North Carolina State University Athletics
CARR: Believing in MAGIC
8/19/2010 12:00:00 AM | Pack Athletics
Aug. 19, 2010
By A.J. CARR
RALEIGH -- They could have been basking on the beach, having fun in the sun. They could have been relaxing and hanging out with friends back in their hometowns.
Instead, a large pack of 2010 freshmen athletes gave up several weeks of summer vacation to come participate in N.C. State's Maximum Academic Growth In College Program, commonly known as M.A.G.I.C.
Launched about six years ago, the course is designed to help incoming first-year athletes make the often daunting transition from high school to college life -- before they plunge into the full-time fall semester.
Under the supervision of Carrie Leger, Director of Academic Support for Student Athletes, 29 freshmen took the M.A.G.I.C training and 20 more went through a similar University Program.
In M.A.G.I.C., they learned a variety of study tips from academic staff members and four peer instructors -- sophomore football players Anthony Talbert and Camden Wentz, sophomore basketball player Marissa Kastanek, and senior track and field weight thrower Tiana Thorpe.
"These four were just awesome,'' Leger said. "And it was a good leadership opportunity for them."
EARLY TRAINING PAYS
Each of the new freshmen took two classes during the second-session of summer school and attended training courses twice a week.
There's reason to believe the Wolfpack M.A.G.I.C. can make a difference.
"Nationally, data shows that those who come to (the summer session) do better,'' Leger said. "They graduate within five years, have a better GPA, and obviously, have more hours."
Time management, note-taking techniques, structured study, communication with professors, and the utilization of campus resources are several subjects covered during the month's sessions. While M.A.G.I.C. offers multiple courses, students in the University Program focus on sociology, English and writing skills.
This year, a sociology professor gave a lecture for students to practice taking notes the right way, a major key in college. That was squeezed into their tight schedule, which includes attending classes from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, followed by a study hall from about 2 p.m.to 4 p.m.
"We've gotten a little bit better every year,'' said Leger, who was among the group that developed NC State's M.A.G.I.C. "The thing I love about this is adding peer mentors. They helped teach and shared strategies. Sometimes that lands with the students better than what we (full-time staffers) do."
PEER POWER
Tiana Thorpe, who ranks among State's career top 10 in two throwing events, didn't take M.A.G.I.C. training as a freshman. After serving two years as an instructor, she wished she had.
"It would have made a lot of difference,'' she said. "(College) is completely different from high school and you have to change your studying to succeed."
As an instructor, Thorpe shared her learning techniques with the freshman, suggested color-coding notes, warned them not to overload their schedule, and to remember they "are a student first."
Kastanek, who earned freshman All-America honors last year, said interacting with older athletes was meaningful when she went through M.A.G.I.C in 2009. In a teaching role this summer, she gave advice on balancing college life -- the academic, athletic and social components.
"I tried to let them know how it really is and give insight into the professors,'' said Kastanek, who also touched on the art of writing papers during team road trips.
Reading can be another overwhelming challenge in college. Kastanek learned to peruse the summary first, then the titles, then hone in on the most significant highlights.
"I like peer instructing,'' said Kastanek, who signed up to mentor in the University-wide program once a week this semester.
Wentz, a reserve offensive lineman for football coach Tom O'Brien, said he will likely mentor in M.A.G.I.C. again next year, if asked.
"Kids learn from older kids,'' he said. "The best thing I gave was advice -- how to approach classes, how to get the work done. I gave what I could. Hopefully they will be better off. I'm (also) still learning myself."
SHE RELATES
Leger can empathize with the student athletes, their emotions and needs. She was a standout gymnast in college, qualifying for the nationals while at Towson University in the 1990s. And last year the school inducted her into its Sports Hall of Fame.
Around Case Athletics Center, she still moves with the energy and quickness of a gymnast. Her job requires a nifty balancing act, working with staff, professors, athletes, and coaches.
Leger's office decor speaks about her philosophy. Framed pictures -- one titled "Dreams" and another dubbed "Goals" -- adorn the walls. Also there is her favorite quote: "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
LEGER CARES
After a 14-month stint with the NCAA, she returned to State in 2008 to take a new leadership position, saying she missed association with players and coaches. She is eager to see the athletes' graduation rate rise.
"Students who came in '02 didn't have this (M.A.G.I.C) opportunity," Leger noted. "I think those numbers will improve.
"This staff is incredibly competent. They know the rules, what it takes to be successful and how to advise. But what makes this staff special is how much they really care about students' success and helping (them) graduate."
