Applying for college and university can be a daunting process, and without proper guidance, it can appear to be an insurmountable task. SPIRE Academy provides its students with the resources needed to understand what options they have, what makes sense for their personal goals and what they need to do to move forward in their athletic careers. We sat down with Terri Long, SPIRE’s Director of College Counseling and Academic Success, to learn more about the college process and what student athletes should know as they prepare for life post-SPIRE.

Q: How did you find yourself as the Director of College Counseling and Academic Success at an international sports boarding academy? Is this something you’ve always wanted to do?

A:  Prior to being at SPIRE, I was working at a local public school in academic support services. Over my years, I noticed a trend in some of the students who were ineligible for their sports. The high school basketball coach approached me and asked if I could support his team running study tables & giving him weekly academic reports. Over the four years I worked for the basketball team, the team GPA rose 2 points and I placed several students in successful college basketball programs. 

During the same time period, word spread about the basketball team’s success and I also began working for our school’s football team doing the same thing with academic support, college application assistance, and teaching my student athletes about the NCAA eligibility. It was a job that I loved. It was hard to leave, especially because my own kids attended the same school but I knew that coming to SPIRE was a great opportunity to help more student athletes as well as working in a world class facility and an amazing coaching staff.

Q: Did you play sports growing up? What was that like? Did you look up to any athletes in particular?

A: Growing up in rural West Virginia, there were not many opportunities for women’s sports that interested me. I participated in private gymnastics growing up and really enjoyed those experiences. Mary Lou Retton, a WV native and Olympic gymnast, was an idol to me…and gymnastics remains my favorite Olympic sport. I even had a replica leotard as a child! As an adult I later coached both middle school and high school cheerleading…something I really enjoyed!

Q: What attracts you to SPIRE? What was your first visit like?

A:  I really love the opportunity to work in an athletic focused environment. While we are an athletically driven sports academy, I remind my students every day that they are students first and athletes second. My first visit to campus was my first day of work. I was amazed with the size of the campus and the facilities that SPIRE offers from the indoor track & field to the pool. It’s designed for athletes to succeed.

Q: What does a typical day look like?

A: I am usually up by 6:00 AM and on the road by 6:30. I have an hour commute where I usually listen to a podcast, news or music. The workday goes by fast…responding to emails, meeting with students…I am usually present at both breakfast & lunch so that students can ask questions, meeting with me if needed and often I sit with students and get to know them. I want to be seen as approachable and make the kids comfortable (often coming here is a major change to what they are used to). I try to keep my office door open as much as possible so that students & staff can drop in. It is always busy in college counseling; it depends on the time of year as to what we are busy with but it can range from writing letters of recommendation to preparing for signing day or meeting college application deadlines.

Q: What are your goals for the 2024-25 academic year?

A: I am excited to bring a second college counselor to our department. Kimberly Smith will be joining us from Cleveland Job Corp. Together, we hope to strengthen our relationships with college admissions offices to help connect our students with the best academic & athletic fit. Additionally, we want to continue to promote mental health & well-being as we serve as student advocates. Lastly, we’d like to work more collaboratively with our teaching staff to help support them and offer some in-class lessons a few times a year that are curriculum related.

Q: What does “success” look like to you? “Happiness”?

A: For me, success occurs on a variety of levels. I feel successful in my career because I have the privilege of doing something I really enjoy – working with and supporting students while also having the opportunity to work with amazing colleagues. 

I also find success in my personal life as a wife and a mom to three kids. My kids are good hearted, kind individuals and that certainly brings me happiness and pride as well.

Q: Are there any trends in the College or Career Counseling world that you’d want to address/speak on? Is there something that you are seeing more & more of with your students?

A: As always, the trends in College and Career ebb and flow. While some trades are booming, so is the demand we see in technology fields with majors in careers in data science, artificial intelligence and renewable energy.

Additionally, the major overhaul in FAFSA changes had its share of frustrations for the class of 2024 as they continue to work toward the fall opening date scheduled to launch on October 1st. I am hopeful this FAFSA application period will run smoother and more expedited.

Q: What are you listening to these days?

A: I find myself to be more of an old school person when it comes to music. I enjoy the 80’s & 90’s Spotify channels as well as hip hop from that era.

Q: What’s your ideal Friday night look like?

A: During the fall, Friday night is usually spent at a high school football game where my son plays football. I am a big fan of sports and often travel with friends or family to watch games. In the winter we (my husband & I) follow Youngstown State basketball and enjoy attending games in support of the YSU Penguins.

Q: Where would you like to vacation & why?

A: I would really like to vacation on the West Coast. I have never had the opportunity to go to that side of the country. I envy people who have the patience to drive across the country and stop at all the sights along the way…I just don’t have the patience!

For now, I enjoy vacationing in South Carolina (Folly Beach and surrounding areas) where I can easily enjoy the beach or the great night life that nearby Charleston, SC offers. Living in Ohio, we see a great deal of cold weather so I am thrilled when I can be a bit warmer via a short flight into Charleston.

Q: Final thoughts? Anything you’d like to share.

A: I have two dogs, a mixed breed terrier named Henry and a Cairn Terrier named Carley…as well as two cats. I married my high school sweetheart in 2000! I am passionate about helping students gain independence and autonomy while they are here at SPIRE. Seeing students succeed both in the classroom and on the court, pool or field, is really what it is all about!