St. John's University Athletics
Women's Soccer Senior Kelly McConnell Reflects On The President's Society
12/9/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Dec. 9, 2009
QUEENS, N.Y. - Last spring, St. John's inducted 29 members into the prestigious President's Society, a group of senior students who have excelled in academic achievement, leadership on and off campus and a comprehensive knowledge of the University's core values. Five of those current members are student-athletes on four different varsity teams on campus.
The following interview with women's soccer forward Kelly McConnell is the second in a five-part series on these student-athletes and their lives of leadership and achievement.
What attracted you to the women's soccer program here at St. John's University?
I have to say what brought me here was the coaching staff. I saw the closeness of the girls and how they were a family. Belson Stadium is also one of the nicest stadiums that I have seen and have been privileged to play in. I was excited to be able to play there. St. John's is also reputable and it's near the city.
What has been your best memory of your career on the field?
The most exciting game that occurred at Belson was the UConn game during my sophomore year. It went to two overtimes and everyone rushed the field. It was a really big win for us.
What was your initial reaction to being inducted into the President's Society?
It was definitely one of shock and surprise. I was really excited because of what a great experience it would be and the opportunity I would get to meet so many different people.
How has the President's Society changed you as a student-athlete?
It's helped in the aspect of networking. I've become more open to talking to different people, which is really an important part of being a member of the President's Society.
What impact has the President's Society made on the women's soccer team? Do you see your teammates applying in the future?
I think it's cool when me and Nic (Nicole Pasciolla) are able to relay new facts about the school. It was cool to share with the team new facts about the D'Angelo Center. We have a lot of qualified, personable, and intelligent girls that will apply in the future.
What has been your favorite President's Society event?
I liked working the New Student Convocation and I'm pretty fond of all of the events with dinners. It's also cool to interact with your professors outside the classroom.
What were some goals for the team this year?
Obviously, we wanted to make tournaments. We've grown so much as a team and we've gotten to the point where it's about more than winning games. We've become such a family. We're starting to take stuff one day at a time as it comes because we have so much potential.
Do you feel your involvement on the President's Society has influenced prospective student-athletes to attend St. John's?
I think it's another opportunity that the University has to offer to its student-athletes, and the fact that is open to both student-athletes and students is great. You can be a student-athlete and be a member of the President's Society.
You are one of five student-athletes on the President's Society. What do you think will be the impact on St. John's Athletics as a whole?
It brings opportunities to let student-athletes know that we can achieve this and that the President's Society helps with networking and meeting different people. I've also made great friends as well.
How will the President's Society benefit your career goals?
I think that the experiences that you have and keeping in contact with people that you meet can help you reach different goals, get a job, and learn life lessons.
