DREW MCMILLEN ’89
HOWDY, AGS!
It is an exciting and busy time for Rec Sports. We have seen fantastic usage over the past year, have been making many facility improvements, and we have more growth coming in the near future.
Over 50,000 unique Texas A&M students accessed our facilities this year, and by the end of the summer semester, we expect to surpass two million “swipes” into our facilities! The popularity of the Southside Rec Center has also continued to climb with an increased usage of 18.5% from last year.
Since the opening of the newer Polo Road and Southside Recreation Centers, we have shifted our focus back to some of our core facilities. The Student Rec Center, which opened in 1995, was in need of some much needed care and we are in the process of completing over $5M in renovations.
Looking further into the future, we have plans to replace the artificial turf at the Penberthy Sports Complex as that surface is nearing the end of its useful lifespan. And you may have heard, there are active discussions on our campus about developing west campus to potentially include a fourth Rec Center. While that is still several years from becoming a reality, we are in the initial planning stages for that effort.
One out of every five students on campus played intramurals this year. We now boast 40 sport clubs teams who compete all across the country and even internationally. Our Sport Clubs program celebrated its 50th year on campus. Our outdoor program introduced many students to the natural resources of Texas. Fitness & Wellness saw a large increase in group fitness class participation and many Aggies took advantage of our personal training program. Last, we continue to host many student organization activities and multiple special events in our facilities, including the State Science Fair for the second time.
As our department looks forward to celebrating our 100th year in 2026, we want to include you in our celebration. Look for information coming soon about our football tailgate next fall, our spring alumni reunion, and other special events throughout the year.
Thank you for being part of the Rec Sports family. We are proud of our past and look forward to a very bright future for the students of Texas A&M.
Jeff Huskey Executive Director Department of Recreational Sports
SPRING 2025 ISSUE
06: A Roundup Recap
Rec
Comeback
Rec Sports reintroduces personalized Aquatics instruction program
Abby
Theresa
Jessica Roppolo
Abby Simmons
Raegan Huffman
Brianna Avina
Claire Frazier
Jordan Chaney
Senior associate director retires after 33 years with impressive Rec Sports résumé
Multiple renovations to the Student Rec Center are currently underway
This spring, Texas A&M Rec Sports is transforming key areas of the Student Recreation Center to better serve a growing and evolving Aggie community. Following the installation of a new indoor track and updated flooring, Rec Sports officially broke ground this semester on two more major renovation projects: a complete overhaul of the indoor climbing facility, an additional bouldering wall, and a full-scale upgrade to the men’s and women’s
The original climbing tower, built in 1995, was a landmark for many former students who discovered their passion for climbing on its walls. Now, three decades later, the original structure is coming down to make way for something even more
The new facility will feature a maximum climbing height
of 44 feet, 8 inches, with 25 roped climbing lanes—including slab, vertical, overhang, and lead-only options. The redesign also includes three sport climbing anchor labs, which will allow for technical training tailored to outdoor climbing.
“We’re stoked to unveil the incredible new space,” said Outdoor Adventures Program Director Todd Grier. “The world of indoor climbing has evolved since 1995, when the original tower was constructed. We
hope Aggie climbers will appreciate the update and modernization.”
For bouldering, climbers can look forward to 95 linear feet of terrain with a variety of angles and routes designed for social, interactive climbing. The new space will take the place of Racquetball Courts 1 and 3 in the Student Rec Center.
New Bouldering Wall replacing racquetball courts one and three.
Both spaces are being designed and constructed by EP Climbing, the same team behind the Olympic climbing walls. These new walls will use EP’s Mozaik system, known for its flat panels and customizable terrain that allows for dynamic and engaging route setting.
The renovations don’t stop there. The men’s and women’s locker rooms are also receiving a full upgrade, with modern grooming areas, expanded shower facilities, improved lighting, and a sleek, updated aesthetic that enhances both form and function. These updates ensure that the Rec remains a comfortable and welcoming space for every member of the Aggie family—whether they’re chasing a personal best or simply enjoying a post-workout refresh.
The climbing tower, bouldering wall,
and locker rooms are just the latest in a series of improvements aimed at keeping the Student Rec Center on the cutting edge of campus recreation. Over winter break, Rec Sports completed an extensive flooring project that included the installation of a brand-new indoor track. The Mondo Super X surface now provides runners and walkers with a smoother, faster, and more durable track experience. New Mondo rubber flooring was also added throughout the second and third floors of the facility, bringing a cohesive, updated feel to the entire building.
