Name: Lucy (Slosek) Chesley
Graduation Year: 2003
Major: Mathematics and Education
What have you been up to since graduating from Monmouth?
I worked at Red Bank Regional High School for seven years (2003 – 2010) as a math teacher. I also coached basketball and lacrosse at the JV level and soccer at the JV and Varsity level. I earned my Masters Degree at Monmouth University in Curriculum and Instruction, while teaching and coaching at Red Bank. I met my husband, Stephen Chesley in 2009 and moved to Albany, NY in 2010 while we were engaged. I taught math and coached JV lacrosse at Shaker High School in Loudonville, NY for 1 year as a maternity leave position and then obtained a full-time tenured track position at Burnt Hills – Ballston Lake High School in 2011. I've been working there since 2011, teaching math. I've also coached soccer, lacrosse and basketball at the JV and Freshmen levels, but decided to stop coaching once I had my daughter, Jolene who is now five years old. Almost two years later in 2016, my son, Stephen Mark was born. We are now expecting our third baby (a girl) at the end of June this year. We live in Guilderland, NY and stay very busy with our two little ones and one on the way.
What is your fondest memory at Monmouth?
While there are so many to choose from, what sticks out in my mind the most are the bonds that I formed with my teammates. These women ultimately have become by closest friends, despite how far apart we live from each other. Even though you are meeting these teammates for the first time as a Freshman, they quickly become your roommates, your support system and the people you trust the most. From the torturous days of preseason, to the long bus rides together, to some very memorable victories and defeats, we were in those moments together, which will always be a part of who I've become as an adult.
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go and why?
Practically speaking with the unfortunate situation the world is in today, I wouldn't travel anywhere in the world. However, from a hypothetical standpoint, I would love to travel to Thailand. My brother and his family have a house there and spend their time divided between Thailand and South Korea (where he works). Hopefully, once my kids get a little older and are able to travel more easily, this is something we as a family can look forward to.
If you could master one skill right now that you don't have, what would it be?
When I was young, I took piano lessons for a number of years but stopped to be able to focus more on playing soccer. It's something that I regret giving up, because I would love to be able to teach my daughter how to play the piano. I also wish I had more musical talent/skill as a means of taking a break from the daily grind and using it as a source of enjoyment/stress relief.
If you could give advice to a current Monmouth player, what would it be?
Cherish all of these moments because they go by faster than you would believe. You have been given a gift to play soccer at the collegiate level, which should be appreciated. Make the most of your time as a Division I athlete and be proud of what you have accomplished. When times are difficult, realize that what you're going through will only make you a stronger person as a result!
How did your time at Monmouth prepare you for life after graduation?
Playing soccer at Monmouth while working on my studies helped me learn how to balance multiple commitments at once. Being a Division I athlete also helps you develop a sense of grit that other individuals may not have. I have been able to persevere when I've had a lot on my plate at certain times in my life, and I feel like I owe a lot of my ability to do so to my time at Monmouth. In addition, as a math major, I had several professors who taught me those same kinds of skills. Pushing through what I found to be very difficult content to master has taught me to be a better teacher and parent.
Between your former teammates and coaches, who has had the most impact on your life?
This is probably the toughest question of them all! Several of my teammates have turned into life-long friends. They were my bridesmaids in my wedding and have supported me though all the stages of my life. That is something that you simply can't replace. Before my time at Monmouth, I never had a female coach. I feel that playing for Coach Turner helped me become a tough but fair coach myself. This is most definitely a multi-faceted question, because my life has been impacted in many positive ways as a result of my experiences as Monmouth.
