Bryant Men's Soccer Alumni Mentoring Night
April 4, 2025
Welcome to Alumni Mentoring Night
Dear Bulldogs,
Thank you for joining us tonight! Your alumni mentors are thrilled to have the opportunity to share their stories and share their perspective with you. We are all so proud to support you on and off the field, and It is our shared hope that we can all affect your lives in a positive, constructive and helpful manner.
Not too long ago, these mentors strolled throughout this beautiful campus, competed on the same field, survived and even thrived in the classrooms. Each of them was in your shoes and had the opportunity to sit where you are sitting today, however they may not have had this terrific opportunity to hear advice from alumni mentors.
These alumni had many of the same hopes and dreams that you have today, and that they certainly had similar questions about next steps in life that you do. We all welcome this opportunity to share something with you about life, careers and the REAL world that we wish someone had shared with us while we were in college, in the hope that this advice and perspective makes a positive difference in your lives.
Each day when you step out onto the field to prepare for the next fitness test, the next training session, the next game or the next championship, all of this is a step towards success in life. The skills and character that you develop here at Bryant will serve you well on your journey, and preparation is the key to life. Being prepared to face adversity head-on, being prepared to do what it takes succeed, and being prepared for change are just a few of the twists and turns life will throw your way.
You have the chance to actively participate and contribute to your growth as players and as people, and we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and commit to making this a key moment in your preparation for life.
Here’s looking forward to an exciting, enjoyable and impactful event. Wishing you all (mentors, players and coaches alike) a brilliant future ahead!
Thank you for your attention and GO BULLDOGS!!!
Ted Priestly
Alumni Biographies
Kevin Lavalla
Year of Graduation: 1978
Major: Finance
Current Title(s): Member
Current Employer: Lavalla & Brown
Current Industry: Legal
Bill Guthrie
Year of Graduation: 1998
Major: Finance
Minor: Computer Information Systems
Additional Education: MS Investment
Management from Boston University
Current Title: Senior Product Manager
Current Employer: Envestnet
Current Industry: Financial Technology/Financial Services
Mark Verille
Year of Graduation: 1987
Major: Marketing
Concentration: International Relations
Additional Education: Series 7, 6 and 63
License and CEBS Designation
Current Title(s): VP Consultant Relations
Current Employer: Fidelity Investments
Current Industry: Financial Services/Insurance
George Gill
Year of Graduation: 2020
Major: Business Administration
Concentration: Global Supply Chain
Management & Applied Analytics
Additional Education: MSc in Supply Chain
Management through University College
Cork (Ireland)
Current Title: Supply Chain Manager
Current Employer: AVTECH Software Inc.
Current Industry: Manufacturing of Environmental Monitoring Equipment
Meet our Alumni Mentors
Kevin Lavalla ‘78
Bill Guthrie ‘98
Mark Verille ‘87
George Gill ‘20
Questions for the Alumni...
What do you wish you had known in your first year at Bryant?
GG: From an athletics perspective I didn't really know how physically demanding the college season can be. I was playing at a good level in the League of Ireland, but that was still part time and games were more spread out, so having to train daily and play two games per weekend was tough on the body. The style of football at home was much different as well, so the combination of that and the volume of games I'd have liked to come in in better shape that was more suited to the US game. From an academic perspective, I didn't really know much about how that worked over here. I probably should of done more research on that and what classes to pick or avoid, and the importance of staying on top of your studies from the start.
KL: I was more than capable of handling all the challenges that were in front of me.
MV: STUDENT-athlete. The word student is first for a reason. As a student at Bryant, you are ELIGIBLE for a world class education. The education is not simply given to you. You have earn it.
MV: You need grit, determination and the willingness embrace and absorb all this school can provide. All you are given when you walk through the arch for the first time as freshman is an opportunity to learn. You have to compete harder in the classroom than on the soccer field to obtain the world class education.