“We’re confident these improvements will enhance the Rec experience for everyone,” said Jerod Wilson, associate director of capital projects. Though originally referencing the track and flooring upgrades, the sentiment continues
to ring true as Rec Sports progresses with renovations to the indoor climbing facility, bouldering wall, and both locker rooms.
The updates are not just about new floors, walls and showers— they’re about creating comfortable, modernized environments where students can grow stronger, build friendships, and connect through activity. As Texas A&M continues to grow, so does Rec Sports, and the renovations aim to enhance spaces, expand opportunities, and meet the growing interests of the Aggie community.
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New Indoor Climbing Facility – View from the Original Bouldering Wall
Locker Room - Corridor with lockers on either side
Locker Room - Vanity/Grooming Area
New Indoor Track
A ROUNDUP RECAP
Rec Sports hosts a Texas-sized kickoff for the Spring Semester
This past January, Aggies kicked off the spring semester with the Rec Roundup, a wild-west welcome event that brought students together for an afternoon of fun, learning, and community building. Held on Friday, Jan. 31, from 4 pm to 7 pm, the event featured a variety of activities designed to showcase the many program areas that the Rec has to offer— all while helping students connect and discover new opportunities to make the most of their spring.
“The Roundup event was such a fun way to start the semester,” Roland Tegtmeier ’27 said. “I’m at the Rec all the time, but there are always new programs or classes to learn about, so getting to run around and try everything was a lot of fun.”
As soon as the doors opened, students donned brand-new Rec Sports bandanas and received their first clue. A facility-wide scavenger
hunt tested their skills in Strength & Conditioning challenges and showcased Sport Clubs to Fitness & Wellness classes. Outdoor Adventures staff shared details about trips and rental gear, while Intramural Sports competitions— such as the half-court shot and long putt contests—offered bonus prizes. At the end of it all: a chance to win an exclusive photo session with the Queen of Aggieland herself, Reveille.
“All of the games, activities, and programs are for all students to find a community and engage with everything the Rec has to offer,” said Kelly VonDrehle, the director of Marketing & Communication at Rec Sports. VonDrehle, her team, and the event committee organized and ran the Rec Roundup event.
The scavenger hunt was designed not only to welcome students but also to help them discover ways to get involved with the
community and find their home with Rec Sports. Whether students were visiting for the first time or were long-time regulars, the event offered something for everyone.
“The Strength & Conditioning room was fun because I actually got to do little workouts, so it was interactive,” Ekaterina Buchilina ’25 said. “A scavenger hunt allows us to see what all the Rec has to offer, like different courts and personal training rooms, so that’s really cool.”
For alumni who remember their own days at Texas A&M, events like the Roundup reflect the ongoing impact of Rec Sports. The Rec is a cornerstone of campus life, playing an integral role in student engagement, health, and success. It’s not just about sports and fitness—it’s about providing students with the tools and connections they need to thrive at Texas A&M.
IT’S COMEBACK SEASON FOR PRIVATE SWIM
Rec
After a hiatus, Rec Sports has brought back private swim lessons – and this time, it’s built to stay afloat.
Led by certified instructors, the lessons offer one-onone instruction tailored to the swimmer’s goals and ability level. Whether it’s learning to float, practicing new strokes, or refining technique, private swim lessons meet swimmers where they are.
“Private swim lessons are a great opportunity for everybody,” said Nate Skidmore, one of the coordinators for Aquatics. “They allow for people of all levels of swimming ability to get personalized lessons. We have worked with people who are scared of the water all the way up to people who are training for triathlons and Ironman [races].”
Previously, the challenge with private swim lessons was finding mutually convenient times between participants and instructors. Now, the aquatics team has dedicated specific windows for private instruction, making the lessons
more consistent and accessible.
“We wanted to make a point this semester of making sure that there was time dedicated to having [private swim lessons] instead of trying to find a time that worked between the patron and the instructor, which has been hard to do sometimes in the past,” Skidmore said.
In this new format, private swim lessons run in two-week sessions, on either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 6:30 pm and 9:00 pm. Each session is 30 minutes long and is held in the Student Rec Center’s instructional pool. The four lessons over the course of the two-week session cost $90 per participant.
“This semester was the first attempt at trying to alternate between sessions of group lessons and two weeks of private lessons, and they were super popular,” Skidmore said. “We had patrons at all levels and we were able to get new people to try not only our next section of group lessons
but I’ve also seen them gain the confidence to start swimming laps on their own during rec swim and start attending the cardio water classes that we host.”
