Wake Tech Athletics is celebrating the eighth annual NJCAA Day by highlighting two members of our staff that started out as two-year college student athletes which led them on a path of success.
Head volleyball coach Liz Reif played for Wake Tech (2011, 2014) and eventually returned as an assistant coach. Now, in her second season at the helm of the Eagles' volleyball program, Reif can use her experience to mentor and coach her players.
"Wake Tech was a great first step in my college journey," Reif said. "At 18, I wasn't sure which path I wanted to take, so going the two-year route allowed me to learn new degree options at a fraction of the price and continue playing volleyball. I was able to be part of a team and given time to mature as a person. Now as a coach, I see the same thing happening with my players. I see new adults learning to manage college life, and I'm very fortunate to play a role in their development as student athletes."
Wake Tech academic advisor Ashlyn Wilson is a former NJCAA student athlete and coach, and now advises student athletes to make sure they are on the path for success.
"As a two-year college student athlete, my goal was to move on to a university to complete a degree," Wilson said. "I was fortunate to play for those two years at my university, but had to take an extra semester of coursework to graduate. Becoming a coach in Region 20 for the 2017/2018 seasons and now as an advisor for Wake Tech athletes, I understand the benefits of choosing courses that align for current and future goals, while keeping doors open for athletics at the same time. I love supporting athletes as they make academic decisions and continue competing."
This year's comprehensive theme, Empower the Future, centers around encouraging others to consider the two-year route through acknowledging the success and accomplishments of former and current NJCAA student-athletes.