Mark Papadopoulos, also known as "Pop", is the Associate Director of Athletics for Operations and has made an impact on the Saint Mary's athletic department and also on the students. He gladly offers up not only his time, but his numerous years of experience in an effort to help students learn more about college athletics. This is something he is extremely passionate about, the fervor in his voice clearly palpable when discussing his job. Not only is Pop an enthusiastic person, but he truly cares about each and every person who crosses his path.
Q: What has been your favorite moment at SMC?
I love when a student-athlete alum comes back to Saint Mary's and sees all of the great things going on that the department is doing behind the scenes and for the well-being of the fans; things that they might not have noticed before because they were playing in the game. One of the reasons why I like administrative positions over coaching is the things we can do to make a simple game into an event, and then be able to reach hundreds of people.
Q: How did you get started in college athletics?
I started out as a student-athlete playing baseball at San Diego State University. During my junior year, my major was cut, so I transferred to Sonoma State University. The head baseball coach asked me to join his staff as an assistant baseball coach, where I stayed there for three years. The coaching profession was difficult for me though because I was constantly living out of hotels and away from my family. As I was coaching, I became intrigued with the other aspects of an athletic department, such as sports information, equipment managers, etc. I wanted to understand a broader view of what makes an athletic department work. The assistant athletic director at Sonoma State took me under his wing and mentored me, which ultimately helped fuel my passion for what I currently do.
Q: What are a few of your hobbies?
When I was in college, I used to collect baseball hats. I had over 500 hats, able to wear one everyday for almost 4 months. I had college and professional teams' hats and traded them with other baseball players to receive new ones. I still have baseball hats hanging around my office as a reminder of good times.
Also, if I'm not spending time with my two daughters, I love being able to mentor students who walk into my office. When I was in college, an athletic staff member took the time to explain college athletics to me and because of that experience, I choose to do the same. I am the kind of person who loves being around others, especially when they are happy. I love seeing the process of people coming together for a common good.
Q: What's your typical day like?
I generally wake up around 5:30, take my children to school and get to work by 9. If it's a day where there are no games, I'm prepping for the week's activities and typically leave around 6. If it's a game day, I'm here until midnight. If the game is televised, I leave around 1 or 2 am. Currently, it is more hectic with all of the various facility projects, which take up about 70% of my day, everyday.
Q: Why were you attracted to work at SMC?
I truly believe in our athletic director, Mark Orr's philosophy in the overall student experience. I want all of the students attending Saint Mary's to have a great experience so they can be proud of the school and want to come back as alums. As a person in charge of operations, I am able to attract a wide range of people, which is extremely gratifying. When someone comes up to me after a game and loved their experience and want to come back, I have just contributed in creating a "Gael for Life."
Q: What is your favorite restaurant?
I love visiting Chubby Burgers in Fremont, CA. They have toasted buns, crinkle-cut fries, and authentic milkshakes. What could be better?
Q: What do you like about your job?
I love that I have the opportunity to affect so many people. Even though I am not directly part of the game, I am able to bring people together for the sake of pure entertainment.
As I mentioned before, I like being able to mentor others. Despite the long hours required, I still feel that I have information to give. If I am able to teach and have my interns see the big picture, I've done my job.
Q: How long have you worked for SMC?
Four years
Q: What is one of your own personal philosophies?
Take the time to stop and enjoy life. You're only here for a short time and try and find value in each moment. I've always loved the phrase, "you don't know what you got until it's gone" and that's something I try to live by.
Q: What piece of advice would you recommend to undergrads pursuing your career?
This job requires a special personality trait in that you cannot count hours. It does not have a traditional Monday-Friday work week. Typically, games are on the weekends, and so my weekends could be on a Monday or Wednesday. The key to life is finding the balance between work and family. There is a lot of sacrifice when it comes to personal time. Specifically in my line of work, communication is the number one thing that is needed to make a game run smoothly. You have to be able to communicate to trainers, coaches, referees, and event staff, all throughout one particular game. By being proactive and preparing for the worst, you will always be ready for anything.
In general, if there is anything you want to do, try it. At your age, you don't have as many responsibilities, and you can do as much as you want. Go for it! You don't want your life to be filled with "what ifs."