He credits patron retention primarily to the instructors. With more consistent sessions, they’ve had time to build rapport with participants and tailor the lessons accordingly.
“We have some pretty amazing instructors who do a wonderful job in the group setting and private lessons,” Skidmore said. “I have gotten so much positive feedback from the patrons.”
Skidmore is optimistic about the future of the private swim lessons and its long-term impact on aquatic recreation.
“I really think they had an immediate positive effect for [the] Rec,” Skidmore said. “I’m really excited to see how the private lesson program grows as we get the word out more and it gets more popular.”
Sports reintroduces personalized aquatics instruction program
DOUBLING DOWN DOUBLING DOWN
Student employees balance positions with multiple Rec Sports program areas
For some, one job at Rec Sports just isn’t enough.
Whether it’s trading turf for the pool or shifting from solo shifts to summer camp chaos, a handful of student employees are working across multiple Rec Sports program areas—discovering unique challenges, surprising perks, and double the community along the way.
“I actually interviewed for them a week apart,” said Juliette Cody ’27, who works as a Youth Programs counselor and Sport Clubs supervisor. “I was really involved in sports and I love working with children, so I feel like it was perfect.”
Like Cody, many students say the differences between programs— and the chance to explore their wide-ranging interests—are what make dual roles so rewarding.
For Sam Lee ’25, the shift in communication styles between Intramural Sports and Youth Programs keeps him on his toes.
“I[n] Intramurals, you’re talking to a lot of college students, whereas the people in youth programs are
kids,” Lee said. “So it was kind of hard communicating to our customer base and switching modes.”
Still, he’s found those skills to be transferable and valuable.
“I’ve dealt with so many college students in intramurals that it’s honestly super easy to just turn around and work with the youth program staff,” he said. “I feel like I can talk to them, and I can be a great boss to them.”
Lee’s coworker Kinslee Adams ’25 also splits her time between the same two programs. She says the dual role has allowed her to engage both her athletic and creative sides.
“I love working intramurals because I love volleyball,” Adams said. “And then I love getting to be creative with youth programs—getting to organize crafts and activities
DOUBLING DOUBLING
and stuff like that for kids. It brings out my inner child.”
Although the balancing act can be demanding, most student employees say the flexibility of Rec Sports and its seasonal scheduling make it manageable.
“Youth programs is pretty much only during the summer, and then sport clubs is solely during the school year,” Cody said. “So it works out well with your schedule.”
Still, working in multiple programs isn’t without its challenges.
“In a managerial role, it’s kind of harder,” Lee said. “Sometimes you have to give your full attention to one thing and block another out. It’s just a time management aspect of knowing when you need to focus on one thing and when you can kind of split.”
Zeta Rodriguez ’25, who works in Aquatics and Sport Clubs, said her two roles operate at completely different paces.
“They’re very opposite,” Rodriguez said. “My aquatics job is a go, go, go, and my sport clubs job is more relaxed unless I’m doing an event. It’s really cool. Not only [do] I get professional development from aquatics, but I also get it in sport clubs.”
Despite the occasional scheduling puzzle or mindset shift, these students agree: working across programs is a oneof-a-kind opportunity.
“There’s so many different positives to working for the Rec,” Lee said. “[It’s a] great way to get involved on campus, make money, and get professional experience.”
THE MILES
From backcountry to scenic waterfronts, Outdoor Adventures explored across Texas with day trips, weekend & extended expeditions
“Backpacking can be physically grueling, especially when you’re gaining about 3,000 feet of elevation in a day, but also immensely gratifying. Our group had the opportunity to spend a night in the backcountry, backpacking at Guadalupe Mountains National Park This was my highlight of the trip, with getting to summit the tallest peak in Texas and seeing the most beautiful sunrise.” Georgia Harryman ’25
The furthest day trip Outdoor Adventures took this semester was to the Colorado River, almost three hours away. The first paddling trip, held on Saturday, Mar. 22, gave participants the opportunity to see all the sights that you can’t see from shore, occasionally stopping off to take a swim. The second day trip to the Colorado River on Saturday, Apr. 19 offered the same with a fun twist—stand up paddling.
Outdoor Adventures hosted three free “Coffee Rides” during the semester, making it the most frequent out of all of the Day Trips and Weekend & Extended Trips. The casual morning bike rides began at the Outdoor Adventures Rental Center, paused for a morning beverage stop, and wrapped up on campus in time for afternoon classes.
