DIII WEEK – SALEM STATE STUDENT-WORKER RECOGNITION

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

As Salem State continues its celebration of Division III Week, we are proud to feature two of our student workers, who represent the outstanding work done by our student game day staff.  Please join us in celebrating our student employees during this week and show them the appreciation and recognition they deserve for the outstanding work they do.

Today we are profiling staff photographer Emily Jancauskas '25, who is a biology major from Kodiak, Alaska, student broadcaster and game operations staff member Joey MacDonald '25, who is a sport & movement science major from Framingham, Massachusetts and PA announcer and equipment room manager Ashley Yebba '24, who is graduate student from Everett, Massachusetts. Together, they discuss their experiences working with the athletics department at Salem State.

What are some positive experiences you had working for athletics and how are you going to use that experience in the future? 

MacDonald: "The biggest positive about working in athletics is the people I've met and the friends I've made. I know it sounds cliché, but if you were to ask anyone in our department what the best thing you can possibly do to better yourself in the future, they're going to say networking. I'm appreciative of this opportunity because of the people it connected me with, and I know that moving forward, I have a group of former colleagues who could help me out in the future, and that I could possibly assist should they ever call."

Jancauskas: "I have developed such a deep love for the athletics community here at Salem state. I feel so lucky to have developed relationships with the athletes, my coworkers, and staff. Not to mention, I have gained an incredible amount of experience in such a short amount of time. I hope to refine my skills in the future so I might continue my journey as a photographer."

Yebba: "I've had many positive experiences working for athletics however some of the main positives have been meeting new people and being able to work in such a fun environment. These experiences have allowed me to work on my communication and teamwork skills that I can use for my future career." 

What are some unexpected challenges that you had to overcome? 

 MacDonald: "The biggest challenge to overcome, and one that I still struggle with, is public speaking. Having confidence doesn't mean you don't have those moments where you think to yourself, 'Did I say something stupid?' or even, 'do other people think I'm weird?' Having confidence is about seeing the bigger picture and understanding that you have a job to do, so those thoughts have to disappear until I am at least done with what I need to do. Now, I wouldn't say I've fully overcome this, however, this is the perfect gig to work out the kinks should I decide to fully pursue some form of announcing."

Yebba: "I think some unexpected challenges I've had, have been some equipment malfunctions that I haven't had to deal with before like pants being ripped and this led to me learning how to stich up a few things. Now I have a new skill that I can use in the future.

What kind of preparation do you need to do before the game starts?

Jancauskas: "My preparation typically starts hours before the game does. I ensure my SD cards are empty, and my batteries and headphones are charged. I get to games about an hour early, so I can change my settings accordingly. It also gives time for supervisors, coaches, or athletes to ask for specific photos."

How much has your knowledge about sports grown while working with the athletic department?

MacDonald: "My understanding of competitive team sports has significantly expanded since I started working for athletics. I've gained knowledge about sports I hadn't previously played, such as soccer, hockey, volleyball, and lacrosse. However, my most valuable lessons come from observing how our programs succeed or fail from a staff perspective. My future goal is to become a coach, and I've closely observed numerous teams, both competing with and against Salem.

The most important lesson I've learned is the significant influence a coach has on a team's performance and dynamics. A successful team often reflects the qualities of its coach, while a struggling team may lack cohesion due to poor coaching decisions. It's evident that successful coaches are praised while those who consistently lose face criticism and may lose the support of their players.

I acknowledge that every failure comes with valuable lessons, and I appreciate the insights gained from both positive and negative experiences. My intention in discussing this isn't to dwell on the negatives, but to emphasize the potential for growth even in challenging situations. When I eventually take on a coaching role, I aspire to surpass the examples of poor coaching and live up to the standards set by successful coaches."

Yebba: "I believe my knowledge in all different sports has grown significantly. Being able to work game staff has allowed me to learn how each game is played and better my understanding of most sports."

 When did you realize that you wanted to become a sports photographer?

Jancauskas:  "I was a student-athlete in high school, and I was the senior editor for my yearbook. I fell in love with photography and saw the impact my photos had with the athletic community. When I came to Salem State, I was eager to play some role in athletics and found my current position as sports photographer."

What kind of advice would you give to someone who wants to become a sports photographer at Salem State?

Jancauskas: "Develop your style, build connections, and never be afraid to demand credit. Ultimately, it is your work and name. You're building a brand and establishing credibility. Three years later and people still don't credit my work."

What kind of advice will you give to someone who wants to be a PA announcer for hockey and a play-by-play announcer for baseball? 

MacDonald:  "Valuable advice I can offer is to thoroughly comprehend the content you're presenting. A key reason I earned widespread appreciation as a baseball announcer was my attempt to join the team as a walk-on, nearly making it. This effort earned me respect from the players, who treated me like part of their family. Embracing the announcing opportunity felt like a chance to contribute to the team off the field when I couldn't do so on it. Understanding the impact of your words is crucial. While a player may not hear my calls during a home run, their families watching can. Both players and parents have expressed how my announcements enhanced their Salem State baseball experience. So, beyond merely knowing the words, grasp their potential impact. This understanding ensures that when you infuse emotion into your delivery, it feels natural.

This philosophy extends to being a PA announcer, albeit with the added challenge of addressing a live audience rather than viewers on a stream. While the stakes are higher, the core principle remains unchanged. You can embody the voice of anyone to evoke emotion because whether it's promoting upcoming events or energizing the crowd during gameplay, maintaining excitement is essential. Some attendees may not fully grasp the game's nuances, so having a lively announcer is crucial. Without energy, the atmosphere falters, dampening the fan experience. This lack of support can demoralize the team, impacting their performance. Thus, ensuring an enthusiastic fan base at SSU is vital for fostering team morale and success."

What do you see yourself doing in the future, say five to ten years from now?

MacDonald: "My aspirations revolve around entering the realm of football coaching. I purposely keep my goals broad because I envision myself in various coaching roles. Whether it's coaching wide receivers at a Division 1 college, serving as an assistant for a professional team, or leading a high school varsity team as head coach, my focus is on making coaching my profession. I view coaching as a privilege, and I genuinely hope that whichever path I pursue allows for a fulfilling and lengthy career in the sport."

Jancauskas: "I'm not entirely sure where I see myself. I have a lot of passion, and I have built some really amazing connections. Either way, I hope to be making a difference whether it is with my degree or with my skills."  

How has being a D3 student athlete allow you to pursue other passions?

Yebba: "Being a D3 student athlete has allowed me the freedom to explore college and different types of professions by opening opportunities for me to work while also allowing me to have the time to play a sport that I love."

What is something you learned from being a athlete that you will carry with you to your future?

Yebba: "One thing about being a working student athlete is learning time management. Figuring out a balance between your class schedule, work schedule, homework, and practice can be difficult, but it only prepares you for the future."