A degree of
Confidence
M
ary Lou Ames knew she wanted to
pursue graduate school after finishing
college in 2010 at Central Washington
University. She worked for a year before traveling
across the country to start her master’s degree at
the University of Kentucky, where she studied sports
leadership in the College of Education’s Department
of Kinesiology and Health Promotion.
“I started coaching volleyball after college and really
enjoyed it. I grew up playing sports year-round, so
it just felt natural to go into a career in the sports
industry,” Ames said.
Ames funded her graduate studies through student
loans and savings she had accumulated by working
full-time the previous year. She later received the
Frank G. and Elizabeth D. Dickey Scholarship from
the College of Education.
“The scholarship really helped me start the process
of graduation, in that I was able to better afford my
last semester and to obtain my master’s degree. I am
incredibly thankful for the Dickey family’s gift.”
Ames gives thanks to the faculty members who
mentored her throughout the graduate program
– Drs. John Thelin, Jonell Pedescleaux, and Steve
Parker.
Mary Lou
Ames wit
h her fath
er Clint A
She is currently working at a YMCA and interning
for Seattle University Athletics. She works with
the volleyball team and assists with travel, events,
scheduling, and administrative duties.
“I am hoping this experience will lead to a great
full-time role in college athletics,” she said. «
The scholarship really helped me start the
process of graduation, in that I was able to
better afford my last semester and to obtain
my Master’s Degree. I am incredibly
thankful for the Dickey family’s gift.
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mes.