Nov. 6, 2012
Written by: Sarabeth Pollock, USD Assistant Director of Athletics for Academic Support
So much of what goes on in USD Athletics happens behind the scenes, but it's the people behind the scenes that make what we do possible. Without their hard work, USD Athletics would come to a grinding halt.
This month's staff recognition features the fantastic work of the department's Fab Five, the team of administrative assistants that keep USD Athletics moving. The team is made up of Charlene Ables, Cyndi Casillas, Linda Coppa, Janet Engelman and Donna Holston.
The work that this team does is invaluable. According to Executive Director of Athletics Ky Snyder, "The backbone of the work that takes place in the athletic department is accomplished by our terrific team of administrative assistants. Their commitment to the university and its mission and values reflects well upon USD Athletics. Often they are the first point of contact for our alumni, parents, families and fans and they showcase our commitment to our student-athletes. We are blessed to have such a committed and effective group setting us up for success."
Charlene Ables, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director of Athletics
Charlene grew up in San Diego and has a background in publishing and consulting. She just celebrated her tenth anniversary as a USD employee. Her daughter is currently a junior at USD. When asked about her day-to-day responsibilities, Charlene admitted that no two days are exactly alike. Each year when signing day comes around, she's busy working with coaches to prepare National Letters of Intent. At the moment she's helping the Athletic Director with the search for the next Vice President for Finance and Administration at USD. Her day begins when she starts working on emails at 7am, and those emails usually determine her schedule for the day.
One of her favorite memories at USD is when Men's Basketball beat UConn. She was in a sports bar and she remembers that everyone there was cheering for USD. The group came together to cheer on the underdogs, which made her think about how exciting college athletics is. She's also excited about the potential for winning a sixth consecutive West Coast Conference Commissioner's Cup this year. Charlene credits the power of goal setting to achieving this goal, citing the fact that USD Athletics does a tremendous job with determining and setting goals for the department each year. Charlene is very excited about Fowler Park, especially because she has been able to watch the progress from her office window, and she knows how much this new facility means not only for the team, but for the department as a whole.
She loves everything about working at USD, calling it the best job in the world. This is a place where people care about each other and watch out for one another like a giant family.
Cyndi Casillas, Executive Assistant, Development
Cyndi grew up in San Diego and spent time in Los Angeles before returning to her hometown. She has a background in finance, but she found herself with a connection to USD through her nephew, who played baseball here. She attended Baseball's For the Love of the Game event and knew there was something special about this place. Before long, she had a job in the development office, which is the office responsible for organizing that event. Her job is never dull; she manages all revenue and prepares the relevant revenue reports, she helps to organize gifts to the department, she prepares mailing and she's the steward of the donors and Executive Cabinet. She also assists at the events that her area organizes.
Her favorite memory at USD is when a group of USD employees went to a taping of Let's Make a Deal. She is particularly excited about the opening of Fowler Park. Obviously, her connection to USD Baseball runs deep given the family ties, but she's excited to see how all of the gifts have come together to allow for the creation of what is sure to be a premiere ballpark. Not only is it great for the Baseball team, but it will open so many doors for the rest of the department.
USD is a special place for her because of the people that work here. Not only are we blessed with a beautiful environment to work in, but the Athletic Department is like a "close knit family." She loves working for her boss, Brian Fogarty, and she really enjoys seeing how all of the hard work pays off in the end. The result is that Torero Athletics gets better every year.
Linda Coppa, Executive Assistant, Development
Linda is another San Diegan who came to USD after working at Solar Turbines and taking time off to be with her kids (both of her children are USD alums). She'd always heard great things about USD so she applied for the position when it came open and has been a member of the Athletic Department family ever since. On any given day, Linda has five open guest lists sitting on her desk for the various events she helps to organize. She also gathers auction items, contacts vendors and assists with the annual mailings. She attributes being able to prioritize important things to being successful in her position, which requires her to work with different staffs across campus so that an event runs smoothly. The reward comes when she gets to see the event in action and people come together to celebrate the work of USD's student athletes.
She recalls working at an event at Dave & Busters during the 2008 NCAA Basketball Tournament. De'Jon Jackson hit the game-winning shot and the place went crazy. The energy was amazing, and that's why this is her fondest USD memory. Linda is very excited about Fowler Park; she talked about the fear and excitement that goes into something as big as this. She's helping to organize the opening day festivities, and there is so much that goes into any event, so you can imagine planning an event for the first time. The fear is surpassed by the thrill of being able to be there for the park's opening, which will be a moment etched in Torero history.
Linda loves working at USD because of the people. In fact, for her it is all about the people. The atmosphere in athletics is frenetic and fast paced, but it is a place that fosters long-lasting friendships. She enjoys working with the "quirky coaches" and administrators. One of the best things is watching student athletes mature during their four years at USD.
Janet Engelman, Executive Assistant to the Senior Associate Athletic Director
Janet prides herself on being a third-generation San Diegan. She has a degree in Psychology and worked in the San Diego School District for fifteen years. Through connections, she found out that football coach Ron Caragher needed an assistant, and the rest is history. Janet's primary role is to support Senior Associate Athletic Director Shaney Fink, but she also manages team schedules, rosters, official visits and contracts. She also assists Assistant Athletic Director Erin Adkins with compliance.
When asked about a favorite USD memory, Janet spoke more broadly about how enjoyable it is to spend time with co-workers at the games. She enjoys every game she attends, but she really enjoys how the department gathers at these events to show unity and support for the teams. Jokingly, she added that it's fun "cheering on teams that we do paperwork for." She is incredibly excited that USD is hosting the 2012 Women's Soccer College Cup. "When is the last time you got to go to a college national championship?" she pointed out.
The best thing about working at USD is the people. "The people we work with are good people you want to spend time with," she said, which is why she enjoys going to the events as much as she does. There aren't many jobs where you get done with work and then want to stick around afterwards. But USD is different. She says the people here make all the difference.
Donna Holston, Executive Assistant to the Associate Director of Athletics for Business
Donna was born in Alabama and raised all over the country. She's held a variety of clerical positions but also spent time at home with her children. She prides herself on being the most senior of the Fab Five who is also celebrating her tenth year at USD. Donna says that she can never plan her day. Generally, she helps with paying bills, overseeing expense reports, managing the department cell phones, and assists with the department's budget. However, she also refers to herself as "the Fireman" because most of the time, her schedule is determined by the problems of the day when members of the department rush to her for help putting out fires.
Her favorite USD memory is when USD beat St. Mary's, then Gonzaga, to get the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. She recalls the excitement around campus as being something that USD had never really seen before. She expects that the same kind of excitement will come with the opening of Fowler Park, which is something that she's really looking forward to.
Donna also cites the people as being her favorite part of working at USD. She enjoys the dynamic between the various personalities she works with but points out that we do what we do because we love it. USD Athletics is made up of "very caring people." The "people connection" makes working at USD enjoyable and interesting.
