Liz Homan is an Academic Coordinator from Celina, Ohio. She attended and played volleyball at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Liz began her time at Campbell in 2017, and works with the baseball, lacrosse, and men’s and women’s tennis teams.
Can you describe what you do as an academic coordinator?
I would say my main responsibilities are to help the student-athletes as they transition from high school to college, or from whichever institution they were at previously. Just helping them figure out Campbell, and figure out what it’s like to be a college student. Another responsibility would be to help the students with their scheduling, advising towards classes, making sure they’re meeting degree requirements, as well as being NCAA eligible, and making sure class times don’t conflict with travel or practice.
How did you decide you wanted to go into this field?
I played volleyball at Duquesne, and my first year I struggled with academics. I didn’t realize what kind of time I needed to put in to do well. I didn’t understand how to study, I didn’t know how to note-take, I just kind of went through high school without having to try a whole lot. I got help from my adviser at Duquesne, and ended up doing better in school and realizing that education is important and you shouldn’t just focus on your sport. When I graduated I coached for a couple years, but when I was coaching I helped some of the players with their academics and their transition and realized that was more of what I was interested in.
What made you chose Duquesne and what was your experience like there?
I chose Duquesne because it was in a city. I grew up in a small farm town with really nothing going on and nothing to do. I wanted to experience something new, but still kind of be close to home (4.5 hours away). I love Duquesne. I go back when I can, still support the team, and my coach that I played for (and coached with) is still there.
This is your first semester teaching. What has that experience been like?
I am teaching Sport Communication. A big part of what we talk about is all types of communication in sports, whether it’s through the media, through player/coach relationship, or parent/player relationship. It’s been very rewarding. Each class, the students teach me something too. I feel I’m not only helping them out, but they’re helping me grow as well.
What is your favorite thing about Buies Creek/Campbell?
My favorite thing about Campbell is the community. I like that it’s smaller and close-knit, and everyone knows everyone, and everyone supports everyone. It just has that family feel and I really love that.
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