James Paul Friel

I have been on soccer teams my whole life, so growing up I knew I wanted to work on a team.  At first my path took me to Intercollegiate Athletics as an undergrad, working with the Assistant Athletics Director while playing on the Varsity Soccer team.  Quickly upon  entering Graduate School I learned about Recreation Sports and the role it plays in the lives of students on a college campus.  I received an opportunity to be a Graduate Assistant with Recreational Sports starting in 2006 and my career began.  I fell in love with everything about the responsibilities - student-development, management, organization, scheduling - all while incorporating sports.  For almost 15 years I have worked with students in all levels of programs at three different universities - I have been blessed to see many of my students graduate and pursue their dreams in many fields, but I have had the privilege to mentor several in the recreation world and pursue opportunities across the country.  I appreciate my work and the work of those around me!