Stephanie Calhoun
Stephanie Calhoun, Recreational Sports
Stephanie Calhoun
Senior Coordinator for Competitive Sports
Here is what Stephanie’s nominators said about her:
“Stephanie is very active within our program and externally as well. She is the current State Director for the Georgia Recreational Sports Association (https://www.grsanirsa.org/executive-board.html) and is the newly elected Vice Chair for the NIRSA (National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association) Championship Series. She develops and supports student officials at UGA as well as at other institutions across the nation. Stephanie is a workhorse of a professional and stays humble about her work. I would love for her to be recognized as she greatly deserves it.”
“Stephanie’s passion for Rec Sports is incredible. It’s always great when a former student employee of the RamFam comes back to work as a professional and gives back to her alma mater. Stephanie is on the rise in the national association and is a great asset to have at UGA. She’s a great instructor and role model for all of our student intramural officials and employees. Most importantly, she’s a great person and always brings a smile to work.”
Let’s learn a little more about Stephanie…
Are you from Georgia? Where do you call ‘home’?
- I am originally from Statham, Georgia and am proud to call Athens, Georgia home. I bounced around for Graduate School, at Indiana University, and to start my professional career, at West Virginia University, but am lucky that I found my way back home.
How long have you worked at UGA?
- I attended UGA for undergrad and worked as a student employee with Recreational Sports while in school. I officiated every Intramural Sport we offered and helped put on events for Club Sports. In December 2021 I transitioned back to UGA to work with Competitive Sports, again, but in a full-time capacity.
What’s your favorite UGA tradition?
- My favorite UGA tradition is, now that I am a graduate, walking under the arch. It is something I take a lot of pride in and always do with a smile!
- At work, my favorite traditions is Flag Football Championship Night in Sanford Stadium. It’s a wonderful event where some of the best athletes on campus get to play between the hedges and our staff get to officiate on the field. It’s a unique opportunity that students wouldn’t normally get to experience. There are not many students who are able to say they played a game on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium. When I was a student, it was one of my favorite days of the year. And that has not changed since becoming a professional staff member, either!
What does a “day in the life” look like for you at work?
- One thing I love about Recreational Sports is that every day looks different. Between meeting with clubs, training student officials, planning events, and working with professional organizations, each day is busy! The variety keeps me engaged because there is always something fun to look forward to just around the corner.
What are three things you love most about your job?
- I love watching students grow and develop, the constant changing schedule with different sports happening every few weeks and being able to represent UGA in a positive light.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
- This year I am proud of two large events that I helped put on: The NIRSA National Flag Football Tournament in Round Rock, Texas where I served as Tournament Director, and the Georgia Recreational Sports Association State Workshop in Savannah, Georgia where I served as the State Director. Both events took months of planning, collaborating, and executing, and I believe that both were a big success!
What are your hobbies or favorite things to do for fun?
- When I am not at work, I enjoy attending UGA Athletics events, spending time outside hiking and traveling, and playing with my two-year old goldendoodle named Penny.
Anything you would like to share that you would like other staff to know about you?
- I really enjoy having the ability to volunteer with groups like GRSA and the NIRSA Championship Series because they allow me to expand my network, learn from other professionals outside of UGA, and give back to collegiate recreation.
What is your favorite quote?
- “Be somebody that makes everybody feel like a somebody.”
Big thanks to Stephanie for participating in this month’s Staff Spotlight!
Nominate someone to be recognized for their hard work!
Staff Spotlights: Sharing the stories of staff in UGA Student Affairs
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Gary Glasser
Tate Student Crew
Charles Clark
Tanesha Hitchcock
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Sarah Kesler
Brian Williams
The Tate Facilities Team
Maggie Fitzsimmons
Tim Smith
Missy Jackson
Worth VanLinden
Carolyn Arnold
Al Jeffers
Liana Natochy
Ben Cecil
Lance Haynie
Lori Crawford
Ricky Boggs
Lisa Williamson
Nicole McConnell
Michael Wharton
Laronda Faust
Taylor Cain
Tori Whitaker
Mary Eberhard