Fall 2024 | RecLife Magazine by Texas A&M Rec Sports

AQUATICS, FITNESS & WELLNESS WORK TOGETHER TO HOST POOLBASED RECXERCISE CLASSES!

REECE THORNE ’25

HOWDY, AGS!

As the year draws to a close, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful semester we have had at Rec Sports. This year has been filled with growth, change, and a renewed sense of camaraderie. We welcomed many new students to our staff and the Rec Sports family, while also focusing on reconnecting with former students.

We kicked off the year with a fantastic reunion in Houston, where we had the opportunity to meet many former students living in the area. The turnout exceeded expectations for a first-year event, offering great promise for future regional gatherings. Later in the year, we connected with nearly 300 former students at our annual tailgate before the LSU football game. It was a truly special event, filled with meaningful conversations with old friends reconnecting and reminiscing about shared experiences while working at Rec Sports. With so many of you joining us this year, we are excited to continue creating such memorable moments in the years to come.

The fall semester always flies by, but this year seemed to pass even faster than usual. We saw an impressive 8 percent increase in the use of our facilities compared to last fall and hosted a variety of events, including a regional flag football tournament for NIRSA. We also began celebrating the 50th anniversary of our sport clubs’ program, which has provided students with invaluable opportunities to develop both athletic and leadership skills throughout the years. These 39 clubs have provided students with not only the ability to compete against other collegiate teams but also experience managing team finances, maintaining membership records, and upholding club standards.

As we bid farewell to 2024, we eagerly anticipate the new projects and upgrades coming to our facilities in the months ahead. The indoor track and upstairs fitness areas are currently closed for resurfacing, with plans for completion before classes resume in the spring. Toward the end of the spring semester, we will begin renovations on the locker rooms and indoor climbing area. These upgrades reflect our ongoing commitment to providing top-tier facilities for the students we serve.

As we look forward to the new year, I warmly invite you to join us for our Rec Sports reunion back in Aggieland the weekend of May 2 - 3. It will be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends, reminisce about the good times, and celebrate the legacy of Rec Sports. We cannot wait to see you there and relive the great memories we’ve shared.

Wishing you all the best this holiday season, and I look forward to seeing you in the upcoming year!

Haylie Zavodny ’15 Program Director - Development & Sponsorships Department of Recreational Sports

FALL 2024 ISSUE

STAFF

CELINA OPSKAR

Fitness & Wellness

HOMETOWN: San Diego, CA

ALMA MATER: Cal Poly Pomona

FAVORITE FOOD: Sushi

FUN FACT: I have traveled to 24/50 states.

DAVID CABRERA

DYLAN

COOKE Operations & Events

HOMETOWN: Austin, TX

ALMA MATER: Texas A&M University

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Scrubs

FUN FACT: I actually won a Nintendo

Switch from one of those stacker arcade games once.

Marketing & Communications `

Human Resources

HOMETOWN: Houston, TX

ALMA MATER: Texas A&M University

FAVORITE ANIMAL: Goat

FUN FACT: I used to be part of the TAMU Rugby Team.

MARIAELENA LOZANO

HOMETOWN: San Antonio, TX

ALMA MATER: Texas A&M University

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Modern Family

FUN FACT: I am a Marine Brat, I have moved over ten times in my life, I was born in Okinawa, Japan.

KARLEY

NELSON

Human Resources

HOMETOWN: Italy, TX

ALMA MATER: Texas A&M University

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Outer Banks

FUN FACT: I have been skiing every year since I was 3!

NATE SKIDMORE

Aquatics

HOMETOWN: Omaha, NE

ALMA MATER: University of Nebraska at Omaha

FAVORITE ANIMAL: Sloth

FUN FACT: I love to cook.

MICHAEL GONZALEZ

Outdoor Adventures

HOMETOWN: Bryan, TX

ALMA MATER: Texas A&M University

FAVORITE TV SHOW: The Office

FUN FACT: I can do a kick-flip on a skateboard.

NEW

“My

favorite thing about working for Rec Sports is working with the Operations and Events team and learning from their expertise in the field.”

- Lucas Maher Operations & Events

“My favorite thing about working for Rec Sports is the simultaneous commitment to excellence while also having a fun, positive atmosphere!”

