Why did you choose to attend and play at Fairfield University?
It was definitely a circumstance of being at the right place at the right time. I went to a Jesuit high school and wanted to play basketball at a D1 University but was not recruited by a university team—I was a 5'6 player who went to a small high school. A family friend knew Coach Sydney and told him about my interest and passion for playing basketball. Coach recommended that I attend the tryouts for a walk-on role with the team. This was an opportunity I could not miss and my chance to be on a D1 program. I remember before the tryout, Coach Johnson told everyone in attendance that there was a chance he would not take any of us, so nothing was guaranteed. After the three tryout practices, Matt Hill '17and I got a call from Coach Kyle offering us the opportunity to join the men's basketball team.
 
What is your favorite Fairfield memory or some of your favorite memories as a student/student-athlete?
As a student my favorite memories involved my fantastic professors. I transitioned into the finance industry after coaching at Fairfield. While certain business school classes can be dry, I was fortunate to have great teachers who made all my classes engaging and ignited my interest in the topics we were learning. The concepts I learned in Accounting 101, I still remember and apply to my work today. Due to travel and games we sometimes had to miss classes. I really appreciated how all my professors would work with me to ensure I got caught up on what I might have missed and worked with me (sometimes late at night) to excel in their classes.  
 
As a student-athlete there isn't anything better than the adrenaline rush before and during games.  However, it was the practices that were the most memorable to me. Walsh became a haven for me because I knew no matter what was going on around me as soon as I stepped into the gym it was about getting better and working towards our goal as a team. When you are with the same 15 people for multiple hours a day, you become a family. I don't think I will ever forget the off-season conditioning that seemed to never end, the film sessions in the locker room, and competition on the court every day at practice.  In addition, student-athletes and coaches spent a lot of time in the Walsh Athletic Center whether it be for ice baths or study hall. This I believe brought us even closer together.
 
In what way are you still connected to Fairfield University, Fairfield Athletics, and/or your sport?
I am still connected in a few ways. I have been on the board of the Fairfield Awards Dinner for the past two years and have donated to the men's basketball team. To me, it is a small gesture giving back to a program and team that has given me so much. I try and stay connected with the current team and former teammates. After graduating, I stayed on and was on the coaching staff. I was able to see the program through another lens and be a part of a team that made it all the way to the MAAC finals. Taj Benning '21 and Jesus Cruz '21 were both first-year students at the time and it has been great to see them mature both on and off the court. Through the bonds that were formed on the court I still stay in close contact with all my teammates. We used to say family on three, and that doesn't end once you can't put on a Fairfield jersey anymore. I hope to continue the connection with the current team and look forward to meeting new players in the program.
 
What inspires your support for Fairfield University/Athletics?
It is the relationships I built. The wins and losses just keep getting further and further away but the bonds have only grown stronger. Being a part of a team means sacrificing I for we and I still feel proud to have played basketball for Fairfield University. I remember during the Stags MAAC championship run this year how excited I was for the team as they marched their way to the MAAC championship game. I believe supporting the University and Athletics shows the appreciation I have for the Fairfield, the team, and all my teammates because I would not be the person that I am today without them.
 
How did your time at Fairfield help prepare you for life after graduation?
I think the competition and the determination to be your very best on and off the court prepared me for life after graduation. I believe that lessons I learned on the court at Fairfield translate over to my career. For example, attention to detail, and being able to adapt on the fly. My position requires me to work at a fast pace and if you aren't prepared you are preparing to fail – to quote John Wooden.  This mindset inspires me to perform at the highest level possible. Lastly, during my first-year at Fairfield I heard a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson that went "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." I took this to heart and applied it every time I stepped on the court and in every aspect of my current career. I try to be enthusiastic about every task put in front of me, just as I was during my roles playing and coaching roles on the Fairfield men's basketball, both coaching and playing.
 
From a personal perspective, Fairfield strengthened my Jesuit belief of being men and women for others. This is something I try to live by every single day— for my family, friends, and colleagues. Always strive for the Magis and never settle.