You’ve seen their blog posts about #CRSFcamp, and you may have spotted them in our pictures on Twitter… We figured we ought to introduce the awesome students who are interning with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation program team this summer!
Shelby Foit, rising junior majoring in General Management at Michigan State University
Background in sports and/or working with kids: I play soccer at Michigan State.
Why I wanted to intern with CRSF: I wanted to intern with CRSF because I love working with kids and thought it would be a great internship.
What I’m hoping to learn this summer: This summer I’m hoping get a feel for the work life and see if this is something that I want to pursue. Hopefully I’ll continue to work somewhere where I can help underprivileged children when I graduate.
Favorite movie: Hunger Games
Darius Gardner, rising senior majoring in Health Promotion at American University
Background in sports and/or working with kids: I am a college basketball player at American University in Washington, DC. Before attending American University, I attended Jack Yates Senior High School in Houston, TX where I played varsity basketball all four years. By playing basketball, I have participated in many basketball camps/clinics as a player and camp instructor. Also, I have organized my own clinics where I had the opportunity to work with kids to help improve their skill levels.
Why I wanted to intern with CRSF: I wanted to work with CRSF because after I was asked by our athletic director to talk to a group of underprivileged kids about what were my dreams/goals, my journey of becoming a college student-athlete, responsibilities of a college student, what struggles I had while pursing dreams/goals, what motivated me to go after my goals and any other questions the kids wanted to know. This opportunity was huge for me because I was just like them when I was their age. I was underprivileged as well, the same struggles they faced or facing I went through it already, so to me it was an opportunity of a lifetime in my eyes to work with CRSF.
What I’m hoping to learn this summer: What I am hoping to learn this summer is learning how to become a better person individually to help me with whatever I pursue in my future. The opportunity and experience I will gain with working with the CRSF gives me the experience I need when I want to purse coaching at some point.
What’s next: After this summer, I will be finishing up senior year at American University with a degree in Health Promotion and ending my collegiate basketball career. My goals of this school year is to finish up my senior year of school with a degree, make many friends, network for jobs, win another conference championship and enjoy my final time with my teammates, coaches, students, professors and academic support group.
If I could spend the day with one person, it would be: If I could spend one day with someone it will be President Obama and his family. I think it would be pretty cool to play basketball with the president one time.
Greg Olenski, rising senior majoring in Criminal Justice at University of Delaware
Background in sports and/or working with kids: Division 1 Athlete – 3 years of baseball at University of Maryland (2010-2013) before transferring to University of Delaware this past fall (2013-2015); Last year of eligibility remaining for this upcoming year. I have also worked multiple camps with my high school, Maryland, Delaware and other baseball facilities in the Philadelphia area.
Why I wanted to intern with CRSF: I wanted to intern with CRSF to learn more about the Foundation and to help teach kids baseball skills. I really enjoy teaching the game of baseball and having fun with kids.
What I’m hoping to learn this summer: I’m hoping to learn more about the CRSF and the day-to-day duties of the programming side of the Foundation.
What’s next: I have my last year in college coming up and I plan to go out with a bang on the baseball field. I want to have the best year of my career this upcoming year both academically and athletically. After I graduate, I have hopes of continuing my baseball career at the professional level. If that does not work out, I plan to pursue a career within the Criminal Justice system or work within baseball.
Favorite sports team: I’m a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan. I was born in Philadelphia and still live there today with my family. My favorite sports team are the Philadelphia Phillies.