- Paul Hardin-Specht Sport Clubs

Carly Herndon Intramural Sports Master of Applied Youth Development

Jake Rendulic Outdoor Adventures Master of Natural Resources

Lucas Maher Operations & Events MS Sport Management

Paul Hardin-Specht Sport Clubs MS Sport Management

Riley Kohler Marketing & Communications MS Marketing

RAISING

THE BAR

Graduate assistant leaves behind a legacy of community and growth in Strength & Conditioning

While athletes hit personal records in the weight room, many behind-thescenes factors drive their success. One of those factors is Reece Thorne ’25, a graduate assistant for Strength & Conditioning, Personal Training, and Small Group Training at Texas A&M Rec Sports. Thorne has become an integral part of a team that fosters student development, camaraderie, and personal growth.

Thorne, who is completing her master’s degree in kinesiology this December, wears many hats in her role. She’s a leader, a mentor, and, as she describes it, the “glue” that connects students and professional staff.

“I understand what the student staff is going through,” she said. “I know that they have class, exams, maybe other jobs. “I bring a sense

of understanding and willingness to work with them and work with their schedules, as well as with pro staff. I’m getting to this new adult stage in my life, it’s been really interesting going from student to this position.”

One milestone of this transition for Thorne was taking on more responsibility with training new student staff and personal trainers.

“When I actually get to take the reins on training and do it my own way but still stick to what we need to teach them, and then those workers still come out how they’re supposed to–they know what they’re doing and they love what they’re doing–is really rewarding,” Thorne said.

Her other daily responsibilities range from doing evaluations to ensuring personal trainers have what they need to support their clients. But at the heart of her work is a passion for student development and a genuine love for the Rec Sports community.

“I think the most rewarding thing for me is when we have our end of semester meetings and we’re giving people their graduation plaques, and

then they’ll give shoutouts to our pro staff or our supervisors and just say we impacted them,” Thorne said. “At the end of the day, when they’re thankful for their experience here, I think that’s probably one of my favorite aspects of this job.”

Thorne’s journey with Rec Sports began five years ago when she joined as a strength and conditioning attendant. At the time, she was a freshman navigating the transition from her small-town roots to life at Texas A&M University. A job posting outside the facility caught her eye, and the rest is history.

“Coming to college, I would come to the weight room almost every single day,” Thorne said. “I’ve always been an athlete, [which is] what made me choose Strength and Conditioning. Then, actually coming into the role, I

stayed because we have a great sense of community within everybody on staff.”

Her time at Rec Sports not only shaped her career path but also introduced her to lifelong friends, and even her fiancé.

“I’ve met so many great people here,” Thorne said. “I met my fiancé working in this building, so that was awesome. Being able to be surrounded by Ryan Keller, DJ Scott and my student supervisors, and just being able to have that community while we’re head-down grinding, that’s something that I’m definitely going to miss, for sure.”

Looking ahead, Thorne is keeping her options open, considering careers in cardiac rehabilitation or pursuing a Ph.D. to become a professor. No

matter where she ends up, she knows her time at Rec Sports has prepared her well.

“This job has taught me how to critically think through things and handle situations and adapt on the fly,” she said. “I’m super thankful for that and I will take that with me for the rest of my life.”

As she prepares to graduate and take the next step in her journey, Thorne leaves behind a legacy on Rec Sports and the students she’s mentored.

“We’ve been able to change how all other programs see us, and I do believe that I had a big impact on that,” she said. “Every time I’m upstairs, I’m having conversations with new people, asking people about their day, just trying to make as many connections as I can.”

Scan to learn more!

GRAND SLAM A REC SPORTS

Former graduate assistant Alex Bardeguez ’17 remains connected with Rec Sports throughout the years

Growing up on Long Island, New York, Alex Bardeguez ’17 developed a knack for baseball, which took him from Villanova University to Cal State Northridge, and eventually to a fiveyear stint in the minor leagues. But Bardeguez’s story didn’t end on the diamond — it’s where a new chapter began.

Even before his professional baseball career, Bardeguez envisioned returning to school to pursue a graduate degree. He aimed to bridge the gap between his undergraduate studies and professional aspirations by honing his business acumen, leadership, and communication

skills. When it came time to choose a program, Texas A&M stood out for its welcoming community and unparalleled Aggie network.

“Before I applied, I reached out to an Aggie while living in New York and asked if I could just grab 15 minutes of his time to learn about his experience at the school,” Bardeguez said. “When I was finally able to speak with him, he spent a whole hour out of his busy day to speak to me about his experience, his career and the Aggie network.”