“Venture camp and our program’s Outdoor Leadership Practical are my favorite trips because it gives you time to get to know our participants on a deeper level while also traveling to some really cool and remote places like Buffalo river and the Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande.” Mark Fluker ’25
VENTURE CAMP 2025
Just a few minutes down Wellborn Road is the Millican Reserve, home to two of Outdoor Adventures’ Day Trips this semester. Participants of the Wednesday, Feb. 12 trip paddled on Prescott Lake under a full moon, while participants of the Wednesday, Apr. 30 trip got to enjoy a sunrise paddle—an ideal start to finals week in Aggieland.
On Friday, Apr. 11, students set out into enemy territory, Austin. After practicing at the indoor climbing facility in the Student Rec Center, participants of all skill levels took on the Barton Creek Greenbelt and its natural climbing routes—getting hands-on experience in outdoor climbing.
This summer, get ready for backpacks, hiking boots, and breathtaking landscapes—along with a crash course in Aggie spirit. Outdoor Adventures is hosting two sessions of Venture Camp this July, packed with opportunities for incoming students to connect with nature and their future classmates. “This camp was absolutely amazing,” Jayden Fox ’28 said. “After being in this camp, I officially know what it’s like to be a part of the Aggie family and witness the truly remarkable Aggie spirit.” Registration is open now. Know a future Aggie? Scan the QR code to learn more on the Venture Camp website today!
Rec Sports’ Youth Programs launched its first-ever Spring Break Camp this March—a weeklong experience that blended fun activities with all things Rec Sports. Held Mar. 10-14 at the Student Recreation Center, the camp offered local families an exciting new option for keeping kids active during the break.
With a bright neon theme, the camp welcomed children ages 6 to 14 for full days of sports, games, and glow-in-the-dark crafts.
Months of planning went into the launch, with student staff members leading efforts to shape the theme, design activities, and bring the bright, energetic environment to life. The program served not only as a new opportunity for local youth but also as a professional
GLOW BIG OR GO HOME
Youth Programs debuts neonthemed Spring Break Camp for kids
development opportunity for student employees.
“I got to choose our theme [and] all of the matching activities and decorations,” student manager Kinslee Adams said. “Pinterest has been my best friend. I really enjoyed getting to showcase my creative side for both the activities and the decorations.”
With over two dozen kids attending, the inaugural Spring Break Camp marked a successful expansion of Youth Programs camp offerings beyond summer months.
Now, Rec Sports is turning its attention back to Summer Camp, where the same
commitment to creativity, connection, and movement will guide another season of Youth Programs. Running throughout June and July, Summer Camp remains a staple for families in the Bryan-College Station area— and the excitement from Spring Break is only adding momentum.
As the newest Rec Sports program area, Youth Programs is set to keep growing and offering young participants enriching experiences while helping Texas A&M students
WE’RE BUILDING TOWARD SOMETHING
Fitness
& Wellness instructor, student assistant builds community with participants and staff
She isn’t just clocking hours — she’s creating connections rooted in movement and motivation. A psychology major from The Woodlands, Texas, Lola Kiliddjian ’26 splits her time between the studio and the office as an instructor and student assistant in Rec Sports’ Fitness & Wellness program. Turns out, college pairs perfectly with a mic and some dumbbells.
It started as just a whim during Free Week. Her freshman year, Kiliddjian and a friend attended a group fitness class, and when the workout was wrapping up, the instructor mentioned fitness instructor training. After that, there was no going back.
“Immediately, the class ended and I bombarded her with questions about becoming a fitness
instructor, and within the next week, I was signed up and getting ready to go to my first session of training,” Kiliddjian said. “From that moment on, I knew that it was something that I had to be a part of.”
After just a semester of instructing, Kiliddjian knew she wanted to be more involved and applied to be a student assistant. This meant 20-hour workweeks, coordinating events and fitness outreach, payroll and other new responsibilities — all on top of teaching classes.
“The jump from being a fitness instructor to a fitness instructor and a student assistant was a transition,” she said. “But it was amazing and so worth it. It was a whole new level of responsibility within Fitness & Wellness.”
Starting in the fall, Kiliddjian will
study to earn her master’s degree in public health at Texas A&M with a concentration in health promotion and community health sciences.
“I’ll be learning about health behavior, how to promote health, and stuff like that, and hopefully be able to make a career out of Fitness & Wellness,” Kiliddjian said.
A psychology undergrad, Kiliddjian decided to pursue an education in public health after falling in love with the fitness industry during her two years with Rec Sports.
“Psychology is still important to me and I think it’s going to be beneficial in my master’s program and in life,” she said. “But my love for Fitness & Wellness grew through this job and I knew that it had to be in my future.”
