Salem State Celebrates D3 Week: Tara Driscoll '12

Division III Week is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with Division III to observe and celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on the campus and surrounding community. During the week, every Division III school and conference office is encouraged to conduct a type of outreach activity that falls into one of three categories: academic accomplishment; athletic experience; or leadership/community service/campus involvement.

Salem State continues its celebration of Division III Week with a featured spotlight on former women's basketball player, Tara Driscoll '12, who recently joined the Nahant Fire Department.

Driscoll a two-time captain and Team MVP, played three years (2009-2012) for the Vikings and served two seasons as an assistant coach (2016-2018) at Salem State.

Why SSU?

"As a Swamspcott native, Salem State had always been a familiar place to me. Whether I was attending camps, watching a high school hockey game, or watching the women's basketball team compete, I had been in and out of the athletic facility so many times that it already seemed almost like a second home to me. My original plan as a senior in HS was to "go away" to school. However, due to my father's declining health- I wanted to be home with my family. I transferred to Salem State after he passed away and at the most tragic time of my life, SSU brought me back to life. My coaches soon became my lifelong mentors- (Tim Shea & Michelle Cunningham) My teammates became my lifelong friends, and the Athletic Department as a whole was extremely welcoming and comforting for me."

My best memories from SSU?

"I'd have to say all of my favorite memories from SSU involved basketball- but not necessarily wins and losses. The bus rides, the laughs, my teammates, working hard at practice… obviously there are a lot of ups and downs each season when you are playing on a team, but when all is said and done- it's all worth it."

What does it mean to be a Viking?

"Being a Viking to me means working hard, working together, and digging deep within yourself to push towards a common goal. Being a Viking means being a part of a family- 'Once a Viking Always A Viking'"

When did you decide to transition to a career as a firefighter?

"The fire service has always sparked my interest because it is such a team-oriented profession with strong traditional values. I've always been interested in doing anything I can to help people and I think it's an honor and a privilege to be able to my community. Being a firefighter means physically working hard and working together as a unit- something I've always loved doing on the court."

Any plans to continue playing or coaching basketball?

"Basketball is always going to be a part of my life; unfortunately there are just certain times I have to put it on the back burner. I do plan on continuing coaching down the road- not exactly sure at what level. I do still play in recreational basketball leagues when my schedule allows it- it's not always pretty though! Basketball has always been a passion of mine- that's never going away! I feel very blessed to have had such an amazing basketball experience on both the hardwood and sidelines of SSU!"