After a four-year playing career at Long Island University-C.W. Post, Mallory Poole was destined to teach. Initially, she began mentoring collegiate student-athletes as a lacrosse coach with stops at Dartmouth University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Bloomsburg University, and Virginia Tech. At that last stop she met and worked for Desiree Reed-Francois, now UNLV’s director of athletics, prior to trekking across the country for a stop at the University of Denver where she was a member of its student-athlete support services department during the 2016-17 academic year. When the opportunity arose for Poole to once again work with Reed-Francois, she jumped at the chance and moved west to develop a comprehensive jobs program to prepare Rebels to be leaders during their time at the university and beyond.
Why UNLV?
I was fortunate to have worked under Desiree and (Virginia Tech director of athletics) Whit Babcock’s leadership during my time at Virginia Tech. I understand what she values and what kind of culture she fosters. Serving our student-athletes here at UNLV under her guidance, alongside some amazing teammates (and) with a talented student population, has me feeling energized at this incredible opportunity.
What is your job title?
My position here is the director of student-athlete leadership & career development. Our goal is to foster an environment of excellence for out student-athletes to achieve their dreams and positively impact the community. Providing a pathway to a meaningful career is an important component of our global student-athlete development program.
What about UNLV strikes you as different from other places you have worked or where you went to school?
Its diversity and location. I love how diverse our university is — diversity of people, talent, and thought. This unique city is home to endless potential — in my role specifically, helping student-athletes navigate their interests, helping them gain access to a world of opportunities in our own backyard. It excites me to be here to help build and expand our development programs and community relationships.
Where did you grow up and what was that like?
Corning, New York. Corning is a beautiful little spot nestled in the hills of the Finger Lakes region in western New York. It is a very family-oriented and supportive community. I was really fortunate to grow up there!
What inspired you to get into your field?
Having been a former student-athlete and beginning my career in coaching college lacrosse, I’ve always been drawn to helping others pursue their passions and maximize their potential. At a young age, I naturally gravitated to teaching. After graduating with my degree in education (a bachelor of science degree in physical education with an emphasis in coaching from Long Island University-C.W. Post), I went into coaching, using lacrosse as my medium to teach. I think when you're fortunate like I have been in having incredible teachers, coaches, and advisors in life, it's almost hard to want to do anything else!
What is the biggest challenge in your field?
Time demands for our student-athletes and evolving NCAA legislation make it a challenge for students to balance sports, academics, and development. With so many competing demands in a rapidly changing and sometimes unpredictable economy, we will get creative with ways to optimize and enhance our time and resources needed for professional development.
Finish this sentence, "If I couldn't work in my current field, I would like to...”
Be a musician. My sister is incredibly artistic and musically gifted. I've always appreciated and had a love for that space and talent.
Any tips for success?
Identify your "people." Having a mentor or a collection of mentors will allow you to have the support to grow and get better. I try to solicit the opinions and perspectives of experts as often as I can. If you can surround yourself with people who inspire and help you to be better, you're taking a step in the right direction.
Pastimes or hobbies?
I was a full-time lacrosse coach for almost 10 years before transitioning full time into student-athlete development. I'm still actively coaching the UNLV lacrosse club team. It's important to me to continue to grow the game and give back to a sport that afforded me so many opportunities in life.
I also love to be outside. My partner and I like to take our dog, Griff, on hikes. Las Vegas is as far west as I've lived; I'm looking forward to exploring all that this part of the country has to offer.
How did you get into coaching the club lacrosse team at UNLV?
I actually saw a skateboarder with a lacrosse stick on her shoulder skating by me during my first couple of weeks on campus, so I flagged her down, introduced myself, and mentioned that I would love to get involved if they had an interest in having me. Long story short, their coach had just moved to Denver (we literally swapped places) and I, by default, became the new coach from that conversation. We've been practicing since October and will begin our season in February.
Tell us about an object in your office that has significance for you and why.
Normally, I would have photos of my family, but I'm slow moving into my office ... so at this moment, I'd have to say my national championship ring. It's modest and doesn't have the "bling factor" that most would have, but I wear it every day. It serves as a reminder of what can be accomplished when a group of people comes together with a shared vision and commitment to team.
Tell us about a time in your life when you have been daring.
Moving to Las Vegas might be one of the most "daring" things that I've done. I left coaching — a world that was familiar and comfortable, to take on this exciting new chapter. Anytime you challenge yourself with change, there can often be fear accompanied with feelings of uncertainty. The key is being patient and knowing that the growth that comes along with change can bring you and those around you to new heights. I once read "it remains that the transition zones in our lives are incredibly rich places. They are often the most alive, most growth-filled, expansive moments in our lives." I'm excited to lead this new initiative and contribute to the holistic development of our student-athletes here at UNLV.
