LANCASTER, Pa. - The Atlantic East Conference is pleased to continue the Alumni Spotlight Series, where it celebrates the remarkable achievements and inspiring journeys of former student-athletes who once proudly represented our member institutions. These individuals have continued in the athletics field, showcasing exceptional dedication, and bringing honor to both their alma maters and the league.
Through hard work, resilience, and the values they cultivated during their time as student-athletes, our featured alumni continue to exemplify the core principles of the Atlantic East. Join us as we highlight their stories, share their accomplishments, and explore how their experiences as student-athletes helped shape their careers and communities. Our next spotlight is 2024 graduate Meghan LoStrocco from Gwynedd Mercy University.
Name: Meghan LoStracco
Sport: Track and Field
Graduation Year: 2024
Current Role: Media Relations Intern Villanova University/ Assistant track & field coach Delaware Valley University
Describe your current job and your connection to sports?
I am the Sports Information Director contact for Villanova women’s lacrosse, women’s tennis and men and women’s swimming and diving. I produce written content for Villanova.com as well as develop graphics for sports team social. I work various other sporting events for Villanova alongside other SID’s. As well as being responsible for website maintenance, and daily updates/ content. As for coaching, I am an assistant coach for the track and field program for DelVal University where I am in charge of throws, including shot put, hammer, discus and weight throw.
Best memory at Gwynedd Mercy?
My favorite memory at Gwynedd would be my track team and my clubs. My team never failed to make me laugh and show me more about a sport that I love. I was also the Vice president of our Sports Business Association club which is full of amazing people. That club opened so many doors for me to volunteer for a lot of local professional sports teams and College athletics.
Can you describe a situation during your transition where you felt challenged, and how did you handle it?
A situation that challenged me was having to learn the different responsibilities for each sport and managing them all simultaneously. I was able to lean on my co-workers to help me find my groove, and once I did that, things became easier.
How has mentorship influenced your transition into professional practice?
Mentoring has been the base of my development as a professional, starting with my mentors at Gwynedd and all the way to Villanova and DelVal. I would not be the person I am without their support and guidance. It is very important to surround yourself with people who are eager to answer all your questions. One of my biggest mentors has been Danielle Whaley from Villanova. She has helped me since I was in school to now being my co-worker. She is an amazing example of a strong woman working in sports. I am proud to have learned so much from her, and I know this is just the beginning.
What kind of support have you received from your colleagues or mentors during your transition?
I was challenged a bit during my transition from school to working, although my coworkers at Villanova have stood by me through it all. I think me having a solid group of amazing professionals was what really helped me get through the transition. The coaches I work with at DelVal have done a great job at helping go from being an athlete under them to coaching with them. I have a great group of athletes who have made it an easy transition.
What is one thing that you would have done differently?
I can honestly say that I would not do anything differently. I was told going into this job to make sure I soak it all in and I think I did just that. I believe it would be easy for people to look back and want to change things, but I like to look at things differently. I wouldn’t change anything about my experience, it has truly been a blessing. Learning things for the future, whether that being learning what I did good at and learning what to change in the future. Everything that happened, put me where I am today.
What do you look back on most for your time at Gwynedd Mercy?
Looking back at my time at Gwynedd, I like to look at how much growing I did there. I loved being so involved on campus. I would not have been so involved if it wasn't for my professor Maddie Herman. She pushed me into things she knew I was ready for but was scared to do. She got me some amazing opportunities and helped me in ways I couldn’t imagine.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
In the future, I still see myself involved in college sports! I love how I am able to build relationships with the coaches and athletes. I love coaching as well and will definitely be staying with it. College sports, for both media and coaching, is so rewarding and I am truly blessed to be where I am and loving what I do.
Marywood: Ryan Jones
ABOUT ATLANTIC EAST
The Atlantic East Conference is a member of NCAA Division III comprising seven institutions in a four-state area - Gwynedd Mercy, Immaculata, Marywood and Neumann Universities in Pennsylvania; Centenary University in New Jersey, Marymount University in Virginia, and Pratt Institute in New York.
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