Joni Frei & her husband

Continuing the Exclusive Grad Interviews leading up to my 10 year High School reunion, my 2nd interview is with Joni Frei.

WILL YOU BE ATTENDING THE REUNION? IF NOT, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?
Not quite sure yet. I’m going to try. I have company coming in from out of town and also a softball tournament that weekend….but I’m going to try….Luckily there’s facebook to keep up with everyone and get updates from if needed

WHERE ARE YOU LIVING AND WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS?
Recently moved back to Canada after living in the States for the last 10 years. After high school I moved to Georgia and went to university on a softball scholarship. Played 4 years in university and upon graduation with my undergrad I moved to Europe to play professionally. Met my husband while I was playing (he played baseball for the same club that I played softball for) Moved back to the States and coached at a Division I University while getting my Masters Degree. Took a position at another Division I University to teach in Health Sciences and coach varsity softball. Moved to Europe for a season to coach the Austrian National Softball Team. Recently moved back to Canada after my brother passed away. Loving being back in Kelowna. I forgot how much I love Canada. The weather and scenery are absolutely amazing! Kelowna is a little small for my liking (compared to Atlanta, Georgia) but it’s a nice change. I work at The Next Level Athlete Development Center. Which is a huge multi-purpose facility out by the airport. In addition I contract with Softball Canada and Softball B.C. as a coaching facilitator. All in all life is good.

MARRIED? KIDS?
Married. No kids.

DID YOU DO ANY POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION?
Undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Teacher Education Certification….Masters Degree in Political Science with a Discipline in Public Administration

HAVE YOU CHANGED MUCH SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Yes and no. I think I still have the same personality but I’m definitely more open-minded now.

ARE YOU STILL TOUCH WITH ANYONE FROM HIGH SCHOOL?
Actually yep, still best friends with Ashley Martinuk and still talk to a bunch of them thanks to facebook. I definitely enjoy catching up with old friends though.

WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU MISS ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
I don’t really “miss” high school…but I fondly remember high school sports and the teams I was a part of.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IN HIGH SCHOOL IF YOU COULD DO IT AGAIN?
Nothing. Well actually, maybe I wouldn’t have driven my truck down that huge hill at Grad Campout and gotten stuck….Other than that, nothing

IN HIGH SCHOOL, COULD YOU HAVE IMAGINED YOURSELF DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING NOW?
Absolutely! I live my dream job.

WHAT’S A SIGNIFICANT LIFE LESSON THAT YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
To do full justice in answering this question would require a series of books I think….but simply put….hard work pays off, life is fragile—enjoy today because tomorrow is not promised, everyone has something to offer, having a passion for life is essential to happiness…passion, independence, open-mindedness, empathy and confidence breed success….

ANY INTERESTING BOOKS THAT YOU’VE READ LATELY OR MOVIES THAT YOU’VE WATCHED?
Between The White Lines (Softball Documentary)

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO ACCOMPLISHING IN THE FUTURE?
Mentoring and significantly impacting the lives of the athletes/students that I work with in a positive fashion. Making a difference.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY / SHARE?
If you’ve read this far, thanks! I’d love to hear from you!

You can reach Joni via http://www.thenextlevelcamps.com/

From Joni’s email signature:

Joni Frei
MPA, B.Kin, TSCC-BRONZE, NCCP L2
Softball Canada CANpitch Regional Pitching Instructor
Softball B.C. Learning Facilitator
Director of Softball Operations
Twist Strength & Conditioning Coach

“A Mind That is Stretched By A New Experience Can Never Go Back To Its Old Dimensions” -Peter Twist

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Stay tuned for the next interview! And more importantly, don’t forget to RSVP! Oh, and feel free to say hello on the facebook event wall. do it!

Cheers,

Paxton