While people may salute her someday, these days Amanda Fromm is happy to have experienced four years of rugby as a student-athlete at Eastern Illinois University. The Carmi, Illinois native recently finished her playing career as a Panther and made an admirable commitment by enlisting in the United States Navy.
A self-described “lover of change,” Fromm never expected to be EIU's current record holder for assists in a season with 31. Her high school dream was to throw shot put and discus at the college level. However, that all changed when head coach
Frank Graziano noticed Fromm's potential and recruited her to play rugby.
Fromm will always look back on her experience as a student-athlete with fond memories, “I can't imagine not having been a member of the rugby team, it made my experience at EIU.” Along the way, Fromm realized another love, Earth Science. As a result, she will be working towards Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) Officer status within the Navy.
Although Fromm's career in the Navy promises to take her far from the rugby field, she will never forget her experience at EIU. “Being a student-athlete at Eastern Illinois University has taught me that no star is out of reach and that each goal I set for myself is attainable.”
Q. What was behind your decision to attend Eastern Illinois University?
A. I mainly came to Eastern to play rugby. I hadn't really decided what I wanted to do as far as where I would go to school or what I wanted to do. I thought about being a veterinarian or a teacher. When Coach Graziano contacted me, it pretty much made my decision for me. I decided to go with teaching since Eastern is well known for its teaching program.
Q. What do you hope to do with an earth science degree?
A. My degree is technically Science with teacher certification concentration in Earth Science. After I get out of the Navy, I might actually use my degree and go into teaching but as of right now I don't know if I will. I think I would like to work for NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) but again am not certain. I will decide what I am going to do when I am done with the Navy.
Q. What has been your most rewarding experience in the Charleston/Mattoon community?
A. I have really enjoyed the people that I have come to know. The fans who come to our games, the kids who come to our clinics, and the people that I have worked with. Working at Ottertail Farm and Ottertail Feed and Supply has allowed me to come into contact with some really great people. I am from a small town so this area fits me very well and I am able to connect with other small town people. I have also really enjoyed getting to work with the kids that come to our rugby clinics. I like working with kids and being able to teach them how to play.
Q. What effect has being a student-athlete had on your personal life?
A. Being a student athlete throughout my life has taught me a lot about responsibility and just how to be a good person and team player. That has continued here at Eastern. College is definitely a time to grow as an individual and being here and playing for Coach Graziano has helped me do just that.
Q. How would you define your team's chemistry?
A. Our team is really close. We are all friends on and off the field. The best part of being an athlete here, for me, has been my teammates. They are all now a part of my family. The experiences that I have had during my time here were only good because of the people that I got to share it with.
Q. What's your fondest memory in a Panther uniform?
A. Two games that come to mind. One is the Colorado game. This is probably my favorite game just because everything clicked for me on this day. No matter what the defense did, I was able to see it and run the offense. The entire team was in-sync that day and it was amazing. We went in to that game expecting it to be really close but we came out and dominated. The other game is the West Chester game this year. It was important to me because we were able to avenge the loss to them last year.
Q. What has your experience been like as a student at Eastern Illinois University?
A. I have loved my experience at Eastern. I liked the small class sizes and the ability to really get to know my professors. I came in as a biology teacher cert. major and then found that I really liked the geography/geology department a lot better. I know that the degree that I am getting from here will make me very competitive when searching for a job. Eastern is a great school and I have completely enjoyed my time here.
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