Joe Desjardins, a senior from North Woodstock, N.H., has been chosen for the focus of this installment of the “Endicott Student-Athlete Spotlight” for his works both on the field of competition, and even more important, off of it.  Joe, who is a member of the men's rugby team that just clinched their first ever playoff berth, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management and is currently working towards his MBA. We were able to catch up with the graduate student and ask him a few questions for our new segment.

Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
Being a Division III student-athlete has given me the opportunity to grow as an athlete and as a student. I knew when applying to colleges that I wanted to go somewhere that would give me the chance to enhance my play on the field as well as provide me with ample opportunities off the field as well. 

What do you like most about being a student-athlete at Endicott?
The community at Endicott is unlike anything I have experienced elsewhere. No matter what sport you play, other athletes, students, and faculty members always show their support. Its not uncommon to find entire teams supporting your game or match on their off time.
 
What are some of the greatest lessons you have learned from being a student-athlete?
THe greatest lesson I have learned from being a student-athlete is that everything is subject to change. I came into college thinking i would be playing Soccer all four years. However, after being cut my sophomore team from the team i found myself wondering what i would do next. Luckily I found Rugby and realized that even if things don't work out the way you originally planned, there is always something better down the road if you search hard enough to find it. 

Who have been the most influence people in your athletic career?
My parents have influenced my athletic career more than anyone else. Countless hours of driving to games, practices, tournaments, camps, as well as coaching me every step of the way shows the amount of support my parents have had for me throughout my career. 

How would your teammates describe you?
My teammates would describe as the "old-man" of the team. After graduating last spring (2014) I decided I wanted to further my education at Endicott and with extra eligibility remaining, I decided to keep playing Rugby. And my age certainly shows on the practice field limping around earning the "old-man" nickname. 

Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
I must shower prior to every game. Some might say this is a waste of water seeing as I am going to need one after the game as well, but it is something I have been doing since high school. 

What is your greatest sports moment?
My greatest sport moment came during my senior year of High School, helping lead my Varsity soccer team to a NHIAA State Championship. 

Which public figure (athlete, politician, entertainer, etc) would you most like to meet and what one question would you ask them?
If I could meet one athlete today it would have to be Tom Brady. I would ask him how he was able to become such a success on the field after barely being drafted and looked over by almost every other team in the draft. 

What internships have you completed (or are a part of now)? What benefit have you gotten out of them?
The most influential internship I completed was at Loon Mountain Ski Resort in Lincoln, NH. I served as the marketing and events intern, and worked in an environment that i hope to work in further down the road in my professional career. 

If you have been involved in community service projects, what project has been the most rewarding and why?
I volunteer regularly each winter at New England Disabled Sports at Loon Mountain. Here I serve as a ski coach, teaching lessons to children and adults who suffer from both physical and mental disabilities. 

Name three things on your "bucket list".
1) Hike the Appalachian Trail. 2) Back-Pack Europe. 3) Ski out west 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years after graduation? What is your dream job?
My dream job would be working in community/public relations for one of the four major professional Boston sports teams. 

What would you say to someone currently in high school who is considering attending Endicott? 
I would say that no matter what college you choose to go to, your experience will be defined by what you make of it. I feel that Endicott does a great job building student climate and community and has done nothing but enhance my skills to ready me for the future ahead. 

Is there something about you that we don't know? Tell is something special about yourself that we haven't asked!
I am currently working at Endicott as the Assistant Residence Director for the Beachfront Area while also earning my MBA.