Fresno State Athletics
Paramo's Relationship With Student-Athletes Built On Trust
7/27/2005 12:00:00 AM | General
July 27, 2005
FRESNO, Calif.- Please excuse Kelly Paramo if she's having a little trouble getting her work done.
Even though her office is tucked away in a quiet, secluded section of the Ricchiuti Academic Center, she is moments away from yet another distraction- one of several that take place throughout the course of a normal day.
This time the obstacle comes in the form of Alan Goodwin, a junior linebacker on the Bulldog football team who has dropped by for a quick visit. Realizing that Paramo has stepped out of the office, he sits down and makes himself comfortable.
"What are you doing in my chair?" asks Paramo seconds later after walking back into her office. "Oh and I see you're sweating, that's great."
"Don't worry, that's not practice sweat," Goodwin reassures her as he stands up, allowing Paramo to reclaim her office space.
"That's just sweat from outside," he continues, referring to the 106-degree weather that has greeted Fresno on this particular afternoon. The two proceed to have a brief conversation before Goodwin heads to the weight room.
That's just a normal occurrence during a day at the office for Paramo. Student-athletes test the boundaries of an open-door policy on a daily basis. Whether it be stopping by for a quick chat on the way to study hall or knocking on her window between classes to say hello, Paramo knows that the occasional unexpected guest is something that just comes with the territory.
And she wouldn't want it any other way.
"There is so much stress that goes along with this job and there are times of the year that can be really hectic, but the rewards far outweigh the benefits," explains Paramo, learning assistance specialist at Fresno State. "The kids really do keep you young. This is a unique place because they have a different kind of motivation. I can't imagine working with any other population of kids."
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Born and raised in Fresno, Paramo attended Hoover High School before attending Fresno State. She worked in the athletics media relations office from 1996-98 as an undergraduate student and intern. She then went back to school to obtain her master's degree, at which point she began working in athletics academic services as a student assistant/tutor before becoming a full-time member of that office in 1999.
"I knew that I loved athletics and wanted to stay involved somehow but was not sure where I fit in," stated Paramo. "I went back to school to get my degree so I could teach at the junior college level. Once I started working with the program though, I loved doing it so much that I stuck around for a hill of beans and a closet (referring to her previous cramped working quarters in the North Gym) and here I am today."
In her current role as learning assistance specialist, she is in charge of Fresno State's Academic Counseling and Enrichment (ACE) Program, which provides student-athletes with tutoring, life skills and personal counseling. In addition to providing academic advising to the men's and women's tennis teams, she oversees the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC).
"Kelly has grown so much both personally and professionally in her six years on staff," said Dr. Linda Gannaway, Interim Assistant Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Services. "She has increasingly taken on more responsibility and although she has always worked quickly, she is now even more efficient and effective. Kelly's work with student-athletes is exemplary. She continually asks them to take the next step in being responsible and accountable while giving them the support to be successful. Students tend to flourish while working with her."
Those who have benefited the most are enrolled in the ACE program, designed for students who require additional structure and one-on-one counseling than the average student would receive. Students begin the ACE program (currently consists of around 25 individuals) as freshmen and Paramo serves as a mentor to them throughout their collegiate career. The freshman year of ACE is based around a tutorial program that includes everything from life/study skills, selecting classes, managing a bank account and time management.
"During their freshmen year they would do a daily tutorial with me for an hour and a half every day," explained Paramo, who added that infinite patience is a must-have in her profession. "What they do now is two days a week required time and we meet once a week for an accountability-type meeting. The most important thing is being in constant contact. You find they want to communicate more than you even do; they want to tell you if they're doing good or bad. That's fine with me because the first year is all about building trust."
Paramo indicated that students are normally receptive to her because they understand the significance of improving their academic situation. She also cites invaluable relationships with coaches and administrative support as key factors to her success with the ACE program.
"What's great is that the program has become kind of a mentoring situation for the kids," Paramo said. "Students that were in ACE as freshmen will take the next crop under their wing and show them how it works. It's about the kids trusting you to put them in the best possible situation. Once they have the tools, they taste some success and want more."
