Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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UNDER THE DOME Former Notre Dame baseball player Brant Ust was named the executive director of the Notre Dame Monogram Club this past March. Ust was one of the most decorated players in program history, earning 1997 Big East Rookie of the Year and 1998 Big East Player of the Year honors, plus third-team All-America recognition. Blue & Gold Illustrated: What are your main responsibilities as the director of the Notre Dame Monogram Club? Ust: "My main responsibilities are to continue to provide the leadership of the Monogram Club from an on-campus perspective and keep the connection between the Board of Directors and the athletic department." Blue & Gold Illustrated: How has your previous experience with USA Baseball helped you for this role? Ust: "I've had a diverse experience since my time as an undergrad here at Notre Dame. At USA Baseball, I had a lot of interactions with the high school communities, the collegiate communities, the professional communities and the interna- tional baseball communities. "As the national governing body, it was a leader in that regard of amateur initiatives and leading the amateur baseball world." Blue & Gold Illustrated: How do you feel about the Irish baseball team's switch to the ACC? Ust: "First, I'm tremendously excited to be back on campus as a former student-athlete. I've been able to see a couple of games at their home-away- from-home stadium as their field gets renovated. The Irish baseball squad is continuing to get fa- miliar with their new surroundings in the new conference, and Coach [Mik] Aoki and staff will be great, as all of our sports have been in the transition to the ACC." Blue & Gold Illustrated: What was the best thing about your time as an Irish baseball player? Ust: "It started with what we were representing. I remember Coach saying you will never forget the first time you look down and see Notre Dame across your jersey. "On that same note, playing for such a loyal, honest and caring coach like Paul Mainieri and our coaching staff, Brian O'Connor and Corey Mead. They have been tremendous mentors and friends even after my time here. And, of course, my teammates — lifelong friendships were made and continue." Blue & Gold Illustrated: What are your goals for student-alumni relations when it comes to the athletes? Ust: "Continuing to celebrate the unique path- way and relationship that the student-athlete alumni have with the university, not only gradu- ating from Notre Dame but accomplishing high levels in their respective sports. "Also realizing that the Monogram Club can be their unique path back to the university and con- tinue to partner with the university and athletics department in our current and future initiatives." — Staci Gasser Five Questions With … EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NOTRE DAME MONOGRAM CLUB BRANT UST Click here to listen to Blue & Gold Illustrated's complete interview with Ust. ▼ UST