Jessica Berry: E8 Life After the Game
The Empire 8 is proud of all former student-athletes, and in recognition of their accomplishments after their playing days, we launched #E8 Life After the Game, a conference version of
NCAA Life After the Game.
Former Utica College women’s basketball player
Jessica Berry ’11 was a force to be reckoned with on the court and she continues to be a force today as a Police Officer in Philadelphia, PA.
Berry wrapped up her amazing four-year career with a school and Empire 8 record 2,111 points and 1,065 rebounds. She was a two-time Empire 8 Conference Player of the Year, a four-time all-conference first team selection and was part of two Empire 8 Conference titles.
She became just the 11th woman in NCAA Division III history to score more than 2,000 points and register more than 1,000 rebounds in a career and for her outstanding career she was inducted into the Utica College Pioneer Hall of Fame in 2012.
Just as every game you play in collegiate athletics is different, every day of Berry’s job in Philadelphia is different and she thrives in the fast-paced environment. “My job is unpredictable but very rewarding and I am honored to serve my community,” said Berry.
Millions of former NCAA student-athletes are making positive impacts across the globe on a daily basis with many crediting their success to their student-athlete academic and athletic experiences.
Let’s take a closer look at the story of former #E8 student-athlete Jessica Berry, Utica class of 2011.
Why did you choose to attend Utica? What was your major?: I wanted to be closer to my family and it just so happened that I was interested in a Criminal Justice major and was very impressed with the Women’s Basketball team.
What sport(s) did you play at Utica? Women’s Basketball
Describe your career path since graduating from Utica? During my senior year at Utica, I participated in the internship program with the New York State Troopers. After graduating, I began to apply to various police agencies as well as start work to obtain my Master’s degree.
What is your current job title and what does your position entail? Currently, I am a Police Officer in Philadelphia, PA. My position is hard to sum up into a few short words but, interacting with the community in various capacities would be the best way I can put it. Every day is different, every 20 minutes is also different. Very fast paced and unpredictable but also, very rewarding and I am honored to serve my community in this capacity.
What was most memorable to you about your experiences at Utica as a student? As an athlete? The people that I met and the relationships I made across the board. I loved learning about Criminal Justice and I believe my time at Utica only made me more hungry for knowledge. Also, as an athlete, I still have very close friendships with many of my teammates. Both are experiences I would not trade for anything.
What would you say were your greatest athletic and academic accomplishment during your time at Utica? Athletic: I was very fortunate to have been part of the teams that won 2 Empire 8 Championships. I was also honored to receive various accolades that included being named to the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-American Team and Utica’s “Dick Miller Award”.
Academic: I graduated Magna Cum Laude and received the Outstanding Senior award presented by Utica College and then in 2016 also obtained my Master’s degree from Utica.
When you hear “Utica” what is the first thing that comes to mind? I get an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and run down the time from my first day as a Pioneer until the day that I graduated. I think of all of the people who I met that changed my life and helped me become the person I am today.
What advice would you give to current student-athletes? Focus on your studies just as much as your respective sports. Not many student-athletes are fortunate to continue playing after college at a professional level as their career. What you learn through your coursework will be just as valuable, if not more valuable, than the lessons you learn on the field or court.
What do you do in your spare time? In what spare time that I do have, I spend it with my fiancé, friends and family as well as my two dogs. I love to travel and have amazing people in my life so, even if it is just an hour or two away, I am always going somewhere.
Top 3 things on your bucket list? Swim with dolphins, own my own home and drive across the country.
What is something most people don’t know about you? I lived in Japan as a kid for a short time while my Dad was in the Air Force and stationed there.
Rapid Fire questions
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite band/musician: Taylor Swift and Chris Stapleton
Favorite TV show: Grey’s Anatomy
Favorite Movie: Dirty Dancing
Favorite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favorite place to visit: The ocean/beach
Can’t live without: Music
Pet Peeve: Repeating myself