Junior Jen Gellock is an exercise science major with a concentration in physical education.
She plans to peruse a career in sports after graduation and is currently serving her second year as the UT women’s basketball team manager.
The Minaret had an opportunity to interview Gellock to find out how she came to be the team manager and what she is gaining from her experience.
The Minaret (M): How did you get involved with the women’s basketball program?
Jen Gellock (JG): I contacted coach Jessee because I’m interested in coaching in the future, maybe at the college level.
I worked in the sports information department and had told my boss that I wanted to be the basketball manager the next year.
It just so happened that coach Jessee had come into his office that day and said that his manager quit and that he needed someone to replace them. So I jumped on board.
M: What does your job as team manager entail?
JG: We film every practice, so I’m the one who is in charge of that equipment and sets it all up.
There’s a clock that is run during practice.
The coach has every drill timed and knows how long it takes to do each one, so I’ll keep time and keep track of points.
I copy the daily practice schedule for him or I’ll go in a couple hours before and stay after to do any work the coaches have for me to do.
M: Did you play a lot of sports growing up?
JG: Yeah I played volleyball, basketball and softball in high school, but basketball was definitely my favorite and what I was most interested in.
M: How much time do you devote to your job?
JG: Three hours a day at practice. I have to set up and break down practice, so I’m there before and after the girls get there. I also have to break down the game tape of our opponents and make a scouting report. Also I travel with the team wherever they go. I went on the road trip over Thanksgiving with them. We went to Denver, Colo. for a tournament. Every weekend is usually filled up with traveling.
M: What do you hope to gain from your experience as the team manager?
JG: I want to continue learning. I watch how Coach Jessee teaches the girls.
I really enjoy just observing for the most part and whatever he can help me with on the side — I enjoy that too.
So I hope after I graduate to go to the Division I final four, where they have a coaching clinic that has about a 100 percent hire rate […] where I can “grad assist” or assistant coach somewhere in the country.
It’s a selection process.
M: Why did you decide to get involved with the team?
JG: When I came to UT from Mass., I didn’t have friends on a team anymore.
That’s what I’m used to and I missed it. After getting involved with the basketball team, these girls have become my best friends and I’m actually living with three of them this year.
Since I joined the team we are always with each other, so it’s like a family.
M: Is it important for students pursuing degrees in sports to be involved in a lot of programs on campus?
JG: Well, I’m the secretary of the sport entertainment management society on campus, which is specifically for sport management majors.
I encourage any sport management majors to get involved with that program.
But there is the sports information department, the marketing department and positions available with all of the sports teams.
And I’m sure if you went to a coach and said that you were interested in working with the team that they wouldn’t turn you away.
M: How hard is it to balance school with work?
JG: I am the type of person that always has a lot going on, so when I am really busy it’s actually easier for me to prioritize than when I’m just sitting in my room for five hours just procrastinating.
But it does take up a lot of my time. For instance, I’m going to have to miss a class tomorrow for an away-game that is two hours away.
The more activities and organizations you join… you’re going to learn that much more and meet that many more people.
Especially sports management majors. It’s necessary for them to network and meet a lot of people, so being involved really helps.
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