Make Mansfield Yours is a weekly feature on GoMounties.com that highlights a current Mansfield University student-athlete or alumni on why they chose Mansfield and what makes the university special to them. The feature aligns with NCAA Division II's brand of Make It Yours that allows student-athletes to shape their athletic and academic experience to be exactly what they want it to be.

Mallory (Hafer) Sample
Class of 2009
Elementary & Special Education
Women's Basketball

Why did you choose Mansfield University?
Mansfield University was able to offer me a quality education while allowing me to play a Division II sport. I was able to grow as an individual, teammate, and professional. Mansfield is one of the best at training future teachers.

What makes Mansfield University special to you?
Mansfield University is unique to my family in that both my parents, all three of my siblings, and my husband all attended and graduated from MU. This will always be a place that I carry in my heart and can call home.

How did your experiences at Mansfield University benefit your career/personal life following graduation?
Mansfield prepared me for a rigorous teaching career. After only eight years into my professional career, I have taught elementary, special education, high school mathematics, and middle school mathematics. The incredible education department professors readied me for teaching at multiple grade levels in a variety of content areas. My training at Mansfield has allowed me to be flexible in all that I do.

On a personal level, I was able to collaborate with others from diverse backgrounds which have blossomed into lifelong friendships. The most significant of these relationships is the one I share with my husband, a fellow MU graduate.

Favorite memory at Mansfield
I was lucky enough to be a member of the first ever Women's Basketball team to qualify for PSAC playoffs. We managed to qualify in back-to-back years. Additionally, I set multiple school records for three-point shooting.

Advice you would give to a current Mansfield student-athlete
Hard work is the most critical component to being successful. This attribute will help you be successful at your sport, in your profession, and with your personal relationships. Persevere despite obstacles!


If you are a current or former Mansfield University student-athlete and would like to be featured on Make Mansfield Yours, please fill out the submission form