Q&A with Former Eagle Leah Joseph
2/24/2022 2:00:00 PM | Volleyball
Georgia Southern Athletics Highlighting Successful Student-Athletes As Part Of Black History Month
After leaving Georgia Southern, Leah Joseph worked at a private lobbying firm in Washington D.C., before getting back into the athletics world. Joseph held a few different positions at Virginia Tech with the volleyball and football teams before recently moving to Jacksonville to work her current position with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
We got a chance to catch up with Joseph about her time at Georgia Southern and her successes, and here is what she has to say:
1. How did your time at Georgia Southern pave the way for your success?
My experience at GSU prepared me tremendously for life after in ways I didn't expect. The school itself and the curriculum structure gave way for me to figure out my passions. Being able to try a few different classes from each major but still contribute to my final curriculum hours was instrumental in feeling comfortable in my final decision to pursue psychology.
2. How did being a student-athlete prepare you for the position that you are in today?
My athletic career at GSU was definitely riddled with extreme highs and lows. I won a conference championship and also had a career-ending injury during my time. Through all the highs and lows, I grew such an appreciation for the athletic support staff who cheered you on and picked you up when times were rough. I wanted to be in a role or position that enabled me to be that for another athlete.
3. What is your current career? What do you enjoy most about it?
Currently I am the Executive Assistant to the General Manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars. I am a person who thrives off of being behind the scenes and learning how things really work, which is the majority of my job. I also love how every single day is something completely different.
4. Who was your biggest inspiration at Georgia Southern?
My biggest inspiration at Georgia Southern was Sarah Gildersleeve. She was my academic advisor but also an alumnus of Georgia Southern volleyball. I really looked up to her and how she transitioned so well from student-athlete to working in athletics. It was honestly my first example of what that could look like.
5. How do you hope to serve as a role model to younger Black athletes and women?
I hope to serve as a pioneer to younger Black athletes and women. When I graduated, I had no idea how many different career paths there were in athletics, especially as a female. There isn't a huge emphasis on going "pro" for women like it is for men. I want Black athletes, but especially women, to know how many opportunities there are to be extremely successful in athletics without playing or coaching.
6. What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month for me is a time of celebration. As a Black person in America, we are constantly reminded of our differences in mainly negative ways. I truly enjoy that in February, we gather as a community to celebrate each other. It's amazing to instill in the younger generations the joy and history being Black.
We got a chance to catch up with Joseph about her time at Georgia Southern and her successes, and here is what she has to say:
1. How did your time at Georgia Southern pave the way for your success?
My experience at GSU prepared me tremendously for life after in ways I didn't expect. The school itself and the curriculum structure gave way for me to figure out my passions. Being able to try a few different classes from each major but still contribute to my final curriculum hours was instrumental in feeling comfortable in my final decision to pursue psychology.
2. How did being a student-athlete prepare you for the position that you are in today?
My athletic career at GSU was definitely riddled with extreme highs and lows. I won a conference championship and also had a career-ending injury during my time. Through all the highs and lows, I grew such an appreciation for the athletic support staff who cheered you on and picked you up when times were rough. I wanted to be in a role or position that enabled me to be that for another athlete.
3. What is your current career? What do you enjoy most about it?
Currently I am the Executive Assistant to the General Manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars. I am a person who thrives off of being behind the scenes and learning how things really work, which is the majority of my job. I also love how every single day is something completely different.
4. Who was your biggest inspiration at Georgia Southern?
My biggest inspiration at Georgia Southern was Sarah Gildersleeve. She was my academic advisor but also an alumnus of Georgia Southern volleyball. I really looked up to her and how she transitioned so well from student-athlete to working in athletics. It was honestly my first example of what that could look like.
5. How do you hope to serve as a role model to younger Black athletes and women?
I hope to serve as a pioneer to younger Black athletes and women. When I graduated, I had no idea how many different career paths there were in athletics, especially as a female. There isn't a huge emphasis on going "pro" for women like it is for men. I want Black athletes, but especially women, to know how many opportunities there are to be extremely successful in athletics without playing or coaching.
6. What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month for me is a time of celebration. As a Black person in America, we are constantly reminded of our differences in mainly negative ways. I truly enjoy that in February, we gather as a community to celebrate each other. It's amazing to instill in the younger generations the joy and history being Black.
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