Crusader Nation

Spring 2015 • Crusader Nation 5 Paying it Forward H ank Prybylski's '87 in- volvement with the Holy Cross men's lacrosse program did not end at graduation. The former captain of the team, who is now a partner at Ernst & Young, remains committed to the program that contrib- uted so much value to his experience at the College, and prepared him for a suc- cessful career. "Team sports teach life les- sons," says Prybylski. "I had an incredible experience at Holy Cross, one that was broader than solely an aca- demic experience." From his own career, Prybylski knows the importance of being able to see problems from all points of view, and of being able to succeed in team-based work and collaboration — all skills he says he developed as a lacrosse player at Holy Cross. As a way of giving back to a program that offered him such a strong founda- tion, Prybylski founded and oversees Crusader Lax Connect, the alumni- student career mentoring component of the Top Cor- ner Club, the affinity group for men's lacrosse alumni. "Several lacrosse alumni met with Dick Regan, the athletics director at the time, and recognized that alumni had the opportu- nity to get together to do something more for play- ers," says Prybylski. "We recognized that we could support the players, not just monetarily, but through mentoring." Crusader Lax Connect matches current players with alumni for guidance and support as they pre- pare for life after College. Thus far, the program has conducted a career day in New York City, as well as on-campus visits which fo- cus on teaching best prac- tices in interviewing and résumé building. Because of Prybylski's commitment to Crusader Lax Connect, and the great outpour- ing of alumni support, the program often results in students being offered both internships and jobs. "Crusader Lax Connect has been a huge help for both myself and many of my teammates," says senior lacrosse player Terrence McKenna '15, who recently secured a job with the help of the program. "It has been an incredible experi- ence that not only offers events to teach the ins and outs of different industries and career recruiting, but also provides a large group of mentors and other alum- ni who are willing to go out of their way to guide you, help you network, and even help you launch a career." By Evangelia Stefanakos '14 Bill Carmody, who becomes the 17th head coach in the history of the program, has 32 years of Division I coaching experience, including 17 seasons as a head coach. He will start his new re- sponsibilities immediately. For complete coverage visit: GoHolyCross.com As we went to press … Former lacrosse player values life lessons from team sports The 60th Annual Holy Cross Varsity Club Hall of Fame Dinner Holy Cross Names Carmody Men's Basketball Head Coach When: Saturday, May 2, 2015 Where: Hogan Ballroom, College of the Holy Cross To register: Visit GoHolyCross.com/VarsityClub The 2015 Varsity Club Inductees: Kevin P. Kilgallen '62 - Track & Field James A. Maloney '69 - Men's Basketball (Honorary) Robert A. Hurley '79 - Football Kristina A. Shields '91- Women's Basketball Kimberly V. Rinaldi '02 - Women's Swimming & Diving Michael J. Emmons '03 - Men's Swimming

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