Jocelyn Waldern

Volleyball

‘Where Are They Now Wednesday’ – Jocelyn Waldern

Our student-athletes are what make Georgia State so special. Our 'Where Are They Now Wednesday' segments feature former student-athletes from across all of our sports and not only look back on their accomplishments, but where they are now.

Jocelyn Waldern truly came all the way across the country (and more) to reach Atlanta and Georgia State. Hailing from British Columbia, Waldern put together an impressive four-year career and went out on top with a double-double in her final match. Following four years of school at GSU, she kept her education going which led her to veterinary school and now a position in her home country of Canada.

Talk a little bit about what you have been up to the last 10-plus years since finishing up at Georgia State (work, sports, family)
After I finished my masters at GSU, I decided to do more school (logically) but figured I'd had enough of the southern climate, so packed up to sunny Saskatchewan. There I completed veterinary school and since graduating with my DVM in 2016, I have been practicing on Vancouver Island in British Columbia (beautiful, but wet). 

When I was in Saskatoon I was helping out with the U of S women's team as an assistant coach and occasional practice player/entertainment source. I now resign myself to competitive rec volleyball leagues where I've perfected my drinking skills but have unfortunately lost some of my more technical moves. 
I got married in 2019 and have been slowly acquiring my own zoo (two ferocious cats, two neurotic dogs, plus one ape-man). I find myself embracing the wild Pacific Northwest in full, and enjoy spending most of my time outdoors running, hiking or mountain biking. 

How did your experience at GSU help you get to where you are now?
I believe my time as a student-athlete helped me in many ways. Time management certainly, learning to channel adrenaline/stress (really helpful in vet emergencies it turns out), focus and drive.  However, I think one of the most crucial things I learned was the importance of a support structure ("team" if you will). There's no way I would have been able to succeed as I have throughout the different stages of my life and career without such support. 

All these years after graduation, do you find yourself still competing on the court?
I'm certainly competitive…whether I'm keeping up with the competition may be up for debate, but you'll never hear me admit it. 

In your time at GSU you got to travel to some great places. Is there a trip that even to this day you still look back on fondly?
Hmmm, tough question. For tournament travel I would have to say Denver. Regular travel, Boston (I desperately want to find an excuse to go back). 

The teams you were on seemed like a very close bunch. How much do you stay in touch with some of those former teammates?
We had a great group of ladies during my time at GSU and I'm fortunate to still keep in touch with a few of those amazing women (and plan extraordinary trips to visit with them)!  

If there is one thing you could go back and tell the college version of yourself, what would it be?
Oh boy. There's a few on this list, and probably a few that should have been common sense. I think the main theme, however, would be enjoy and relax. Not to take away from the student aspect, but there are few other opportunities where you can play a sport you love, travel new places, and do it all with great people. It's a rare and special circumstance. 
 
Print Friendly Version