Stephen Notebaert was hired as the Mount St. Mary's Strength and Conditioning Coach prior to the 2014-15 academic year. His certifications include Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC) and USA Weightlifting Level 1 Sports Performance Coach (USAW).

Athletic Nutrition

Athletic Nutrition

by Allison Bologna

Nutrition can have a large impact on athletic performance, and it is extremely important for athletes to eat well in order to perform better and boost recovery. A healthy, balanced diet should consist of lean meats and proteins, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and quality carbs. Athletes should drink lots of water. Our muscles are primarily made of water and protein, and our bodies strive for water to recover and replenish its used resources. Sports drinks should be kept to a minimum because of the amount of sugar that they contain. They also contain empty calories and can be damaging to your teeth.

Carbohydrates are important, but choosing the correct source is the key. Carbohydrates should come from whole grains, beans, or even sweet potatoes and bananas. Avoid eating excessive amounts of wheat products like bagels, buns, rolls, or starchy vegetables like white potatoes and corn. Athletes should also be consuming proteins on a daily basis, especially after training. Quality proteins consist of lean meats like chicken, pork and fish as well as eggs, nuts and Greek yogurt. Proteins are important to repair body tissues, and they are a good source of energy. The sugar in proteins lasts longer and is not used by the body as quickly as the sugars in carbohydrates. Dark leafy greens are important and packed with nutrients like iron and magnesium. Some examples of healthy fats include olive oil, coconut oil, and avocados.

It’s important for athletes to EAT! Not consuming enough calories or consuming processed, fatty foods can have a negative effect on your performance and can break down muscle. Eating three or four healthy balanced meals a day will keep your body going and help with muscle rebuilding as well as burning unwanted fat. Keep away from processed food, fast food, sodas, alcohol, sugary drinks and low-quality carbs. Following these few nutritional recommendations in conjunction with getting enough sleep, will improve your ability to perform at a high level.



Allison Bologna is in her third year at The Mount as the Assistant Athletic Trainer. She is a licensed and certified athletic trainer, and she has her Master's Degree in Health Administration. Bologna has worked two seasons with women's basketball, and she also works with the softball team.

Halloween Practice

The final practice before Halloween saw the coaching staff surprise the players by showing up in costumes...

Coach Whit was Fred Flinstone!

The assistant coaches wore throwback jerseys from many years ago.

Newcomers, Part V: Melissa & Adam

This is the fifth and final installment of our series which introduces the newest faces of The Mount's women's basketball program. We have two new members of the coaching staff this season: Assistant Coach Melissa Kolbe and Director of Operations Adam Surguine.

Melissa Kolbe
I began my journey at The Mount in June.  It has been a whirlwind with recruiting, practice and getting acclimated to the Mount St. Mary’s community, but I have loved every minute of it.

The Mount is the fourth Division I university I have coached at and I am entering my 14th year of coaching at this level.  I came to The Mount from Eastern Kentucky University where I was the recruiting coordinator and most recently worked with the post players.  I was fortunate enough to coach the 4th leading scorer, the leading rebounder & all-time double-doubles leader in program history during my years at EKU.  Prior to EKU, I coached at East Carolina University and was a part of the program’s 2nd ever trip to the NCAA Tournament.  We finished the 2007 season as C-USA Tournament Champions and advanced to the NCAA Tournament where we played National Runner-up Rutgers.  I had a variety of responsibilities while at ECU and worked specifically with the guards.

My Division I experience began at Mercer University and before that my coaching career began while I was a graduate assistant coach at Valdosta State University.  I have worked at a variety of institutions and am looking forward to helping the Mount women’s basketball program continue to grow and become a force not only within the NEC but also regionally.

Adam Surguine
I am beginning my first year at the Mount as Director of Operations.  Originally from Laurel, MD, I have spent the last 8 years in Lancaster, PA, both as a student and as an Assistant Coach at Lancaster Bible College.  My wife Amanda and I have been married since March 2011. She is a physical therapy assistant JVS Rehab in Columbia, and we have a dog named Diesel who always keeps us entertained.  

Cutting down the nets after LBC's NEAC championship.

In my role, I handle administrative work on the team, such as, film exchange, travel, community service and male practice players among many other things.  My job is to help this team run more effectively and more efficiently.  

Me with my wife Amanda, who played basketball at Howard Community College

I am loving my time at the Mount so far.  It is a great university with great people.  This team is tremendous, their work ethic is excellent.  It is truly a family.

Newcomers, Part IV: Jessica, Kathryn and Alexis

This is the fourth installment of our series which introduces the newest faces of The Mount's women's basketball program. Next week, we will be sending the fifth and final part. For now, let's meet Jess, Kat and Lex!

Jessica Harris
     The Mount was the last school that contacted me and soon became the first on my list. I played in a Boo Williams senior showcase hoping to pick up more offers. Within the next week I was on campus. I played a couple games of pick up and took a tour of campus.

     Although I did not have an overnight visit to The Mount, a day visit was enough for me to realize that it was a perfect fit. In my recruiting process, I was looking for a school that not only was close to home but felt like home. The comforting vibe I received from the coaches and players was a major influence. In addition, the campus is beautiful!

Kathryn Thompson
     I come from Winter Park, FL about 900 miles from the Mount. I visited the school during spring break of both my junior and senior years of high school and fell in love with it. The first time I came here there was 8 inches of snow on the ground, so a lot of people question why I left Florida for this. But I love it here! I get the chance to be in a Catholic community, receive a great education, and play basketball. There's not much more I could want.

     I'm extremely grateful for all the love and support of my family to send me here and the opportunity the coaches have given me to play. The constant communication I had with Coach Keys prior to coming to the Mount really helped make me feel comfortable as well. ​

Alexis Carter
            I recently came to the Mount as a transfer from Hofstra University in New York. The schools are different in so many ways, and I can honestly say the Mount was a better fit for me.  I really love the campus and the size of it along with the people. Also, a major difference that benefited me most was the distance between my family and I.

            I am currently a junior majoring in Criminal Justice from Woodbridge, Virginia. I come from a big, loving, and very supportive family. I live with my mother and two younger siblings.  My family has been the biggest influence when it comes to basketball simply because its something that’s been relevant throughout my entire life. So far my experience here at the Mount has been nothing less than great, and I have no doubt that my love for this place will not diminish.