That conversation and subsequent meetings with Rec Sports leaders like Kelly VonDrehle, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, and Dennis Corrington, then the Executive Director, solidified his decision to make Aggieland home. Alongside his studies, Bardeguez was drawn to the graduate assistantship in Rec Sports Marketing and Communication to complete his postgrad experience.

“I was driven to the position because of the amazing opportunity to support an on-campus organization that promotes healthy living and being active, which has been my primary focus my whole life while

playing sports,” he said.

Bardeguez brought his discipline and teamwork from baseball into his role as a graduate assistant at Rec Sports, where his marketing background flourished. His favorite project was organizing Rec-A-Palooza, the annual kickoff event showcasing everything Rec Sports has to offer.

“We engaged some of the biggest sponsors around the community to produce a phenomenal event for the students,” he said. “It was amazing to see all the hard work every program put into this event.”

The invaluable experience from

working at Rec Sports prepared Bardeguez for the high-pressure demands of his current role as a consultant.

“Rec Sports is a client-serving organization that is always looking for ways to improve every year,” Bardeguez said. “My former colleagues pushed me to expand and refine my communication, execution and leadership skills that I use daily in my current role as a client-serving consultant.”

But despite his professional success, Bardeguez stays deeply connected to Rec Sports and Texas A&M.

“I have gone back to A&M every single year at least once a year to either a fall tailgate, spring event or just to visit friends who I now consider my family,” he said.

“In this huge university of people, I always felt welcome in the Rec Sports family.”

From the baseball diamond to the boardroom, Bardeguez exemplifies the value of resilience, teamwork, and a commitment to growth. His journey serves as a reminder that while the destinations may vary, the experiences at Rec Sports — and at Texas A&M — last a lifetime.

Youth Programs Counselors share their favorite memories from Rec Sports Summer Camp.

KINSLEE ADAMS

PLAYING POOL BASKETBALL. IT WAS ALWAYS SUPER FUN, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE COUNSELORS WOULD HYPE ME UP FOR DUNKING ON THE 13-YEAR-OLDS.

PLAYING GAMES IN THE POOL. THE KIDS ALWAYS LOVED HANGING OUT AND SWIMMING, AND IT WAS FUN TO SEE THEIR PERSONALITIES.

THE BEACH BASH. IT WAS OUR FIRST FUN FRIDAY, AND YOU CAN TELL THE CAMPERS AND COUNSELORS WERE HAVING THE BEST TIME.

YOUTH PROGRAMS MANAGER YOUTH PROGRAMS MANAGER YOUTH PROGRAMS MANAGER YOUTH PROGRAMS COUNSELOR

[THE] COUNSELORS VS CAMPERS KICKBALL GAME.

RACHEL PETREE

YOUTH PROGRAMS COUNSELOR

AT THE END OF CAMP LAST SUMMER WE HELD A TALENT SHOW... IT WAS SO FUN WATCHING THE KIDS AND COUNSELORS PRACTICING THEIR ROUTINES LEADING UP TO THE SHOW. THEY ALL REALLY ENJOYED CHEERING EACH OTHER ON AND PERFORMING FOR THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES!

PEYTON COOK

ISABELA LUNA

YOUTH PROGRAMS COUNSELOR YOUTH PROGRAMS COUNSELOR

OUR TALENT SHOW AT THE END OF THE CAMP SESSION. NOT ONLY WAS IT SO MUCH FUN TO BE A PART OF, BUT IT WAS SO REWARDING TO SEE ALL OF THE KIDS COME OUT OF THEIR SHELLS... IT WAS DEFINITELY A FULLCIRCLE MOMENT TO END AN AMAZING SUMMER!

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH EACH CAMPER THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER...EACH KID WAS SO UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT, SO LEARNING ABOUT THEIR LITTLE QUIRKS AND FACTS THAT MADE THEM THEM WAS SO FUN AND PROVIDED SO MANY GOOD MEMORIES.

SEAN STARNES

YOUTH PROGRAMS COUNSELOR

EVERY MORNING, ONE OF OUR BRIGHT CHILDREN NAMED WYATT AND I WOULD ALWAYS PLAY CONNECT FOUR BEFORE EVERYONE SHOWED UP. HE PROCEEDED TO BEAT ME CONSTANTLY WHICH WAS HILARIOUS, AND IS SOMETHING I’LL ALWAYS CHERISH.

