PCCC Athletics Holds Women’s Forum in Observance of National Girls and Women in Sports Day
A lively crowd of students, faculty, and administrators turned out at the Panther’s Den last week for the Passaic County Community College (PCCC) inaugural Women’s Networking Forum, held in recognition of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), an annual celebration held the first week in February.
Conceived by Athletics Director Wayne R. Martin and presented in collaboration with PCCC’s Center for Student Engagement (CSE) the February 6th forum offered student athletes, particularly women, the opportunity to talk about their PCCC experiences and to meet the administrators and staff who provide the College services for them.
“We are proud to join this nationwide effort to recognize women in sports, especially our own student-athletes,” said Mr. Martin in opening the program. “This is your day, ladies. We encourage all the student-athletes, here, men and women, to share about your experiences and take advantage of the services you will learn about today.”
Celebrating PCCC’s women athletes in basketball and volleyball, the event was upscaled with rsvp invitations, special NGWSD t-shirts, plentiful refreshments, and a gathering in PCCC’s lively Panther’s Den.
To start, staff members from various College departments, including Ian Wolf, Assistant Dean for Student Engagement, introduced themselves and explained how their duties at PCCC help to serve students.
Also in attendance were Shakere “Ricky” Banks, Head Women’s Basketball Coach and Derek Braxton, Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach.
Several administrators who offered special presentations created an immediate connection to the student-athletes by revealing chapters of their own life stories.
“I was a first-generation student, like many students who attend PCCC,” said Maritza Davila, coordinator of admissions and financial aid services at the Passaic campus. Describing the self-doubt, she felt as the first in her family to attend college, Ms. Davila held the students’ attention, especially when she declared “EOF saved my life,” referring to the amazing support program that has helped dozens of PCCC first-generation students overcome obstacles and succeed.
Tom Moore, Assistant Dean for Career and Professional Readiness, explained that he was a journalism major in college, but followed a different path to career success. “Less than a quarter of college graduates go into jobs related to their major,” he said, encouraging students not to limit themselves. “In Career Services, we recognize that each of you is an individual on your own path. We’ll help you to learn early what your options are on that path and show you how to create a strong resume and perform well in a job interview.”
Lia Rowe, Director of Wellness, Student Advocacy, and Violence Prevention, opened with a question. “What do you think of when you hear the word “wellness?” One student quickly replied, “Self-care.”
Giving a rundown of services offered through the Center, from mental health counseling to workshops that teach everyday life skills, like food shopping and cooking, Ms. Rowe noted, “The Wellness Center also provides a pantry stocked with free food, hygiene and household products, and free career clothing.”
Leah Johnson, Associate Vice President/Dean of Students Affairs, invited students to “Come to my office with any questions you have.” She also runs a weekly online Discussion with the Dean series open to all students.
Then an unstoppable force blew through the room. “I’m here to tell you it’s game time,” announced Teya Eaton, a PCCC alumna, former women’s basketball coach, and now Coordinator of Admissions and Financial Aid Services at the Wanaque campus.
Fierce and funny. Passionate and compassionate, Ms. Eaton delivered an unforgettable sermon about the power of believing in oneself. “Your belief system is your lifeline,” she intoned. “You need it when you need a way to bounce back.”
The entire room hung on her words as Ms. Eaton told of her own experiences as a student athlete, when unlikely – even seemingly impossible – victories occurred, such as when her high school basketball team was the only Passaic County team to be nationally ranked.
“I always kept a winning spirit,” she said, urging the students in the room to do the same.
After her college graduation, while Ms. Eaton worked for the City of Paterson, a colleague approached her about taking on a job as a PCCC basketball coach. Insisting repeatedly that she did not want the job, Ms. Eaton finally broke down and agreed.
That was in the month of September. The season was to start in October. “And there were no players for the team,” she said, adding that, by some inexplicable power, young women who wanted to play started showing up. It seemed meant to be.
“In our first year, we went to nationals and learned we had to play the number one team,” said Ms. Eaton. It was intimidating, but she refused to let go of the winning spirit. They won the game.
The entire room hung on her words as Ms. Eaton told of her own experiences as a student athlete, when unlikely – even seemingly impossible – victories occurred, such as when her high school basketball team was the only Passaic County team to be nationally ranked.
“I always kept a winning spirit,” she said, urging the students in the room to do the same.
After her college graduation, while Ms. Eaton worked for the City of Paterson, a colleague approached her about taking on a job as a PCCC basketball coach. Insisting repeatedly that she did not want the job, Ms. Eaton finally broke down and agreed.
That was in the month of September. The season was to start in October. “And there were no players for the team,” she said, adding that, by some inexplicable power, young women who wanted to play started showing up. It seemed meant to be.
“In our first year, we went to nationals and learned we had to play the number one team,” said Ms. Eaton. It was intimidating, but she refused to let go of the winning spirit. They won the game.
Jaylene Gonzalez, a first-year student on the basketball team, was moved not only by Ms. Eaton’s inspirational energy, but by the spirit of community and support the former coach encouraged.
Articulate and focused, Jaylene aspires to a dual career as a motivational speaker and therapist. “I want to be able to help others and to encourage that spirit of community and support in everyone.”
With full College community spirit, the PCCC Athletics Women’s Forum embodied the NGWSD motto: LEAD HER FORWARD. For more information and event photos, visit pccc.edu/athletics
by Linda Telesco; Photos by Page Saunders
Back to News