EAGLE ILLUSTRATED FEBRUARY 2024

Jordan Schumacher transferred to Embry-Riddle in 2019 as was a member of the Embry-Riddle volleyball program for two years. In her one season of playing for the Eagles she was named to the Sunshine State Conference All-Newcomer team, the SSC Commissioner's Honor Roll and received an Eagles of Excellence and Scott Shappell College of Art and Sciences Dean's scholarships. Schumacher graduated from Embry-Riddle with a degree in human factors psychology in 2021.

Why did you choose Embry-Riddle?

I chose ERAU for its top notch academic and athletic programs. The athletic administration and staff were so nice and welcoming to me. I felt very supported, as they helped me with a smooth transition, being that I was a transfer student.

What’s your fondest memory about your time as an ERAU student-athlete?

One of my fondest memories was the 2019 volleyball team going dancing in the NCAA II tournament, for the first time in PROGRAM HISTORY!!

What do you remember most vividly about your time at ERAU?

I remember how much I had grown as a person in a positive way. All the friends and mentors I had while being at ERAU, truly impacted my life.

Who had the biggest impact on your life while at ERAU?

Coach Joslynn Gallop had the biggest impact on my life at ERAU. Coming in as a transfer student-athlete she truly embraced me. There were many times where I had a hard time adjusting to being a new person in a new place. She knew exactly the right advice to give at the right time. The coach-player bond that we have is something I know will continue for a lifetime.

What do you miss most about being a student-athlete?

The community and competition. There truly is no place like ERAU Athletics. Our community support during game days was unmatched and the energy was always there when we needed it most from our fans. I miss my teammates and having that competitive nature in practices and games. They truly pushed me to be my best self as a competitor and a person. The ERAU Athletics staff is also another thing that I miss. Whether it be that daily motivational speech from Coach Ridder in passing or all the help received from our athletic trainers/strength and conditioning coaches. These moments are truly missed.

What did you do right after graduating from ERAU?

After graduating ERAU I made the tough decision to forgo my fifth year of eligibility and pur-sue a master’s degree in athletic counseling at Springfield College in Springfield, Massa-chusetts. In 2023 I received a master’s in psychology with a concentration in Athletic Coun-seling.

What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of since you graduated?

I would have to say I am most proud of receiving a master’s degree. I never thought that I would want to pursue more schooling after doing it for 17 years (haha). But I am so glad I accomplished this goal and was able to have the tools and resources to do so in two years!

Another thing I will say on a personal level is my growth as a person since 2020. When COVID hit, a lot of other things in my life were unstable at the time as well. Thankfully with the support of my friends and family, I was able to come out on the other side of things more mature. Having truly grown into the woman I aspired to be from a young age.

Tell us a little bit about what you’re doing now?

I just recently came back from traveling Europe, mainly Switzerland. After finishing 19 years of schooling, I felt it was time for me to do something for myself. Getting to experience another part of the world was incredible and gave me good mental clarity for my future endeavors. Since being back in the U.S. I am now studying to take an exam that will allow me to have certification as a Clinical Mental Performance Coach.

As a side hustle, I also started up an Instagram page that is advocating for athlete mental health. I am trying to reach athletes in all stages of their career, (beginners, currently playing, and retired athletes) to shed light on the different things that athletes endure along their journey. Give it a follow @athletealliance_ !

What inspired/motivated you to start Athlete Alliance? How does it work?

Athlete Alliance is an accumulation of 17 years of being an athlete myself. I’ve been through the injuries, the wins and losses, the transferring process, and plenty of other changes. I also was there for a lot of teammates along the way who endured the same or other negative aspects of being an athlete. Looking back on what I went through, and what I have learned throughout my master’s program now. I know that I have the knowledge and tools to help others that were in my position to feel seen, heard, and supported.

Athlete Alliance is meant to shed light on all of the different aspects of what it means to be an athlete. Spreading awareness of mental health amongst athletes specifically, is the main purpose of the page. This page is not aimed at athletes who are just currently playing a sport. It is also for retired athletes, and the younger generations who are looking to become an athlete. There are different segments each week that touch on inspiring athlete story’s, retired athlete journeys, and facts surrounding information about mental health.

How did your experience at ERAU shape your career path?

I endured a lot being an athlete for over 17 years of my life. There were times where I really struggled with change; for one, being a transfer student-athlete. But also when I got the news that my final season of volleyball was being ripped away from me because of COVID.

During this time, coach brought in a sports psychologist by the name of Tiffany Jones to come in and speak with us one on one. After speaking with Tiff, I knew immediately that I wanted to combine my two passions which was sports and helping others. Hence why I got my master’s in athletic counseling.

What are some lessons you learned at ERAU that have served well in your life after college?

Be a good leader, whether that be serving others or setting good examples. So many people at ERAU have set the standard for this, especially in the athletics department. This has now rolled over into my life and how I approach my work and future.

What advice do you have for ERAU’s current student-athletes?

Be present, it’s such a cliche and I feel like every alumni says it, but it’s so true. You won’t truly know what this advice means until you retire from sports or graduate college. But just try your best to be where your feet are. So many times while being a student athlete, I was constantly stressing about my future or what would come next in my life. Don’t get so caught up in the unknown, that you miss the joys of today.

Do you stay connected with other alumni, and if so, how?

Social media is a huge way that I stay connected with my teammates. It’s nice to see all of the things that they are doing post graduation. Some are traveling, some are going back to school, and some are even engaged! It’s so fulfilling to see them all succeeding in their own way and I am so proud of all of them.

What do you like to do away from work? Hobbies? Fun experiences/excursions?

Aside from work, I enjoy having self-care time. I practice this in a lot of different ways. Light reading, yoga, or even a nice nighttime skin care routine. Really whatever I have time for. I encourage all athletes whether current or retired to carve out time for yourself. As a student athlete we are use to being on schedules that are made for us. Practice, class, community service, etc. No matter how small your self-care time is, make the time for YOU!