The Catamount Tribune presented by Redstone Apartments and Lofts is an avenue for UVM student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, and fans to tell unique stories in their own words. This edition of the Catamount Tribune is written by Derryk O'Grady'17, the graduate assistant coach on the men's basketball team. Interested in sharing your story for the Catamount Tribune? Please click here.

I started working for the University of Vermont men's basketball team in the fall of 2013 as a volunteer student manager. How I actually got the job is a funny story. I was sitting in 12th grade English class with my teacher discussing possible writing topics for a final high school writing assignment. That day she had me write an email to the UVM men's basketball team to offer my assistance if needed in any way, shape, or form. Within 30 minutes and after a couple of email responses back and forth, I was leaving my classroom to speak with Head Coach John Becker to discuss the opportunity. By the end of that days English class I left having a great opportunity in front of me.
 
I worked with the basketball team for four years while studying to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Community Entrepreneurship. My plan is to get a full-time coaching job after this season is over and I've received my Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and completed my six year with the program. In April I'll be attending the Final Four in Minneapolis to watch the games and network at the various coach conventions and conferences.
 
My role with the team has evolved quite a bit over the years. In the start as a student manager I did laundry, setup practices, filmed practice and ran the clock. Now as a Graduate Assistant I coordinate our travel plans for road trips, communicate and handle logistics with practice times and shootaround times on the road and plan all the team meals. In addition, I participate in our daily coaches' meetings and manage all of the film work. Coach Becker and the whole staff have given me more and more opportunities each year in terms of being involved and participating on the court and off.
 
My favorite memory with the Catamounts was the 2016-17 season. We won 21-straight games, including a perfect 16-0 mark in conference play as we won our sixth America East Tournament Championship. That team was special and it was just great to be around that type of group dynamic and environment every day. In the NCAA Tournament we faced the four-seed Purdue in Milwaukee. I remember we were down early and we just kept coming back. Purdue would make a run and we would answer right back. Kurt Steidl hit a particular kick out three-pointer and I just realized that group always had this unreal resiliency. It showed not only against our conference opponents but also during this game against future NBA players. The consistent effort, attention to detail, and care for everyone in the program was second to none. Going to the NCAA Tournament felt inevitable with this team and it ended up being the reward for their commitment to one another on and off the court.
 
Obviously, the roster changes from year to year but the staff has pretty much remained the same the entire time I have been here, which has given me plenty of time to build relationships with each one of them. Just being around them has allowed me to gain many insights into the coaching business that I will be able to carry with me to wherever the next job will be. My time working with the team is/was something that I couldn't have imagined and I cannot thank Coach Becker and the staff for giving me the opportunity. As the old man says, time flies when you are having fun, and after the past six years I could not agree more with this statement. Through the ups and downs Catamount country has been great to me and for that I am forever thankful.