SAM LEE SAMMI PEREZ TY MCCONN

TEAM UP FOR

CARDIO WATER

Aquatics, Fitness & Wellness work together to host pool-based RecXercise classes

One impactful partnership between two program areas brings a fresh twist to water-based exercise. Held in the Instructional Pool on Mondays and Tuesdays, RecXercise’s Cardio Water classes are led by a Fitness & Wellness instructor while Aquatics lifeguards man the stands.

Cardio Water offers a low-impact workout in the Instructional Pool’s shallow, four-foot-deep water, making it an effective way to boost both cardiovascular fitness and strength. Using equipment like tubing, hand buoys, and pool noodles for added resistance, this class caters to participants of all skill levels.

Behind the scenes, the success of Cardio Water is a result of teamwork. Fitness & Wellness schedules the classes, trains instructors, and supplies the equipment. But when it comes time to host the class, Aquatics plays a crucial role in the preparation and staffing.

“Aquatics has always been great to work with,” Fitness & Wellness Instructor Madalyn Smith said. “They are super helpful and always willing to adjust and pivot–especially when the weather doesn’t want to cooperate.”

Taking the lead on facility readiness and personnel, Aquatics prepares the Instructional pool, schedules lifeguards, and coordinates safety at every point.

“Cardio Water has a lot of moving parts,” Head Lifeguard Dylan Gregory ’26 said. “Guarding for them, you have to be extra vigilant with the different activities going on.”

With all of the dynamic elements in play, the RecXercise class provides a unique opportunity for student employees in Aquatics to experience supervising different types of water activities.

“It brings a fun aspect to it for the lifeguards,” Gregory said. “Instead of just watching lap swim over and over again, they actually get to watch people invest in the resources that they have at Rec Sports.”

This collaboration for Cardio Water also benefits Rec Sports members and patrons by offering a uniquely engaging and safe workout experience that combines the expertise of multiple program areas.

“Cardio water is an extremely accessible class for students and faculty alike,” Smith said. “It is great that multiple Rec programs can work together to provide this to its patrons.”

As one of the few Rec Sports offerings that requires two program areas to team up, both Smith and Gregory agree that the collaboration is vital.

“It’s super important because it really brings a great element of health and wellness to the student body to have options to invest in their personal health,” Gregory said.

Ultimately, while both student staff and participants gain from the teamup, the program areas themselves reap the greatest benefits, fostering a relationship that strengthens impact and reach across the Rec.

“Fitness & Wellness brings a lot of people to Aquatics,” Gregory said. “Working with them is great. I’ve gotten to interact with the instructors, and they always bring the energy. It’s fun to cross over with Intramurals too, and we get to have a bunch of classes.”

30 YEARS MARK HAVEN REFLECTS ON NEARLY WITH REC SPORTS

From the golf course to mentoring students, Haven leaves a legacy of growth and mentorship

For nearly three decades, Mark Haven has been a cornerstone of Texas A&M Rec Sports, helping shape both the Texas A&M Golf Course and the lives of countless students and colleagues. As he prepares for retirement, Haven reflects on his unexpected journey, the challenges he embraced, and the legacy he leaves behind.

When Haven joined Rec Sports in 1996 as the golf course superintendent, he saw the role as temporary—a stepping stone to another opportunity. However, he soon realized the potential of the position. That choice set the stage for a career spanning nearly 30 years at Texas A&M Rec Sports.

“I was quickly given greater responsibility and treated as the expert in my area,” Haven said. “Most importantly, I had the opportunity to participate in the development of Texas A&M students.”

Haven’s early years focused on leading and transforming the university golf course. The irrigation

system was aging, there were no cart paths, and much of the course needed replanting. Despite these challenges, Haven helped tackle them with determination, collaborating with donors and architects to execute a full-scale renovation.

“The course is now something the university can be proud of,” he said. “It’s rewarding to know that my work played a role in that transformation.”

Haven’s role evolved significantly over the years. Beyond his initial work on the golf course, he took on responsibilities in Outdoor Adventures, Aquatics, Risk Management, and Assessment, each presenting new challenges and opportunities for growth.

“My challenge was to lead in areas where my staff often knew more than I did,” Haven said. “But the people of Rec Sports—those I worked for, with, and who worked for me—were always there to support me.”

One of Haven’s proudest contributions was his role in enhancing student life through facility improvements. His efforts were instrumental in major projects like adding synthetic turf to the Penberthy Rec Sports Complex, which significantly increased the complex’s functionality and accessibility. He also played a key role in the planning of the Polo Road and Southside Rec Centers. By collecting and analyzing assessment data, Haven provided critical insights into what students valued most, helping ensure these facilities were thoughtfully designed to meet their expectations.