While her job at Rec Sports has helped mold her long-term goals,
it’s also continuously shaping her day-to-day routine. She usually starts in the office, working on behind-the-scenes projects — from events to outreach.
“A day at work for me looks really fun,” Kiliddjian said. “I organize a lot of the ins and outs, and then I go and teach a class, and then I walk right back up to the office and I do more work.”
Kiliddjian teaches HIIT, Pilates, Pilates reformer, cycle, and cycle strength intervals throughout the week. Her most recent addition is a Pilates reformer class, which brought unique challenges to coaching and new equipment to work with.
“I started teaching my first pilates reformer class this past January and that has been so much fun,” she said. “Using this gigantic, intricate machine to teach my classes has taken instructing to a whole other level for me.”
But as much as she’s learning from the newer classes, the first one she ever instructed, Fri-YAY HIIT, still stands out as a favorite.
“The connection that I have with my participants in that Friday HIIT class is unlike any other,” she said. “I have a lot of regulars, so I’ve gotten to really develop a good friendship with all of my participants.”
And the relationship goes both ways — Kiliddjian guides participants through their fitness journey, and their commitment motivates her to be the best instructor she can be.
“I’m helping them, but more importantly, they’re helping me,” Kiliddjian said. “When you have to walk in at 7:30 in the morning to teach a HIIT class, it can feel
daunting. But, the second that I see my participants, I am filled with all of this energy from them. My favorite part about being a fitness instructor is showing up for them because they show up for themselves and for me.”
Feedback also goes both ways during group fitness classes, and Kiliddjian strives to create an environment where both praise and critiques are welcome and productive.
“I take a lot of pride in making sure that I’m providing an effective and safe class, all while just being a whole lot of fun,” she said.
Kiliddjian has had to learn how to make corrections in a group setting with a microphone — making sure participants still feel comfortable and respected — and get comfortable herself with feedback from participants about the class.
“I’ve learned so many little different tips and tricks on how to make sure I’m giving each participant the attention and feedback that they need as they’re going through the workout,” she said. “And vice versa, I need the feedback so that I can grow as an instructor.”
That direct interaction with participants is part of what makes instructing so special to Kiliddjian. As a student assistant, she also gets to build those connections with the other student instructors — peers she normally wouldn’t get to work with when she was only teaching classes.
“Being a fitness instructor can be a pretty flying-solo job,” Kiliddjian said. “My job [as] a student assistant is to communicate with
the other staff. Whether it’s just about how they have to submit their payroll or RSVP to an event, every email back and forth counts. We’re building toward something.” Similarly, Kiliddjian communicates daily with her professional staff supervisors. This, along with developing as an instructor, has helped her enhance a wide range of skills.
“I come to work and I learn so much and go home with so much more knowledge than when I walked into the Rec that day,” she said. “My directors are so informative and they pour into me so well. I definitely have learned problemsolving, conflict resolution, and how communication plays into that.”
At the end of the day, Fitness & Wellness is an industry she fell in love with — so much so that it drove her to alter her academic goals. It’s a network of connections, from participants to student and professional staff. As she puts it, it was fate.
“It’s really the greatest thing,” Kiliddjian said. “Regardless of how hard of a day at work it is, how busy we are, I walk out of the Rec always feeling so blessed to have this job because it really is like no other.”
DREW MCMILLEN ’89: A GREAT PLACE TO BE FOR A LONG TIME
Senior associate director retires after 33 years with impressive Rec Sports résumé
Long before group fitness had dance classes and before students scanned in with an app, Drew McMillen ’89 was here—hauling cones, fixing schedules, and mentoring student staff. Over the course of nearly 40 years, he didn’t just stick around—he led, adapted, built, and cared. He knew when to troubleshoot and when to crack a dad joke. His title changed a few times, but his heart for service never did.
From student employee to senior leadership, McMillen’s path through Rec Sports reads like a masterclass in dedication. An engineering major from Nebraska, he started in 1985 as a flag football official with Intramural Sports and kept coming back through grad school and postgrad.
“I looked back at all my pleasant memories,” he said. “There were a lot from Rec Sports.”
McMillen joined the full-time staff in 1992 as an intramural coordinator. Six years later, he pivoted to facilities, overseeing everything
from equipment checkout to member services. Then Fitness & Wellness, followed by Outdoor Adventures. He later oversaw the Penberthy rebuild and supervised the complex until moving into his current role as senior associate director. His leadership grew with each promotion, but he never lost touch with the student experience that first brought him through the doors.