"It's been great having her around because you can relate to her on a personal level," explained Goodwin, an ACE student. "Kelly has helped a lot of people already in her career. I know she has helped me a lot. She has a good attitude and always finds a way to pick you up and motivate you."
"Under Kelly's leadership, the ACE program has expanded to include more students and offer extensive support for longer periods," added Gannaway. "Without the structure ACE provides, many students would not be able to maintain their academic eligibility."
Paramo also spearheads the SAAC, Fresno State's student leadership group consisting of two representatives from each sport. The group organizes community service projects, discusses departmental policies, provides feedback on school issues and serves as the collective voice for Bulldog student-athletes. Two representatives are then appointed to represent Fresno State on the WAC SAAC, the conference's committee which meets twice a year and schedules monthly teleconference calls.
 Always on top of her student's scholastic progress, Kelly takes time out of her day to visit with senior offensive tackle Dartangon Shack. Shack was excited to find out he only has six classes left before he graduates.  | |
"It's amazing to watch these kids because they really get into it," said Paramo. "They truly have legitimate input and are very bright. They are a group that has such potential to impact the rest of the student-athletes and SAAC allows them to maximize the collegiate athletic experience. For me, the best part of anything I do is getting to work directly with students."
"Kelly is a very intelligent person who cares a lot about the student-athletes," said Cortney Sobrero, a junior forward on the soccer team who also serves as Fresno State's female WAC SAAC representative. "She does an excellent job with SAAC and I don't think anyone could help us as much as she has. She is always willing to go the extra mile and gets everything done even when it might seem impossible."
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This year's graduation ceremony represented an emotional moment for Paramo. Two of her original ACE students were receiving their degrees, making the event that much more special.
"Meeting a kid when they come in as a freshman and then seeing them through the next four or five years- that's so rewarding," said Paramo. "A lot of these kids I see everyday for five years and it's like they become a part of your family. You grow close to them and I feel that is a unique part of my job."
Ironically, it was only eight years ago when Paramo was making that same walk down the aisle at commencement. Two years after receiving her B.A. in journalism/public relations, she began her career in athletics academic services. Paramo, 31, acknowledges that her age now works to her advantage when developing relationships and building trust with student-athletes.
"If they walk by my office and hear some rap music playing, they will ask what I'm doing," jokes Paramo. "And I laugh and tell them I'm not that old. I think it's good for them to see someone who graduated, works hard and takes pride in what they do. I always try to think about what they are seeing. You don't want to set a bad example when you are the one preaching about all the right things to do. Once they find out they can trust you, respect is earned and a relationship is formed."
"The first thing that comes to mind about Kelly is she is very professional, high-energy and makes student-athletes feel at home right away," added men's tennis head coach Jay Udwadia. "She's a `doer'. If you ask her to do something, she doesn't just do it- she does it in the best way possible. Kelly is the best academic support person I have worked with. Our program strives to achieve high academic goals and a lot of the results are due to her assistance. She knows professors, recognizes students' personalities and the students know they can trust her."
In addition to offering academic assistance, Paramo often finds herself in the position of counselor. Student-athletes view her as an objective, outside person and routinely seek advice on personal matters as well. She also explains that the close relationship she develops with her student-athletes can sometimes result in her becoming a little overprotective. Paramo attends every sporting event she can, turning into a self-described "mother-hen type."
"I'm at their games and screaming and people are looking at me funny like I'm their mother," laughs Paramo. "Why is he not in the game? How come she's doing it that way? I get fiercely competitive and turn into a maniac! The academic arena is challenging enough, so to watch them succeed or make strides in athletics is huge."
Paramo remains in touch with almost all of her students, even after they have graduated. Some call to check in. Others swing by the office once in a while.
"They want to call and tell you what they are doing," Paramo said. "As a result, you get to know families, girlfriends, kids, etc. It's just very fulfilling to help people achieve something meaningful."
Paramo's husband, Nick, competed on the Bulldog track and field squad as a pole vaulter. The couple has a son, Jackson, who will be 15 months old next Friday.
