Our "Once an Eagle" series, presented by GEICO, features American University graduated student-athletes from across all of our sports. We're checking in on their lives and success stories since leaving AU. This edition features field hockey alum Megan Henry. She's a 2009 graduate of the School of Public Affairs with a bachelor's degree in communications, legal institutions, economics and government (CLEG), and also received a minor in psychology.

1) Please share your current professional situation (employer, job title and duties)? 

U.S. Army Intelligence Officer and Team USA Skeleton Athlete.
 

2) How are you personally coping with the challenging times we're facing right now as a nation? 

Throughout my experience in the military, the main thing that I have learned is to be adaptable. The mission never goes exactly as planned, and although we can mark the calendars, it does not actually happen until "boots are on the ground" so to speak.  Meaning, there can be delays, cancellations, modifications, much like we are seeing across the country for sports, schools, and jobs.  I compete in skeleton, a winter sport, and our National Championships were canceled in March and we still do not have a clear idea what the winter competitive season will look like, if we even have one.  I made it a point back in March to utilize this time to get clear on my goals, and prepare as though the season is coming.  If that changes, then I can make adjustments at that time. It is very easy to get lost in what is going on in the world, but the one thing we can be in control of is how we show up each day. Gyms were closed for much of the off-season, and everyone could have easily binged Netflix in their pajamas all day especially for the beginning of the pandemic quarantine.  I kept a routine of waking up at 5:00am each day and training in a way that I was able outside of a gym and made use of what I had.  With everything that is going on in the world and our country, I think it is important to find time for ourselves.  I use that early morning for exactly that, and try to focus on "What is Important Now?" to give me clarity and presence of mind to shut off the outside world for a bit.  I truly believe that in order to see a change in our outer world, we really must start with ourselves.  I personally believe I am blessed to live in the United States, and try to remind myself to be grateful for the freedoms we do have here.
 

3) How did your participation in AU Athletics aid in your personal and professional paths following graduation?  And today? 

I cannot say enough good things about my experience at AU, particularly as a member of the field hockey team.  Our staff, especially Steve Jennings, held us to high standards both on and off the field.  AUFH and AU Athletics provided such a community and sense of pride for me. I felt it was an honor to represent AUFH, and I believe that has carried over to my career in the military and on USA Skeleton. I always say that I feel extremely blessed to wear two uniforms to represent the United States.  I believe that wearing those uniforms comes with a responsibility, the same way my field hockey jersey did.  As a student-athlete, you are an ambassador to your school, athletic department, and team.  As a Soldier and Team USA athlete, those same standards apply. Being part of a team and facing challenges both physically and mentally at AU certainly have aided in my continuation in pursuit of these challenges to grow as a person following my graduation. 
 

4) What is your most fond memory of AU Athletics?  

This is a tough one! I would have to say for our team personally it would be making the Elite 8 in NCAAs or any time we won Patriot League Championships. AUFH also always plays kickball so I would be remiss to leave that out (Go Cobras!).  Not to mention our pre-competition music/dance sessions feature Ashley Foley's oyster dance. For AU Athletics, when men's basketball would blare "Don't Stop Believing" in the hallways leading up to NCAAs.  Also, when Josh Glenn became AU Wrestling's first National Champion in overtime in 2007, and I'm pretty sure he tore his ACL in the match, it was wild. He is now a Hall of Famer in the EIWA.  
 

5) What would you say were your greatest athletic and academic accomplishments during your time at American?  
 

These are hard to choose. When we played Northwestern and won 7-0 and Maggie Hall, Irene Schickhardt and I all scored in the first half of the game and would help propel us for the W to play against Maryland next. I also believe it was against Princeton but I had an assist with Christine Fingerhuth and I will never forget her reaction and running up and hugging the daylights out of me, and also assisting Emily Stovicek (also Princeton?)  I think surviving any hit by Denise Infante also counts as a great athletic accomplishment.  I also was a walk on to the Track and Field team my senior year and we set the 4x100 relay record for AU. Academic success in general would have to be going from dropping courses my freshmen year to raising my GPA and being on the Dean's list (Thank you Steve and Maureen!) 

6) What do you miss most about American University? 

I just absolutely love being in Washington, D.C.  I am hoping to get a Defense job in the DC area after I make an Olympic team! 
 

7) What advice do you have for current AU student-athletes? 

I know this probably isn't what you thought your athletic career would look like, in the middle of a pandemic, changed schedules, and uncertainty.  When you get frustrated, give yourself a time limit, like 5 minutes, 2 hours, or 1 day or whatever works best for you to be upset.  When the time is up, get back to the present moment and focus on what you can do to get 1% better each day.  Set a daily intention for yourself.  What can you do to uplift your teammates?  Can you bring the joy each day? Participating in college sports is such a blessing and memorable time.  You will cherish these moments forever.  Only 2% of high school athletes go on to play for Division I teams.  Make sure you earn that every day because you never know who is coming up behind you to take your place!  Be sure to utilize your coaches, your strength coaches, and sports psychology.  I took those opportunities for granted when I was in college but they really are there to help you maximize your potential - and these are days you won't get back!  I look forward to reading about all of the Eagles this year!