“Our assessments provided insights into what students valued most,” Haven said. “It’s fulfilling to see how those insights shaped projects that

will benefit Aggies for years to come.”

While Haven’s technical contributions were critical, his impact on the people around him is what truly defines his legacy. Mentoring students and staff became a cornerstone of his career.

“To think I may have played a role in their growth is highly rewarding,” he said. “Many of the students I’ve worked with are now close friends and have gone on to achieve incredible things.”

Haven’s ability to connect with those he worked with was reflected in countless moments throughout his career. One of Haven’s most cherished memories was participating in an Outdoor Adventures trip to Havasupai Falls in the Grand Canyon. At 59, he was the oldest participant in the group of 15, but the shared experience left a lasting impression.

“We bonded over the experience,” he said. “Seven days of camping, hiking, playing in the falls, and taking in the beauty of the Grand Canyon — it was a trip worth remembering.”

As Haven prepares for retirement, he is eager to return to his roots in the great outdoors. Whether playing golf, hunting, fishing, hiking, or camping, he’s looking forward to the freedom to enjoy life at his own pace.

While Haven will miss the people of Rec Sports, he won’t miss the daily office routine. His advice to his successor is simple: “Focus on those around you, and you will find success.”

Reflecting on the department’s potential over the next 30 years, Haven emphasized the importance of a

people-first approach. “As long as the focus is on the people, [Rec Sports] will be a major part of the lives of Texas A&M students, faculty, and staff,” he said.

For Haven, his lasting legacy lies not in policies or procedures—both of which evolve with time—but in the relationships he built and the lives he touched.

“I want to be remembered for who I am,” he said. “The lasting legacy will be in the people I had the privilege of working with.”

As Haven closes this chapter, he leaves behind a department — and a community — better for his time there. His contributions have created a foundation for future generations of Aggies to thrive. Congratulations, Mark, on a remarkable career and a well-deserved retirement.

This year, Rec Sports is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Sport Clubs program, a pillar of student life and athletic excellence since 1974. What began with just a few clubs has blossomed into one of the most extensive Sport Clubs programs in the nation, encompassing 39 teams and more than 1,500 active student-athletes. With more than 400 national championships earned, the program embodies the core Aggie values of leadership, excellence, and selfless service.

“It is an important milestone to recognize the impact Sport Clubs has had on Texas A&M University and its students,” George Michael Swift ’20 said. “We’re making Aggies into exceptional leaders who know [how] to not only compete, but also collaborate–a vital combination to leave a lasting impact beyond Sport Clubs.”

To honor this milestone, the Sport Clubs program has announced its $50 for 50 Fundraising Campaign, an initiative designed to invest in the future of Aggie leaders. The goal is to raise $25,000 by fall 2026, just in time for the 100th anniversary of Rec Sports. The fund will establish the Sport Clubs Officer Leadership Scholarship, which will provide annual scholarships to current student officers.

The campaign encourages donations of $50 in celebration of the 50th anniversary, but every contribution counts. To meet their goal, the campaign invites former members,

Sport Clubs celebrates 50 years with a campaign to give back to student leaders

especially past officers and Executive Committee leaders, to give back.

“Being in Rec Sports shaped me into who I am today as a leader,” Rachel Benson ’11 said. “I would not be where I am or who I am today without those experiences. I think it is crucial that these club sports get the continued monetary support in order to help more students have a positive impact from Sport Clubs.”

The $50 for 50 Campaign not only commemorates the achievements of the past but also sets the foundation for the future. By supporting the campaign, donors become part of a legacy of success, leadership, and the unparalleled Aggie Spirit.

“I would love to see Sport Clubs continue to grow in scope–bringing in more sports to welcome even more Aggies into the fold, as well as provide funding for more competition, so more Aggies know how it feels to represent [Texas A&M University],” Chad Haga ’10 said.

Whether from a former student reminiscing about their days of competition or simply a supporter of Rec Sports’ mission, these contributions will leave a lasting impact on the lives of Rec Sports Sport Club leaders for years to come.

Scan to give to Sport Clubs

IN PHOTOS SEMESTER

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.

MAY 2 - 3, 2025

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Department of Recreational Sports

Texas A&M University

4250 TAMU

College Station, TX 77843-4250