Jon Ricci
Passionate. Interpersonal. Competitive. Coachable. An intrinsically motivated team player, I thrive on challenges and constant growth, using my unique blend of athletic experience and academic achievement to drive success in every facet of life.
About me:
Growing up as the eldest of four kids, leadership wasn't a choice; it was my calling. I found myself naturally slipping into the role of protector, mentor, and friend, guiding my younger siblings through the intricate maze of childhood. It wasn't just about telling them what to do; it was about understanding, empathizing, and being the person they could look up to. I realized early on that empathy and interpersonal skills weren't just words; they were tools that helped me connect, understand, and lead.
My passion for leadership and competition found its outlet on the football field, and I embarked on a five-year journey with the University of Delaware's football team. Those years were filled with challenges, triumphs, sweat, and perseverance. But more than anything, they were about growth, learning, and finding out who I wanted to be going forward.
While I was forging my path on the field, I was building my future off it. I pursued my undergraduate studies at the University of Delaware, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, and didn't stop there. During my 5th year I earned a Master's Degree in International Business that has now laid the foundation for my future career aspirations in sales/marketing.
A new chapter of my life awaits, and I'm eager to enter the professional workplace, bringing with me the skills, the passion, and the relentless drive that have shaped me.
Resume:
Collegiate Career:
When I first stepped onto the field as a preferred walk-on at the University of Delaware, I knew I had a long journey ahead of me. The path wasn't easy, and it demanded 40+ hours a week of grueling practices, intense workouts, and unending commitment. But my love for the game and my relentless desire to succeed helped me earn a scholarship and become a special teams veteran, while offensively playing tight end and fullback.
Football allowed me to travel across the country, against powerhouse teams, in packed stadiums. What truly made this experience invaluable, though, were the lessons I learned. Football pushed me to the edges of my comfort zone and taught me to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. I learned the difference between working hard and working consistently hard. Success in football, as in life, isn't just about one big effort; it's about showing up, day after day, giving your all.
The discipline I developed extended far beyond the field. Managing time between practices, games, and academics turned me into an excellent communicator and one of the most coachable players out there. Football was more than a sport; it was the ultimate internship, shaping not just my professional skills but my personal character.
I'm grateful to football for making me a better son, brother, nephew, grandson, and one day, a future father and husband. The teamwork, dedication, and resilience I embraced on the field will forever guide me in every facet of life. The friendships I forged, the mentors I met, and the challenges I overcame have prepared me for whatever lies ahead.
In the end, my time as a student-athlete wasn't just about playing a game. It was about growing as an individual, understanding the power of perseverance, and embracing a journey that has defined who I am today.
“Vision without action is just a dream. Action without vision just passes time. Vision with action can change the world.” ~ Joel Arthur Barker
Academic Work:
I went into this class unknowing what I would get out of it. I left this class with a new perspective, while finding out my vision, mission, and why and how that can impact me for the rest of the "game" of life.