George Washington University Athletics

Beyond the Bio: Sarah Vollaro
9/28/2020 3:40:00 PM | My GW: Celebrating our Stories
Welcome back to Beyond the Bio, where we'll get to know more about the people behind the scenes at GW Athletics.
In this edition, we learn more about Sarah Vollaro, the Sr. Program Associate for Student-Athlete Development. In her position, Sarah works with our student-athletes to help them identify their passions off the field and launch as prepared leaders to their next steps after GW.
When I'm not working, my favorite thing to do is?
I love being outside. Those who know me would agree that I am really bad (like really bad) at sitting still, so I take advantage of any time I can get outside. Specifically, I love a good group fitness class, and I enjoy running, hiking and pretty much anything that gets me outside and moving. We recently got a dog, which has been a really great addition to the outdoor adventures!
If I was an animal, I would be?
I would say a cat because I love a good nap and snacks!
If I could only eat one meal for every meal for the rest of my life, it would be?
A chicken burrito bowl from Chipotle, with a tortilla on the side! And if I could add a dessert, too? Dunkin Donuts' pumpkin donut is to die for. Calories don't count in the universe, right?!
My favorite place I've ever been is?
This is tough! My absolute favorite place in the world is Chincoteague Island, Va. I have vacationed there every summer for as long as I can remember and returning feels like home. Yet, I had the chance to honeymoon in Saint Lucia last summer, and I'll say that is a close second.
If I could have coffee with anybody in the world, living or historical, he/she would be?
I would love to have coffee with Sheryl Sandberg, the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook. Sheryl's book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead is one of my favorites, especially for young women, and I would be honored to pick her brain for a day.
The one job in GW Athletics I'd like to do for a day is?
I would love to be a fly on the wall for AD Tanya Vogel for a day. Ambitious I know, but I would love to see and feel what it is like to be in the big chair. I know the pressures, as well as the opportunities, would be vastly different than anything I have experienced.
The person I'm most inspired by is?
I am inspired daily by my husband's patience, understanding and support. He has supported me along every journey I have had; from Iowa, to Maryland and now DC, and I am grateful. Specifically, I admire his ability to stay present in the fast-paced moments of life!
My favorite book, movie, TV show or podcast is?
Book: Anything by Jodi Piccoult!
Movie: Not a huge movie fan, but find me a good documentary (especially a cold case) and I'm sold.
TV Show: The West Wing! This is a must watch.
Podcast: Too many to choose! The West Wing Weekly, 4 Things with Amy Brown, The Dave Ramsey Show, and The Women Leaders in College Sports podcast.
My top #OnlyAtGW moment was?
My top #OnlyatGW moment was when I had the opportunity to plan a program with former CNN White House correspondent, Frank Sesno. It was evident his dedication to GW, our students and the work he does. Specifically, I loved hearing him share about his time in the White House as we prepped for the panel.
If I could be granted the gift of elite athleticism, I'd like to be able to?
If I could be granted the gift of elite athleticism (and male DNA), I would battle Trea Turner for the starting shortstop role with the Nationals.
In this edition, we learn more about Sarah Vollaro, the Sr. Program Associate for Student-Athlete Development. In her position, Sarah works with our student-athletes to help them identify their passions off the field and launch as prepared leaders to their next steps after GW.
When I'm not working, my favorite thing to do is?
I love being outside. Those who know me would agree that I am really bad (like really bad) at sitting still, so I take advantage of any time I can get outside. Specifically, I love a good group fitness class, and I enjoy running, hiking and pretty much anything that gets me outside and moving. We recently got a dog, which has been a really great addition to the outdoor adventures!
If I was an animal, I would be?
I would say a cat because I love a good nap and snacks!
If I could only eat one meal for every meal for the rest of my life, it would be?
A chicken burrito bowl from Chipotle, with a tortilla on the side! And if I could add a dessert, too? Dunkin Donuts' pumpkin donut is to die for. Calories don't count in the universe, right?!
My favorite place I've ever been is?
This is tough! My absolute favorite place in the world is Chincoteague Island, Va. I have vacationed there every summer for as long as I can remember and returning feels like home. Yet, I had the chance to honeymoon in Saint Lucia last summer, and I'll say that is a close second.
If I could have coffee with anybody in the world, living or historical, he/she would be?
I would love to have coffee with Sheryl Sandberg, the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook. Sheryl's book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead is one of my favorites, especially for young women, and I would be honored to pick her brain for a day.
The one job in GW Athletics I'd like to do for a day is?
I would love to be a fly on the wall for AD Tanya Vogel for a day. Ambitious I know, but I would love to see and feel what it is like to be in the big chair. I know the pressures, as well as the opportunities, would be vastly different than anything I have experienced.
The person I'm most inspired by is?
I am inspired daily by my husband's patience, understanding and support. He has supported me along every journey I have had; from Iowa, to Maryland and now DC, and I am grateful. Specifically, I admire his ability to stay present in the fast-paced moments of life!
My favorite book, movie, TV show or podcast is?
Book: Anything by Jodi Piccoult!
Movie: Not a huge movie fan, but find me a good documentary (especially a cold case) and I'm sold.
TV Show: The West Wing! This is a must watch.
Podcast: Too many to choose! The West Wing Weekly, 4 Things with Amy Brown, The Dave Ramsey Show, and The Women Leaders in College Sports podcast.
My top #OnlyAtGW moment was?
My top #OnlyatGW moment was when I had the opportunity to plan a program with former CNN White House correspondent, Frank Sesno. It was evident his dedication to GW, our students and the work he does. Specifically, I loved hearing him share about his time in the White House as we prepped for the panel.
If I could be granted the gift of elite athleticism, I'd like to be able to?
If I could be granted the gift of elite athleticism (and male DNA), I would battle Trea Turner for the starting shortstop role with the Nationals.
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