“Over the years, we’ve done a really good job of becoming more sophisticated with our processes and adapting to technology,” he said. “But I think at the same time, we’ve made sure to remember that people are the most important reason why we’re here, so we still need to take care of our customers and give them that great one-onone service as a staff.”
Known around the office for his legendary dad jokes, McMillen is easily a pillar of the department. Whether mentoring young staffers, coordinating logistics behind the scenes, or sitting in on advisory
council meetings, he leads with adaptability and steadiness.
McMillen serves as the department’s bridge to the two key advisory councils—the Participant Advisory Council and the Student Employee Advisory Council— helping ensure Rec Sports stays grounded in student needs.
“I like meeting with them, finding out what their opinion is,” he said. “We’re always trying to figure out how to do things better at Rec Sports, and those two groups play a big role in helping make sure we’re doing that.”
McMillen’s career also mirrors the history of the Student Recreation Center itself. When it opened in 1995, he was here—watching it turn from a brand new facility into the iconic campus staple now known simply as “The Rec.”
“Even calling it ‘The Rec’ is the biggest change,” he said. “I started before the Rec was built, so I can still remember the grand opening.”
Since then, he’s watched it grow
Drew McMillen ’89: “A Great Place To Be For a Long Time”
into a campus centerpiece, he’s helped ensure it remained both accessible and excellent. It’s impossible to measure his impact in just programs, projects, or titles. You’d have to look at every student he hired, every staff member he encouraged, every facility decision he helped guide—and every pun he sneaked into a meeting.
“Anybody can build a great house, but it takes people to make it a home,” McMillen said. “I think the full-time staff I’ve worked with has been a great group, [and] the students of A&M—I’m biased—but it’s just an incredible group to work with.”
His favorite memory to this day is being named Intramural Sports’ Student Employee of the Year. His name is still etched into a plaque on the intramural office wall.
“It is neat that my name is the first one on the plaque, although it’s a lot more tarnished and harder to read than a lot of the newer ones,” he said. “It’s a really cool memory, getting that award.”
Now, after 33 years of full-time service, he’s deleting Microsoft Teams and retiring. As he steps away from the department he’s helped shape, he says the hardest part of leaving is—unsurprisingly— the people.
“The people, the enjoyment working at a place where people want to be, the smiles, the fun— all those things made it a great place to be for a long time,” McMillen said.
It’s hard to summarize over three decades of service. Harder still to say goodbye to someone whose fingerprints are on everything.
“I hope that people would say that I work hard in anything that I do,” he said. “That if I get involved with something, I make a positive impact on it.”
For us, Drew McMillen’s positive impact is undeniable. Thank you, Drew—for the leadership, the laughs, and the legacy you leave behind.
Drew McMillen ’89: “A Great Place To Be For a Long Time”
LEGENDS LIVE HERE DIGITAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARCHIVE COMING SOON
Interactive display is in the works to honor decades of Intramural Sports, Sport Clubs achievements
Decades’ worth of Rec Sports allstars are about to take center stage with a new interactive installment in the lobby of the Student Recreation Center. From national champions to student employees of the year, the display will allow visitors to scroll through the rich history of Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs accomplishments.
“As this grows, it’s a way to showcase the history of these programs that have been successful and to recognize so many people,” said Keith Joseph, the Sport Clubs Program Director.
“We’ve had so many championships, so many trophies, so it’s really to digitize that, have it in one location, and be more accessible for folks.”
The display, which is still in development with Rocket Alumni Solutions, will feature a touchscreen interface in the main lobby of the Rec. Users will be able to view photos, search for specific teams, and explore highlights from past seasons — some dating back generations. Surrounding the screen will be a “Wall of Champions,” a collage of images that capture the spirit of competition and the legacy of victory that have long defined these programs.
“Our hope is that students here can be recognized, come up to the touch screen, [and] show their friends,” said Nick Heiar, the Intramural Sports Program
Director. “Our dream is to build it out in a number of ways where people come back and look at themselves 20 years ago. We have that basic infrastructure.”
By digitizing as many records and photos as possible, Rec Sports aims to have its expansive history stored in a central location, making
it more accessible to be seen and celebrated by alumni and current students alike.
“The content gathering and input is very time-consuming,” Joseph said. “I’m still trying to dig through old photos and find as much information as possible to put everything together. Once it comes out, it’s going to be great.”
In early development, Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs decided to team up and display their histories together. As two of the cornerstones of recreational sports, the programs have always worked closely with each other, and both have legacies of success
to showcase.