BG: A few things actually. First, and I know it sounds silly, but the importance of time management. When you are in high school everything is pretty well regimented. You go to school in the morning, move from class to class, practice/games after school, it's all done for you When you get to college, you are on your own. You have to get yourself to class, get yourself to practice, find time to study and get work done, etc. Nobody is there to remind you to do these things, force you to hold to a routine/schedule. It's on you. I wish I had prepared myself better during high school but I was too busy, well, being a teenager at the time.
Questions for the Alumni...
What strategies helped you to succeed as a student-athlete?
GG: From an athletics perspective, I was always good with staying on top of Strength and Conditioning and recovery, but I stepped that up once I got to college, particularly after my Freshman Year. We have the best of trainers and facilities so making sure to take full advantage of those was something I always looked to do. From an international students perspective, I think being open to the world you are moving over to is very important. People have a perception of the US or of the American people (Both good & bad), but forming your own judgements is really important.
MV: Time management. Time management. Time management. It helped me understand what is important and what can wait It also helped me develop self-discipline which increased productivity. We all want to hang out with our friends and go the next party…….get your work done first.
BG: Find a mentor Both on an off the field For me it was an upper classman on the team. He would answer all my inane questions and give me advice on how to handle things on and off the field from an athletes perspective, If I was struggling with something I would ask him about it and more often than not I would find out that he had gone through and dealt with the very same or similar thing. It's helpful to have that 'sounding board', it helps keep you calm and focused. Find a mentor in the classroom. For me it was Professor Hakan Saraglu To this day he remains my favorite teacher and he was an incredible mentor. And I got a B- in his class ��
KL: Discipline and preparation.
Questions for the Alumni...
If you could go back and change anything, what would you change?
MV: If I could go back and change anything, it would be the way I treated people. I didn’t treat people poorly but I would strive to be kinder, more understanding, and more compassionate in all of my interactions I would be more inclusive of everyone. I would be more curious about everyone and everything. Everyone has a story, we should all curious enough to ask.
KL: The coaches We had three coaches during my 4 yrs and not one was good.
GG: I'd have liked to mix more with the regular students. While I do have plenty of friends that were not student athletes, I think it can be very easy to just mix with other athletes. It can be refreshing to take yourself out of that world from time to time.
BG: Focus more on academics, less on "socializing". Your first job depends a lot more on your academic record, make sure it's one you are proud of. When you see the question on a job application "What was your GPA" you want to be excited to fill that in.
Questions for the Alumni...
What advice would you give to our graduating seniors?
MV:
1) Embrace change. Change is coming whether we want it or not. Those who embrace change and adapt quickly outperform their peers and are happier human beings.
2) Don’t be afraid to fail. It’s the best way learn.
3) Challenge yourself everyday to get outside your comfort zone.
KL: There are a millions things. Two notable ones are (1) be ready for constant change [and be an agent for change] and (2) whatever your professional goal(s) is (are), shoot higher and dream bigger.
GG: Keep the same mentality of being an athlete in terms your drive, ability to support your team and will to win. For the international lads, I would also strongly encourage you to continue to build your network both in the US and at home. Visas aren't guaranteed so do not put all your eggs in one basket.
BG: Two things: 1. NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK. I cannot stress this enough. Grow your network, meet as many people as you can, ask for informational meetings if there is something you are interested in learning more about, ask questions You will find that as your career progresses the importance of WHO you know may outweigh the importance of WHAT you know. Never stop growing that network, the business world is smaller than you think, you'll be amazed how often you see and hear about the same people. Firm handshake and look people in the eye when you talk to them (this comes from my father and grandfather) It makes a world of difference in how you are remembered by that person. 2. Take care of your body If you are injured do NOT rush it There is a fine line between playing hurt and playing injured. Know where that line is and do your best not to cross it. I rushed every injury I ever had and at almost 50 I am paying for it now ��.
Notes
Notes
Thank You to our Mentors
We cannot thank you enough for your willingness to share your time, perspective and advice with us here tonight. We are humbled by your selflessness and inspired by your example, and we look forward to hopefully staying connected with you, and perhaps following your lead by participating in this event someday as mentors. For now, we thank you and look forward to honoring the legacy that you have all built.