By Emily Loux, MASCAC Director of Media Relations
BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Being a student-athlete provides a different experience than most other students on campus.
That experience brought Glenn Gonsalves back to Bridgewater State in 2002 and the opportunity to help students and especially student-athletes experience what he did.
As a kid on Martha’s Vineyard, Gonsalves considered himself a gym rat, helping younger students during their gym classes in his free time. So much so, that many thought a career as a physical education teacher was in his future. Fast forward to high school and he was a three-sport athlete in football, ice hockey and baseball.
Following high school, it came time to select a college to attend. Even though Bridgewater State has a long history of athletic success, it was not sports that first drew him to the school.
“What brought me to Bridgewater State first was academics,” Gonsalves said. “My parents always instilled in me and my siblings that all they wanted from us was to complete grade school, high school and college. Neither of my parents were able to attend college, so I’m sure that was something they wanted for their kids. We really did not have college teams recruiting athletes at the D3 level like today. Plus, I had injured my knee my senior year and really thought my playing days were over.”
During orientation, Gonsalves had a chance meeting with Bridgewater State and MASCAC Hall of Fame Coach Peter Mazzaferro who saw him in his high school jersey. Although he was not sure of his athletic future at the time, that meeting with Mazzaferro led him to the Bears’ football program.
Gonsalves knew that playing football at the collegiate level would be different, but the grind of student-athlete life helped him find success both on the field and in the classroom. Most importantly, his time as a student-athlete helped him find other organizations on campus to participate in which influenced his future career.
Although he has many memories of his athletic career under Coach Mazzaferro, a few stand out more than others do.
“I have a lot of memories that were great being a student-athlete, on a daily basis with practices, and games,” Gonsalves said. “From playing for Coach Mazzaferro to traveling to Alfred, New York to play in a championship game. Most people would probably define me for a game my senior year we played against Stonehill College. I don’t like to make that game define me, but probably was a great cherry on top for my career at Bridgewater State. It was just one of those things that happened where all the planets aligned right on that day for me. I was an emergency backup quarterback to my roommate Ripp Charters. The other backup was unable to be at the game because of a family commitment. So, when Ripp when down with a concussion just before half, I needed to step in from my normal position as a slot receiver. To make a long story short, after trailing Stonehill in the first half, I was able to help the team pull off a win with three rushing and one passing touchdowns.”
After graduating from Bridgewater in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education, concentrating in coaching and recreation, he interned at Stonehill College for four years then was hired at Northeastern in January of 1997 within the first year of operation of the newly built Marino Center. Gonsalves’ position began there as the Intramural Director and Evening Facility Supervisor. Prior to Northeastern, he worked for a short time with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, Chelsea Club as the Athletic Director.
Former Bridgewater State Athletic Director John Harper called Gonsalves to gauge his interest in an Associate Athletic Director position to open a new facility and manage the recreation programs. That position evolved into his current title of Associate Director of Athletics and Recreation Operations.
“Taking the bull by the horns”, Gonsalves returned to his alma mater for the newly created position, which he still holds today.
“I always describe what I do as ‘Jack of all Trades and a Master of None’,” Gonsalves said. “Athletic and Recreation Operation has my hand in a lot that happens. Scheduling, programming, game day, player and fan experience. New builds and renovations, while at the same time staying with my goal to elevate the student-athlete experience and being able to stay connected to the student-athlete every day.”
Throughout his time with Bridgewater State as a student and administrator, Gonsalves has been active with the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA). According to their website, “NIRSA is a leader in higher education and the advocate for the advancement of recreation, sport, and wellness by providing educational and developmental opportunities, generating and sharing knowledge, and promoting networking and growth for our members.”
His involvement with the organization has provided networking opportunities while also seeing him as MA State Director twice. He also served on state and national convention committees that hosted both a regional and national convention.
When he isn’t at work, he can found with family and friends either on vacation or enjoying a top down ride in his Jeep. 2021 is an exciting year in the Gonsalves’ household as both kids, son, Max and daughter, Camryn, will be in college. Max is currently a sophomore at Southern New Hampshire University while Camryn is following her father’s example at Bridgewater State in the fall, playing women's lacrosse. Glenn's wife, CC, is a former Bear too, competing in field hockey and women's lacrosse where the pair first met.
With his experience as a Bear helping to shape him for the future, Gonsalves knows the importance that education and involvement for today’s student-athletes.
“Look at what you do well, and what you enjoy,” Gonsalves said. “Continue to build you resume with that in mind, work hard at it. Take any little or menial job you can that can relate back to your final goal, because you never know who’s watching or who’s path you may cross or life you will effect.”