“It’s a natural collaboration,” Joseph said. “These two programs go hand in hand, even though they operate separately. It was a natural fit, and always has been.”
Intramural Sports, which involves Aggies playing against other Aggies, names a champion for each league every semester, while Sport Clubs, which compete against other collegiate teams, win state, regional, national or even international titles depending on the club. All of these accomplishments will be featured in the display along with the countless awards and recognitions for student employees, club officers, intramural officials, student leaders and more.
“I’m awarding hundreds of championships every year [with] thousands of champions,” Heiar said. “How can you recognize champions, make it bigger, make it last longer? We found this company, and it allows us to create this digital database of information, history, nostalgia, and pictures.”
Though the interface is still being finalized, excitement around the display is already building. More than just a digital archive, the installation will serve as a lasting tribute to the many Aggies whose sweat, teamwork, and leadership left a mark long after the final whistle — and a growing collection of future wins and memories still to come.
Site Seeing: Users are Loving Recent Website Updates
Engagement on the Rec Sports website has increased across five different metrics
Web design may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering Rec Sports marketing, but anyone in the Marketing & Communications office will tell you—clicks drive everything. Social media, newsletters, campaigns, and blog posts all drive users back to the website, where fresh, visually appealing pages help them find the information they need to get engaged with Rec Sports facilities and program offerings.
Over the past few months, the Rec Sports website has undergone a complete overhaul of many pages, including the homepage, individual program and facility pages, and the About Us page. Siddant Singh, a website assistant for Rec Sports Marketing and Communications has played a large role in getting the site to where it is today.
“The idea was to move to visualfriendly, more color-led section separators to define the hierarchy on the page,” Singh said. “We wanted to make the navigation simpler — whatever helps the user get the information they want as quickly as possible.”
The results were substantial.
Organic search clicks increased by 31% compared to last year. Page users rose by 18%, and sessions increased by 36% — almost 70,000 more than last year. New users and page views also increased by 17% and 24%, respectively.
“The ultimate goal is to increase traffic to the Rec Center and all its related facilities,” Singh said.
At the end of the day, improvements in website metrics benefit patrons, individual program areas, student employees, and Rec Sports as a whole. With this year’s strong growth, Marketing & Communications plans to keep the momentum going — creating an online space where users can continue to find information in new and engaging ways.
“We now need to step up and focus more on making it flexible by playing around with the WordPress elements,” Singh said. “We have done well with making the website more visually appealing, but we need to work more on that front by embedding videos that might help students.”
REC SPORTS
REC SPORTS
KAITLYN MAKENS Student Assistant
Kaitlyn is a senior International Studies major from Dallas, Texas. As Student Assistant for Development & Sponsorships, she handles the Walk of Champions database and operations, assists with development functions and donor relations, and provides support for sponsorship activities.
DYLAN MIHEALSICK
Personal Training Supervisor
“It means that my commitment to helping clients achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy lifestyle has truly made a difference. The award reinforces my love for fitness and motivates me to keep growing as a trainer and mentor.”
SAM LEE
Youth Programs Manager, Intramural Leadership Sport Coordinator
“Being selected as Youth Programs Student Employee of the Year is truly an honor. Rec Sports has become like a second home and I’m incredibly proud to be recognized for contributing to such a great program!”
ROSA CANDELARIO
Facility Operations Supervisor
“I’m so grateful for this opportunity and the recognition—it truly means a lot.
The Rec was a huge part of my time at Texas A&M, and it’s really special to know that a piece of me will always be part of its legacy.”
JENNIFER RHINESMITH-CARRANZA Group Fitness Instructor, Specialty Boxing Coach
“Being selected as Employee of the Year for Specialty Classes is an incredible honor that reminds me how meaningful it is to share my passion for movement with others. I believe moving our bodies should be FUN, and I love finding creative ways to make it enjoyable and accessible for everyone!”
LOLA KILIDDJIAN
Fitness and Wellness Student Assistant
“I feel so honored to have been chosen for this award! This program means so much to me and I have loved every second of being able to serve this team!”
Student Employees of the Year
CLAIRE FRAZIER
MarComm Content Writer
“Receiving the Student Employee of the Year award for Marketing & Communications is an unbelievable honor and a testament to the passion I’ve been able to pour into telling Rec Sports’ story over the past year. I’m so blessed to be a part of such a joyful team with professional staff who both drive me to succeed and celebrate me when I do!”
