Sophomore Chelsea Paccoini said becoming the voice of Saint Mary's basketball never crossed her mind when she initially thought about working at the Angela Athletic Center. But when it came time to sign up for a job, she only had two available options.
"I wanted to work in Angela, and I decided to do intramurals, and then we have the option to be game day workers," she said. "By the time I went to sign up the only things that were left were ticket selling or [announcing]."
Paccoini said she is pleased she chose to become the basketball announcer.
"It's just fun because I know a lot of the girls on the team and I'm friends with them and so I've gotten to know them more," she said. "It's fun to be able to announce them when they do something good. I've gotten to work with a lot of people at Angela and they're really nice."
Paccoini said she announced a few games during her first year, but has worked at almost all of the home games this season.
Since then, announcing the beginning part of the game has been the highlight of her job. Additionally, Paccoini said she enjoys trying to engage the crowd with the play-by-play.
"My favorite part sometimes is introducing the players and their hometowns because I know that I take pride in my hometown, so I really like to make that special," Paccoini said. "And then, if they have a back-to-back good play or something, I put more enthusiasm into it."
The crowd seems to appreciate her announcements, Paccoini said.
"All the fans usually applaud, and I think it gets them more into it, especially if somebody is coming to watch their friends," she said.
Paccoini said she has enjoyed basketball her entire life and played from fourth grade through high school. Though she does not play for Saint Mary's, she still enjoys being a part of the atmosphere.
"I played basketball pretty much my whole life so I knew about it and I thought it would just be fun," she said.
Paccoini said she finds it difficult to remain unbiased when an opposing team is winning the game, but said she does her best to keep the atmosphere open and friendly.
Paccoini said she enjoys her job and plans to announce the basketball games throughout the rest of her time at the College.
"I get so much more into the game because I have to pay attention and it's so much fun, " she said.
