Each week for the remainder of the semester, we'll be bringing you two different "Bearcat Q&A" profiles on coaches, athletic administrators and athletic trainers at Saint Vincent to introduce you to the folks behind the scenes. Next up, we check in with men's and women's golf head coach Samantha Firestone.



IN HER WORDS
Q: What was your favorite subject in school? Why? 
A: I really enjoyed Intro to Business because we ran our school store and concession stand but I also loved Yearbook.

Q: What was your first job growing up?
A: I worked at a Sunoco Gas Station and did a lot of the early morning opening shifts.

Q: What was your first car?
A: 2013 Subaru Legacy

Q: When did you know you wanted to go into a career in collegiate athletics?
A: Sports have always been a huge part of my life and during college I realized that the college age group of students is really cool and there is so much going on in everyone's lives so it made sense to put the two together.

Q: What's your favorite meal?
A: My dad is super into cooking so honestly anything he makes is a winner. But some of the household favorites include smoked pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, smoked chicken. Basically, whatever he throws in the smoker that morning.

Q: Tell us about your family. 
A: My parents are amazing and are endlessly supportive and encouraging. They are familiar with the PAC Conference since they both competed for Waynesburg during their college careers. My brother, Ben, is a 3/2 engineering student. He was at Saint Vincent for 3 years and participated on the golf and volleyball teams and is now finishing his program at the University of Pittsburgh. My sister, Erin, is a sophomore at Arizona State and she is studying Sports Business while also working as a student office assistant and operations and facilities employee for their athletic department.


Q: How do you relax?
A: I am a reality show junkie so I like to put on Bravo and catch up with the Real Housewives or pretend I am a yachty by watching Below Deck. I also really enjoy going to the gym and I look forward to that every day. It's how I unwind during the week and how I start my weekend mornings.

Q: What meal/dish/item are you best at cooking? 
A: I enjoy cooking and like finding new recipes but when I'm invited to get-togethers I am always asked to make "my famous" pasta salad or buffalo chicken dip.

Q: What are your favorite artists/songs on your all-time list?
A: I am all over the place with music- I enjoy Luke Combs, Old Dominion, and Kenny Chesney but I also love to bust out some 2000s rap and hip hop. Depends what kind of day it is.

Q: Favorite TV show of all-time?
A: Below Deck or Criminal Minds

Q: What's the best advice you ever received and who did it come from?
A: My parents tell me to never settle. A handful of things for me have fallen into place and I've been able to capitalize on them but I know that will not last forever. Things have a funny way of working out, so I trust in that and remind myself to keep working for what makes me happy.

Q: What's your favorite season/type of weather? Why? 
A: October/November- there's sunshine, a cool breeze, and a fresh smell in the air.

Q: When you go grocery shopping, are you the "Make a List" person or the "Just Wing It" person?
A: Combination- I make a list of the few things I absolutely need and then I'll walk the aisles to see if anything else jumps out at me.

Q: Are you a tech savvy person?
A: I'd say so- I am not a huge social media person but ask me to make a flyer/brochure/newsletter and I'm your person!

Q: Describe your perfect day off. 
A: If I had endless days off, I would travel! I love seeing new places and experiencing new things. If it's just one day off, then I'd be happy with just about anything if I wasn't sitting at my desk or answering emails.

Q: How many and what kind of pets do you have? How long have you had them?
A: We have two German Shorthair Pointers- Koda is 13 and Piper is 2. We have had each of them since they were 8 weeks old.


Q: Cats or dogs?
A: Dogs for sure!

Q: Can you sing or play an instrument?
A: I'm not a horrible singer and cannot play an instrument to save my life. Was not gifted with that skill.

Q: Fly or drive for a long trip?
A: Both!! I'd go almost anywhere overseas but I also enjoy staying within the U.S. Last summer I road tripped to Savannah, Georgia and came back through Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Durham. And this past summer I took my sister back to school in Arizona which was amazing and a ton of fun. We ate at some real, true dives! If I have the time I would drive anywhere!


Q: Where was/is your favorite vacation spot? Why?
A: Rome, Italy- I've been there 3 times and something about it makes me turn into a different person. When I go there, I don't have a care in the world.


Q: How long can you go without looking at your phone?
A: If I'm busy or with good friends or my family then I could go all day without checking it and it wouldn't bother me.

Q: Who would be your 3 dream dinner guests and why?
A: One person that stands out to me would be Pat Summit. She accomplished so much in her career both as a player and coach, but she always seemed to see the bigger picture. Her coaching style was more that athletics. I'd love to talk through her life and learn more about how she balanced her family, her teams, and everything else she was involved with.