Every Monday, TCNJ Athletics will check in with an alum from one of its programs. Today, its 1993 graduate Jill (Shipley) O'Connell, an alum of the field hockey and lacrosse teams. O'Connell was a health and physical education major from High Point Regional High School. O'Connell was a member of four national championship teams as a member of the Lions.

In a paragraph or two, talk about what you've done since you've left TCNJ:
After leaving TCNJ, I was hired by the Clark school district as a middle school health and physical education teacher. While there, I coached girl's tennis and boy's lacrosse. After teaching for a year, I realized that I missed coaching the sports that I played and loved, field hockey and lacrosse. Lucky for me, a position opened up at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School. I had coached field hockey there during my fifth year of college while completing my student teaching. I have been teaching at West Windsor-Plainsboro for 28 years.

What has been your favorite professional experience?
My favorite professional experience happens daily. It is waking up every morning, going to a job I love, and teaching amazing students.

Do you stay in contact with any of your old teammates or coaches?
Yes, whether it is by phone or running into somebody at an athletic event just by chance, it is always the same feeling, family and good times.

What is one thing you miss most about playing sports at TCNJ?
Game day and the immense pride of walking on the field knowing that I was playing for an outstanding coach and program.
 
What about what you miss most about being a student at TCNJ, either academically or socially?
Academically, I thought the Health and Physical Education staff was incredible and extremely supportive. Socially, I loved being with my teammates both on and off the field.
 
What is your favorite memory as a TCNJ athlete either in competition, in practice, traveling or socially?
There are so many, but the one that sticks out the most for me was during my freshman year. We were playing the National Championship field hockey game at home against Bloomsburg. We were tied, 2-2, in double overtime and I scored the game-winning goal.
 
Is there anything your coaches said during your playing career that still sticks with you now?
There wasn't one specific word, but my coach, Sharon Pfluger, instilled an incredible work ethic and drive in all of us. We set goals, worked together, and accomplished them. I learned so many life lessons.

What would you say to a student-athlete who is considering attending TCNJ?
If you want a beautiful campus, great education and incredible faculty, choose TCNJ.

Do you have any advice for current TCNJ student-athletes?
Enjoy every minute of it, it goes by too way too fast.