By Joseph D’Andrea
Any college student is well aware of the time-consuming responsibilities placed upon them academically and student athletes are not exempt from this dilemma. Those who play sports in college take risks, whether that be spending too much time on their athletic life or otherwise, plus a reflection on balancing it with another, usually back-up possible career path is crucial as well. So we asked some of our athletes what path they would have taken had they not chosen to compete for the Brown & Gold.
Redshirt senior and women’s lacrosse player Christina McCabe, a marketing major, said, “Because I haven't fully thought about ‘life after college,’ I would love to be managing a marketing team for a top-tier brand somewhere in Manhattan.”
Though McCabe feels sports are her primary focus at the moment, she has noticed an overall beneficial impact on her life as a result of playing in college. “One major point is helping my mental strength by being able to handle two responsibilities—academics and athletics—at once.”
It’s understandable to have a clear path towards an athletic career if you are as involved as someone like McCabe, but she is ambitious in her non-athletic fields as well.
A common theme seen for many athletes at Adelphi is the personal connection between sports and how this interest impacted their lives. Men’s soccer forward Paolo Marciano ‘21 is currently working on his masters in sports management, a clear sign of how personal pursuits can lead to related professions and that athletic interests do not always have to be left behind after one’s athletic career wraps up.
Redshirt senior lacrosse player and marketing major Christiana McCabe (center) explained that despite being engrossed in her love of sports, she could also see herself as the manager of a marketing team.
“Soccer is my passion and my love for this sport is enormous,” Marciano said. “If I was not an athlete, I would pursue a career in the business field. In terms of a future job, I see myself pursuing a career as a manager or director of a company.”
First baseman for Adelphi’s softball team, sophomore Faith Camilleri, has a similar view.
“Softball has been a part of my life since I could even remember,” the nursing major remarked. “If I was not a college athlete, I believe I would have already been working in a hospital in preparation for becoming a nurse. There are many different positions in a hospital that do not require a college degree, so I think I would take on a position that fits into my nursing schedule and prepares me for the field.”
Not every interest outside of sports must be completely career-oriented, and may incidentally lead to a career path previously unconsidered. Interests can be balanced, and for someone like Camilleri, who claims she will be pursuing nursing after her softball career wraps up, she hopes to “stay around the game, hopefully by coaching near home.”
First-year Maria D’Angelo of the women’s soccer team, a business and management major, said, “I did ballet when I was younger and I still really like dancing, so If I had more time, I would like to improve my dancing skills. Soccer has always been my first way of expression and it taught me life lessons, like respect and determination. My plan when I officially end my playing career is to focus on finding the right job for my future, one that makes me feel accomplished and happy.”
Student athletes have much to think about within their own athletic career, but it’s revealing how their hardworking attitudes translate to other aspects of the real-world, particularly as they take on more responsibilities.
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