Welcome to the AU Coaches Corner, a weekly feature giving you an inside look into the staff and administration of the Aurora University Athletic Department. This week we feature Pam Bogda, Administrative Assistant for the Spartan athletic programs.

Name: Pam Bogda 
Position: Administrative Asst for the Vice President for Athletics/Athletic Director
Years of Service at AU: 9 years 
Alma Mater (Year): Harper College (a long time ago) 
When did you first know that you wanted to be a coach/administrator? I started out in HS wanting to work in an office someday, then I discovered preschool teaching when my son started preschool. Sadly, that job doesn't pay the bills so I headed back to office work after 9 years of teaching.
What coach/administrator has had the biggest impact on your life? A group of attorneys I supported at one company were so inspiring and very supportive of me. The work was interesting every day.
What do you consider to be your most memorable moment as a coach/administrator? There are so many. I'm rewarded every day working with the people I support. 
If you could have any coach, past or present, as an assistant on your staff for one game, who would it be and why? If I was a coach, I would love to have Phil Jackson be on my staff. I like his easy going demeanor and his respect for his players.
How would you describe your game day demeanor? My demeanor on game day is excitement. I can't wait to see the student athletes and coaches perform after all the hard work they've put in! I miss the games so much during Covid.
What advice would you give your athletes today if they want to become a coach/administrator someday? Listen to everything but trust your gut. Pay attention to the details and be open to changes along the way.
Who is the most famous athlete you've ever met? I have 2. Tony Kukoc from the Chicago Bulls back in the day. Our family was shopping at the local (Wheeling, IL) SportMart for shoes and here was this tall athlete also shopping. He was gracious and took time to shake my son's hand and say hello.
Don Beebe, shortly after he came on board he gave me a poinsettia plant for Christmas which was so thoughtful since we had just met.
What are some of your hobbies away from coaching/athletics? My grandkids, reading, gardening and my dog 
If there was a movie about your life and you could pick any actor to play you who would it be and why? Helen Hunt because someone once told me I looked similar 
If you weren't coaching/in athletics, what profession would you like to be part of? Preschool/Kindergarten teacher 

Sprint to the Finish - 
• Favorite food: Steak & Lobster 
• Favorite TV show or movie: Holiday Inn 
• Favorite hobby: Gardening 
• Favorite sports team: Chicago Cubs (north side girl) 
• Pet peeve: Procrastination: "Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part."
• Person I most admire: My late husband. He was so courageous in his battle with cancer. 
• Person I'd most like to meet:  Michael Jordan or Walter Payton
• Rather ride or drive?  Drive 
• Salad or dessert:  Dessert 
• Dream vacation spot:  Hawaii 
• Early morning or late-night?  Early morning