BEYOND FOOTBALL//WHERE ARE THEY NOW
Highlighting former San Jose State Football players and their success in their life, beyond football.
WILL OSSAI
Will Ossai is a 2017 San Jose State University graduate, earning a BA in Sociology with a concentration in Social Interaction. Will is currently working in the Silicon Valley as an inside sales representative for Clari, a computer software company.
From finishing his football career to the role he is in now, Will says "the most daunting barrier that blindsided me was the realization that I had zero experience doing anything outside of playing football." Due to the extensive time commitment of not only being a student, but also an athlete, he wasn't able to take advantage of work experience opportunities, such as internships, during his college years. As a result, he found when applying for jobs he was competing against a candidate pool with more experience than him. Yet, due to his drive and determination, and making networking a priority, Will was able to find a company that wanted to take a chance on him due to the skills learned through football - teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and time management.
Will's advice to current student-athletes is to get involved and build relationships, especially with former players, alumni, and donors. These individuals want to see you excel in life, on and off the field, and will be a vehicle to help you have success. Will encourages student-athletes to take care of their body, their mind, and to enjoy the moments you get as a student-athlete. Embrace the experience because "what you all are experiencing will never be the same, so live in the moment."
Thank you, Will, for all you do to represent Spartan Nation in a first-class fashion, and for being the supporter and influencer to our current student-athletes. We are proud of you and all your successes and we look forward to watching you thrive in your career!
JARED STRUBECK
Jared is a 2009 San Jose State University graduate, who earned a B.S. in environmental studies. Jared has been an officer with the California Highway Patrol since 2010 and is currently working as an investigator serving the Bay Area community while assigned to the CHP Golden Gate Division. From finishing his football career in 2008 as San Jose State's career scoring leader with 238 points (now #2) to the role he is in now, Jared says, "the camaraderie you build with your teammates readily translates to a career in public safety. Being a part of something bigger than yourself, whether that is a football team or a law enforcement agency, where in both cases there are always others relying on you to do your part, is a constant reminder that we must strive to do the best we can on any given day."
Jared's advice to current student-athletes is: find your why. "Most people know what they do, some know how they do it, but those who have made the determination as to WHY they do it will better set themselves up for success."
Thank you Jared, for all you do to represent Spartan Nation in a first-class fashion, and for being a supporter and influencer to our current student-athletes. We are proud of you and all your success and we look forward to watching you thrive in your career #beyondfootball!
SHAUN FLETCHER
Shaun Fletcher, a 2002 graduate who earned a Public Relations degree, is now an Assistant Professor in Public Relations and Sports Communication at San Jose State University.
After graduation, Shaun went on to earn a Master's degree in Organizational Communication from the University of Central Florida and later earned a Doctorate in Intercultural Communication from Howard University. Through Shaun's transition from sports into his professional career he faced various elements of adversity, with many moments of discouragement and rejection. Yet, his willingness to keep pushing led him to realize that he can always bet on himself.
He began to focus on education with the same fervor as his training for football. After a decade of working in the corporate world such as Volkswagen Group and Apple, he has now found his passion.
Shaun's advice for future leaders is to fully establish your personal identity and boundaries that gratify you before the job shapes them for you. Balance is key to a fulfilling career. A favorite quote from James Baldwin that Shaun lives by is, "You have to decide who you are and force the world to deal with you, not with its idea of you."
Thank you, Shaun, for all you do to represent Spartan Nation in a first-class fashion, and for being the supporter and influencer to our current student-athletes. We are proud of you and all your successes and we look forward to watching you thrive in your career #beyondfootball
CASEY LeBLANC
Casey LeBlanc, a San Jose State University graduate earning a BS in Business Management, is now the CEO for both New Venture Escrow and VentureSuite, residing in San Diego.
