Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1529598
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4 3 7 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M the program doesn't need to load up on frills, whether it's extra sneakers or an array of alternate uniform combina- tions. Instead, he's focused on the more substantive factors that contribute to the student-athlete's experience. That involves the program's approach in the weight room, training table for meals, and health maintenance. It also includes Penn State's travel accommo- dations and media presentation. And, in a point of constant dialogue, it includes the quality of the program's facilities at the Bryce Jordan Center. "Let's be really cool in how we go about doing things," Rhoades said. "Let's make sure we give these guys a great experience so that when they're done playing here, they say, 'Man, not only was it fun playing the game of bas- ketball at Penn State, but what a great experience. What a great, supportive experience I had.'" Seeking Balance It also includes the efforts that are made before the student-athlete expe- rience even begins. Rhoades has urged investments in recruiting, such as fund- ing for efficient and effective travel and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of campus visits for prospective players and their families. It's all part of an effort to upgrade every aspect of the program, from major areas like NIL funding down to the most seem- ingly mundane details of the team's daily routine. "I have a running list all the time," Rhoades said. "To me, it's having a clean carpet, it's clean walls, it's making sure that our hallways are clean. How you do anything is how you do everything. I've always been that way. I was like that as a player and as a Division III coach. "The list is always long. And it's not always money or resources. It's just [a matter of] making a decision, or making a different decision, or changing something up. I think that's really important. What I love about it is that I work with an AD who doesn't say no. He says, 'All right, let's see what the best thing is with a level of bal- ance.' And that's why I think it's getting better and better all the time." ■ "What I love about [being at Penn State] is that I work with an AD who doesn't say no. He says, 'All right, let's see what the best thing is with a level of balance.' And that's why I think it's getting better and better all the time." R H O A D E S