This week, we continue our series of articles highlighting the many faces of leadership throughout the CHSAA membership. Our hope is that by taking a small glimpse into the window of their leadership background, you will gain a greater understand of why they are such strong advocates for the vision and core values of the Colorado High School Activities Association.
This week, the spotlight centers on JaLynn Oquist, the McClave School Athletic Director, English teacher, and the high school girls basketball assistant coach. Oquist is a graduate of the University of North Texas, where she earned her degree in Psychology. She also has a master’s degree in English from the University of Northern Colorado. While Oquist is a 16-year veteran educator, she is currently in her fifth year as a school administrator.
What has your journey in education consisted of? Did you start out in the classroom? What administrative positions led you to where you are? Did you come into education specifically for this role?
I did not go to school to be an educator. I started out as a substance abuse counselor. I soon found out that I was naive to that world, and it was hard to relate to my clients. I fell into education when family friends, Mike and Sara Crawford, talked me into a teaching job in Kit Carson as the 4th and 5th grade Language Arts teacher, while I got my alternative license. I fell in love with teaching. I live in Lamar, which is an hour away from Kit Carson. After five years of driving, I decided to take a teaching job at McClave School, a much shorter commute. I have taught many different grades since I have been in McClave: 2nd, 4th, and 5th. I am currently in my fifth year of being the high school English teacher and my fourth year of being the athletic director – two very big jobs.
Talk about any sport or activity that you participated in during your college years.
I played basketball at Otero Junior College under Tim Moser. Basketball has always been a passion of mine. My high school basketball coach, Shawn Randel, told me to never take playing for granted. Boy, was he right. I miss competing.
What do you love most about your current position?
I love being involved in all sports. I love a challenge, and being the AD is a challenging job. Getting to connect with all the student athletes is a joy. Watching them grow into responsible young adults fills me with pride, and I know that I have had a hand in raising them. I also enjoy being a woman in a “man’s job.” It fills me with confidence and motivates me to be the best at my job.
What are some of the challenges you face in your current position?
There are many challenges that comes with being the athletic director.
- I can’t make everyone happy. Someone is always going to complain.
- Many people do not realize the time that goes into being the athletic director.
- There is never enough time in the day to get everything done.
- Late nights.
- Time away from my family.
- Pay.
- Balancing my English classes and athletic director duties. (I refuse to give up either position, so I have a very strict routine.)
What do you love most about McClave?
The people. McClave is an incredible school, and it starts with our leaders, Brianne Howe (superintendent) and Maggie Pacino (principal). Their leadership and positivity is felt throughout the school. They include us in all decisions and make us feel appreciated. There is a reason why teachers do not leave McClave, and it is because of those two. Our school board is also very supportive of the staff at McClave School. They listen and care about each one of us. We also have AMAZING kids at our school. They care about each other and try to do the right thing. “Coachable” is the word I would use to describe McClave students.
Can you tell us about some of the people you see as mentors or role models?
Shawn Randel – He was my high school basketball coach and is a wise man. In my opinion, he was and still is the best coach around. I know that when I need advice on anything, he will be honest.
Jim Trahern – The Legend. Everyone knows Jim. He is a respected man across the state. When I first took the AD position, he sat with me for hours guiding me on the dos and don’ts. I trust and depend on him for great advice.
Trey Eder – Trey and I have known each other since we were babies. We graduated together, and he was in my wedding. He has been the AD in Eads for 15 years, and I know I can call (or annoy) him at any time when I need help or advice. He knows what he is doing and what he is talking about. I trust his word.
Brianne Howe – Boss. Friend. “Sister” (Not really, but we are often mistaken for sisters). Fellow coach. She was the AD before me, so I depend on her guidance to help me do the best job I can do.
Melissa Goble – Melissa is our school counselor, who is also one of my closest friends. She knows and understands my stress. She is the one who pulls me out of a funk when I feel defeated.
My husband, Sean Oquist – He is my biggest supporter. When I feel defeated or at a loss, he gives great advice even when I don’t want to hear it.
My dad, my hero, Tom Richards – I depend on my dad (probably too much) for advice. He is my very best friend and the calmest, most levelheaded person I know. I call him daily for wise words. When negative thoughts about the AD job start to creep in, my dad quickly reminds me of why I do this job. He has a way of quickly reversing my negative thoughts into positive ones. I truly feel like I am the luckiest girl in the world to have a dad like I do.
Share with us one mistake you may have made early in your career and what you learned from it.
Trying to make everyone happy was a mistake that I made early on. I have the “disease to please”, so it took a lot of advice and guidance from my mentors to learn that I will never make everyone happy.
Is there any advice you would share with young women who are entering this male-dominated profession?
Be strong and confident. It is amazing being a woman in a male-dominated profession. Be proud of yourself for representing women across Colorado.
Shout out to JaLynn for taking the time to share her story with us. We wish her the very best in the classroom, on the basketball sideline, and as she serves in one of the best roles in education- Athletic Director.