Throughout the fall semester, daemenwildcats.com will feature profiles on the "residents of #DCWildcatNation" to introduce you to the coaches, administrators and athletic trainers at Daemen College. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure Daemen's place as Western New York's Premier Division II Team. Today's featured staff member is assistant track and field coach Maggie Fuentes. 

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QUICK BIO
The 2020-21 season marks the seventh for Maggie Fuentes as an assistant coach with the Daemen track and field program. An accomplished athlete in her own right, Fuentes works primarily with the team's throwers, honing their skills in the shot put, discus, hammer, javelin and weight throws. In her time on the staff, Daemen athletes have earned a combined 30 all-conference awards for throwing events during the indoor and outdoor track and field seasons.

Fuentes holds degrees from The College at Brockport (B.S., Exercise Physiology) and Canisius College (M.S., Health and Human Performance). As an undergrad at Brockport, she competed as a member of the track and field team and helped the Golden Eagles win the State University of New York Athletic Conference championship for the 2009 outdoor season. 

A native of Depew, N.Y., Fuentes is also co-owner and chief operating officer of Impact Fitness Systems. 

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QUESTION & ANSWER
Q: Where did you grow up? Did you stay in one place or move around a lot?
A: I grew up in South Cheektowaga and went to Depew schools.

Q; What is your fondest childhood memory?
A: Anytime we got to go to my grandparents' house. My grandma was an artist and each time we were there we got to do a new craft or experience something new in nature. It was always an adventure with her.
 

Q: Who was your childhood idol and why?
A: I loved Buffy the Vampire Slayer because she was such a strong female character. She was able to hold her own in any situation while still accepting vulnerability when necessary.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? What are your hobbies and interests?
A: I compete as a nationally ranked powerlifter. I also am a New York State official for USA Powerlifting. So when I'm not working in the gym, I'm spending my free time in it. I also run a podcast with another strength coach in my spare time.
 

Q: What is your favorite season and why?
A: Fall will always be my favorite. I love the colors, the cooler weather, the activities, and Halloween and Thanksgiving are my favorite holidays.

Q: What was your first job growing up?
A: I delivered papers for The Buffalo News when I was 12.

Q: When did you know you wanted to go into a career in collegiate athletics?
A: Pretty much right after undergrad. I had a continued passion for track & field that I wanted to carry into a new position after being an athlete.
 

Q: Who are the people you consider to be your greatest mentors?
A: Professionally I'd have to say my collegiate coach, Ed Jaskulski as well as my business partner, Tom McCarthy. Personally, I'd have to say my parents.

Q: What is the best advice you ever received and who did it come from?
A: My dad has always told us growing up, "No matter the circumstances, don't panic."

Q: If you didn't work in collegiate athletics, what job do you think you'd have?
A: I worked at Moog for a couple of summers with my dad, and I think I would've enjoyed engineering.

Q: Besides Daemen, what are the teams or who are the athletes you root for most?
A: I am a die-hard Buffalo Bills fan. I also follow professional throwers like Ryan Crouser & Joe Kovacs.
 

Q: Where did you go on your most memorable vacation? What made it memorable?
A: We went to England when I was 14. Aside from Canada, it was my first time out of the country and it was amazing to experience another country's culture and history.

Q: What is one place you haven't visited, but definitely plan to someday?
A: I would love to go to Ireland.

Q: If you could have dinner with any three people, living or deceased, who would they be and why?
A: Lucille Ball because she is one of my favorite comedians, my grandma to catch up on everything that's happened since she passed and Dwayne Johnson because he would be awesome to workout with.

Q: What is your biggest fear?
A: Lawn gnomes. Weird, I know.

Q: If you were singing karaoke, what would be your go-to song?
A: Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis.

Q: Is there anything you would like to do or accomplish in your life that you haven't done yet?
A: I've always wanted to be a mom, but come February 2021 I will have accomplished that!

Q: If were ever on Jeopardy, what is the interesting fact or experience about yourself that you'd choose to discuss with Alex Trebek?
A: Susan B. Anthony is my cousin. 

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Daemen College features the premier NCAA Division II athletics program in the Buffalo-Niagara region, sponsoring 17 intercollegiate teams. For the latest information on Daemen Athletics, follow the Wildcats via social media on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, or sign up to receive customizable news alerts, e-mail newsletters and weekly schedule alerts.