GRACE BARROW
Aquatics Supervisor
“Being selected as Student Employee of the Year is a significant recognition of my dedication, professionalism, and the positive impact I’ve had within my department. This honor not only validates my contributions but also motivates me to continue striving for excellence in both my academic and professional endeavors.”
CLAIRE RILEY
Human Resources Student Assistant
“Being selected as Student Employee of the Year means that my hard work and dedication have been recognized and valued by my supervisors and peers. It’s an honor that motivates me to continue striving for excellence in everything I do each and every day.”
SAM VINAL Basketball Sport Coordinator
“It means everything that my supervisors see my work as work well done. I am so proud to be a part of such a successful program and making an impact in it is all I could ask for.”
NOÉ PEÑA
Program Supervisor
“It means a lot that my supervisor and coworkers selected me for this award to recognize the work I’ve done all year. I really enjoy working for Rec Sports and giving my all to a department that always puts its students first.”
KATIE MCANELLY
Weight Room Supervisor
“It has been an honor and privilege to work alongside the best people in one of the coolest places ‒ thank you Rec Sports.”
NIC HERNANDEZ
Head Route Setter
“Being selected as the employee of the year within a program I care so much about is a massive honor. I love outdoor adventures and knowing that I made a small impact on the program means the world to me.”
MCKENZIE CARLTON
Business Services Student Mgr.
“Being selected as Student Employee of the Year means so much to me because I truly love my job at the Rec and the incredible people I get to work with every day. I’m so thankful for this recognition, and I’m excited to keep bringing enthusiasm and dedication to a place that has given me so much.”
MORGAN PONTON
Sport Clubs Program Assistant, Sport Clubs Supervisor
“It is truly an honor to be selected and to know that my hard work and dedication have been recognized. The support of my supervisors and coworkers has made the past three years with Sport Clubs a true joy, and I couldn’t be more grateful to culminate that experience with this award.”
2025 TO THE TO THE 2025 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Dennis Corrington Leadership Scholarship: Micah Bruce ’26
Dave Chavonec Facilities Scholarship: Chad Burton ’26
Walter Penberthy Intramural Scholarship: Julie Guentert ’26
Patsy Knott Outdoor Adventures Scholarship: Collin Hamilton ’26
Graduate Assistant Scholarship: Carly Herndon ’26
Rec Sports Student Staff Scholarships:
Tessa Barela ’26
McKenzie Carlton ’26
Raegan Huffman ’26
Gregory Miller ’26
Morgan Ponton ’26
Zeta Rodriguez ’27
Abigail Simmons ’26
Kaitlyn White ’26
Kinsley Whitehead ’26
NEW STAFF NEW STAFF
JORDAN CHANEY
Communication Specialist II
My favorite thing about Rec Sports is the collaboration with programs, implementing their creative ideas, and just the southern hospitality I’ve recieved.”
HOMETOWN Covington, GA
ALMA MATER
Florida A&M University
Savannah College of Art & Design
FAVORITE MOVIE
Sinners, Goodfellas
FAVORITE FOOD
Thai, Chinese, BBQ
FUN FACT
I may or may not be three degrees seperated from Nigerian royalty.
CAM DAVIS
Personal & Small Group Training Coordinator
I have had a really great time working at the Rec so far, my staff has been fantastic! I have loved the process of learning everything about the Personal and Small Group Training Program and am excited about the future.”
HOMETOWN Roanoke, VA
ALMA MATER
Virginia Tech
FAVORITE MOVIE
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
FAVORITE FOOD Steak
FUN FACT
I was born on Christmas Eve.
The Walk of Champions brick campaign features bricks engraved with the names of students, employees, and friends of Texas A&M Rec Sports. Together, we can ensure that the values of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect, and selfless service are instilled in all Aggies.
Proceeds will help Rec Sports continue to offer high quality, inclusive programs, experiences, and facilities where current and future Aggies can stay healthy, have fun, grow as leaders, and make the most of their time here in Aggieland.
To learn more about up-to-date pricing and how you can purchase a brick, visit recsports.tamu.edu!
SUPPORT REC SPORTS
With an ever-growing student body comes a greater need for Rec Sports staff, services, and programs! Help make Rec Sports memorable for the next class of Aggies looking to build their résumé, dominate the intramural leagues, or embark on an outdoor trip with Outdoor Adventures.
To learn more about how you can build the next chapter of an Aggie’s life, contact Haylie Zavodny, hzavodny@rec.tamu.edu.
SEMESTER SEMESTER IN
PHOTOS
Department of Recreational Sports
Texas A&M University
4250 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-4250