Spring Brochure 2020 Online_Spring 2020 Guide | Seite 8

PEOPLE &
of the Glenview Park District
THOMAS SPLASHES
INTO NEW ROLE
Since Courtney Thomas began working for the
Glenview Park District less than two years ago, she has
rocket-shipped into an Aquatics Supervisor role. Fresh
out of college with a bachelor’s degree in marketing,
Courtney worked as a nanny while interning at several
companies within her field. Those internships helped
her see that marketing may actually not be for her.
Always interested in trying new things and knowing
she already loved being around children, Courtney
accepted a part-time job working admissions at the
park district’s three pools and it changed her life.
“I thought it would just be a cool part-time job –
work at the pools and talk to kids,” she said.
Supervisors quickly saw that working weekends, early
shifts and late shifts didn’t bother Courtney. She was fast
to say yes when someone needed a fill-in, and she was
constantly asking for more responsibilities. To know where
this work ethic comes from, you need to look back.
Courtney’s family moved to Glenview from Minnesota
when she was in 7th grade. Eventually, she attended
Loyola Academy in Wilmette for three years, but
transferred to Montini Catholic High School in Lombard
which had an excellent girls’ basketball team.
Basketball was her first love, and that love returned
the favor by helping her flourish in life. Courtney
earned a spot on the women’s basketball team at
Marquette University. There, she learned the meaning
of hard work and how to juggle a lot at once.
“While other sports may be seasonal, basketball for
me was year-round. At Marquette, we never stopped
training. There was pre-season training, post-season
training and summer workouts. You never took a break.
I would get in a morning workout, go to class, then have
an individual workout on the court later in the day.
During winter breaks while everyone was home for the
holidays, the workouts were even longer. We would
spend all day at the gym. It was non-stop,” she said.
A feature that shines the spotlight on people who help create enriching
and enjoyable recreational experiences at the Glenview Park District.
Making academics and athletics a priority is how Courtney grew up.
“The pace is not for everybody. From the training to going to class, it was
very taxing on my body physically, but it’s what I’m used to,” said Courtney.
Being a college athlete instilled a value in her that hard work pays
off. Just two short years after saying yes to a part-time job offer
at the pools, Courtney is now a full-time Aquatics Supervisor. She
smiles when responding that no two days are the same.
“In this role, you
have to be flexible
and that’s what I’m
used to. I enjoy the
administrative side
of things. It's a really
good fit for me. I
can relate to our
employees because
I've been in their
positions. Aquatics
is year-round. There
are always swim
lessons going on.
We’re continuously
training lifeguards.
We’re either
planning for or
managing the
outdoor pool
season. I’m learning
new things all the
time and I love it,”
Courtney Thomas having fun with her family and friends.
said Courtney.
Something new that Courtney is working on this spring is the roll-out
of the park district’s new annual Aquatic Memberships. “Patrons will
have the opportunity to access all three pools, depending on their
membership level. I’m excited to be a part of this new initiative,” she said.
See page 19 to learn more about the new annual Aquatic Memberships.