NEW YORK, NY – On Thursday April 2, 2015 Jennifer Czirr '06 – a member of the Hunter College Women's Basketball team from 2003-2006 competed in the 88th annual Golden Gloves Finals boxing tournament at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The special education teacher from Staten Island lost a four-round decision to Adrienne Ford for the women's 154-pound title.
Czirr was a two-year captain for the Hawks from 2004-2006 playing for former women's basketball coach Jackee Meadow. Czirr was a key contributor to the Hawks back-to-back CUNYAC Championship teams in 02/03 & 03/04, which were the last time the women's program had a team qualify for the NCAA tournament.
Prior to her title bout on Thursday night, the Hunter Athletic department spoke with Czirr over the phone to learn about some of her favorite moments as a Hawk as well as what advice she has for current Hunter student-athletes about balancing school, sports and life.
What advice would you give current student athletes about how to rise above challenging times?
"I would tell Student-Athletes that I know it can be challenging and overwhelming but always keep in mind that this is the best time of your life. Always speak up, reach out and ask for help when you feel the pressure to succeed becoming too much of a burden."
What was the most memorable moment from your time at Hunter?
"Winning the 2nd CUNYAC Championship (2003-2004 season) during my sophomore year stands out most because I hit the buzzer beater to beat CSI. I didn't start the game but I was on court at the end of the game. I remember telling my teammate that we are going to when CSI was shooting free throws and it happened, we got the steal and I made the layup."
How did your career as a student athlete shape the person you are today?
"I always loved sports; I was really good at basketball but was much better at softball and was worried that I had the passion but not the skill because I only played 3 years of organized ball before coming to Hunter. I worked hard on my game, from not playing a single minute in my first career game to starting by my junior year. Teammates and coaches supported me and I always kept the team first, like when I gave up my starting spot to get the best out of my teammates. All of these experiences helped develop my character, focus, discipline, goals and team building. My ability to handle adversity especially when my Mom passed away my senior year during the playoffs, was honed at Hunter which I will always remember as an awesome place and close knit community that supports all their student-athletes."
Where did your passion to help others come from?
"I've always been self-reliant and didn't have a support system until I met my Hunter teammates and ever since then I've wanted to give back to others."
When did you really know that teaching would be the career path you wanted to pursue?
"I never thought I'd be a teacher, I worked in Athletics for a while and then I got my Masters in public administration and that is where it became clear that helping people is what I wanted to do. I was raised by my great uncle and father but lived mostly on my own and I knew I wanted to help people but just didn't know how. It wasn't until my capstone project where I worked in the South Bronx with kids and really enjoyed the genuine connection with kids that need mentors. "
Take us through your average week; work, workout schedule, training and work prep?
"I teach from 8am to 3pm, everyday but during my lunch 2-3 days a week I do a weight room workout. At 4pm, after work, I work out 2 nights a week until 6:30pm and then when I get home I grade papers until 11pm. On the weekends I usually do a morning workout at the gym, grade papers, do masters work and personal errands. "
How do you find the time to balance all of that?
When you have a passion for what you are doing it isn't hard. I love training, teaching and learning and having a constant routine really helps a lot."
What are the keys to success that have helped you?
"I'm motivated to continue to better myself and being self-sufficient has helped as well. I love to learn and I've been able to find something I'm passionate about, even though it took a long time to get there. Working in athletics was rewarding and helped me find my passion of teaching."