New Venture Escrow is the largest independent escrow company in San Diego that is fueled by a culture of growth and innovation. VentureSuite is a technology company focused on improving the escrow process through automation; simplifying the real estate transaction. Casey is a business development addict who has the drive, desire, and eagerness to learn everything there is to know about being successful in business. As a born entrepreneur he is curious about all things leadership; loving all things related to building a business, encouraging teamwork, and competing to win at the highest levels.
As a founder of several companies, Casey takes great pride in creating well run profitable companies where the team culture leads company strategy. Casey believes that one's ability to see problems as opportunities and find simple solutions will yield massive results.
Casey says - "You will win in life by doing, by surrounding yourself with successful and driven people, and waking up each day with an energy and passion for everything you do."
CHANDLER JONES
Chandler Jones has earned both a B.A. in Sociology and a M.A. in Counselor Education from San Jose State University.
After setting a school record for career touchdown receptions and being the only player in school history with 50+ catches in all four seasons, Chandler "The Jet" Jones pursued his ultimate dream of playing professional football. He was given the opportunity to play in both the NFL & CFL with the Browns, Colts, Buccaneers, and Alouettes. Chandler always knew that once he was done playing on the field he wanted to get back, as a coach. Taking his work ethic, determination, and passion for the game as a player to the lens of coaching, Chandler did just that, and now is fulfilling his coaching goals. In 2017 Chandler joined head coach Brent Brennan's staff as a defensive graduate assistant, and after earning his masters degree in December of 2019, Chandler accepted a full time assistant coaching job, coaching wide receivers, at the College of Idaho.
"Step into the transition from college to profession with the same enthusiasm you had when you were an incoming student at SJSU, ready to soak up the knowledge and find mentors to learn from them," Chandler says.
Congratulations to Chandler on all his successes. We are grateful for her continued support to our Spartan Student-Athletes, representing our proud community in a first class fashion. Best of luck to you as you continue building your legacy.
BRYSON BRIDGES
This week we are highlighting recent graduate, Bryson Bridges. The former defensive lineman and captain who earned a B.S. in Justice Studies has followed his off-the-field passion for ministry, currently working as a Pastoral Resident at Central Peninsula Church.
"On the cusp of entering the 2019 NFL draft, I faced a burden in my soul to also enter full-time vocational ministry. The dilemma began when I entered my senior season, which became a struggle for me the entire season. After much contemplation, prayer and evaluation, I decided to engage my leadership skills developed over time at San Jose State to the fullest by entering into a career of Pastoral Ministry. Saying goodbye to football was extremely difficult for many reasons. However, after having a year under my belt, I have found fulfillment, stability and peace with the decision made in 2019, and look forward to continuing this journey." - Bryson Bridges
Congratulations, Bryson, for all of your hard work, successes, and exciting life events; especially your recent engagement to your love, Ana. We are so proud of you and grateful to have you representing Spartan Nation in a first-class fashion!
BRANDON MONROE
This week we are highlighting football alum #27 Brandon Monroe, a 2018 graduate earning a BA in Communication Studies working as an Industrial Recruiter.
Brandon's journey as a Spartan Football player involved adversity in the form of multiple season ending injuries, faced with the challenge to bounce back year after year. These injuries however never stopped his drive, teaching him a lot about overcoming obstacles. These experiences paired with determination helped propel him into his career. As a recruiter, it is imperative that you focus on what you can control. Many times recruited candidates fall through, but Brandon is able to focus on the larger picture; helping others obtain employment that can launch them into the career path of their dreams.
Since graduation, Brandon, a California native, has moved to Scottsdale, Arizona exploring the desert and fulfilling his love for sport by taking up golf, softball, and flag football.
"As a collegiate student-athlete I wish I would have known that in order to make a million+ dollars, you have to treat your mind and body as if it is worth millions of dollars. Whether it's diet, working out, reading, or educating yourself beyond college. Challenge yourself to be the best contributor on AND off the field." - B. Monroe
Congratulations, Brandon. You are a tenacious individual who has a bright future ahead. Thank you for representing Spartan Nation in a first-class fashion!