Aland Joseph’s goal is to help every student-athlete find his or her unique way into the end zone. Serving as both assistant coordinator of student-athlete development and assistant football coach, Aland hopes his interactions with students in each of St. Lawrence’s 32 sports help them gain perspective on how to approach and deal with difficult situations, whether on the practice field, in the classroom, or beyond. “The ball is in their hands when it comes to making decisions.  I want them to be comfortable and proud of the choices and decisions they make,” he says.

From his undergraduate experience at Springfield College, where he graduated in 2007 with a major in rehabilitation and disability studies, Aland has learned that everyone is different.  “I worked with people who had disabilities due to autism, Asperger syndrome and Down syndrome,” he says.  “What I learned from working with them was to be patient and be a problem-solver. I have found those skills useful when helping our student-athletes navigate a problem and get through the challenges they face.”

Working in student-athlete development was just the job opportunity Aland was looking for. “I’ve always envisioned working with students,” Aland says.  “What I most enjoy about my role at St. Lawrence is mentoring and guiding student-athletes and connecting with them, too.  It’s fulfilling and rewarding work.  I understand firsthand what student-athletes go through, but facilitating their learning by providing them with the support to make their own decisions – it’s a great thing.”

The Stamford, CT, native has found that everyone he’s interacted with at St. Lawrence is goal-oriented.  “Every person here is always willing to try and help you out in any way they can,” he says. “That sort of interaction creates an environment and a community I’m proud to be a part of.”