In the Fall of 2022, I was asked by Coach Reilly to become one of three student managers for the men’s basketball team. Being part of Posse Veterans prior to school, I was able to meet with a few of the faculty through Zoom. One in particular, said to come see him if anyone was interested in sports because he oversees the athletic department.
I took the faculty member word for it and looked him up on my first week of arrival to campus. He kept his word and introduced me through email to the athletic director, Coach Whalen regarding a chance to get involved with the teams on campus.
The initial meeting with Coach Whalen went great. I initially thought that I would be able to work with the football team since that was Coach Whalen’s background. He asked me what sports I play, my interests, and other ways to contribute. I expressed which sports. as well as my prior experiences working in an equipment room At the end of our meeting, Coach and I walked through the halls of the Freeman Athletic center to locate the equipment manager at the time, Bob, who is now retired. Bob was nowhere to be found, so Coach told me to email the basketball coach, Coach Reilly, and introduce myself. Upon doing so, I was invited to meet with him in person.
I met with Coach Reilly in his office for about forty minutes, which was a blast. I found out that his dad was a World War II veteran in the marines, so we could relate on that level. At the end of the meeting, Coach invited me to come to practice to meet the team as a special guest. That first practice was the best experience I had at Wesleyan so far. Coach brought me into the huddle in the hallway just as practice was about to begin. Right away the team accepted me with open arms and all 23 players introduced themselves at that moment.
