Marymount University senior forward Julie Tomesheski is the hard-working, blue-collar battler in the low post for the Saints’ women’s basketball team.  She fights for rebounding position, dives on the floor for the loose ball and hustles at both ends of the court to average eight points and eight rebounds per game.  She’s also as active in the MU campus community as she is a leader on the court for the Saints.   INTRODUCING … Julie Tomesheski.

Briefly explain your background in the sport you play?  I started playing basketball in the first grade at St. Mary’s CYO in Washingtonville, N.Y.  As years passed, I played on my high school teams (Four divisional titles and one Section title), playing on various AAU teams (Hudson Valley Knights) and playing in summer leagues in Harlem, Walden (MPB) and Arlington.

What is your major in college and what is the most important thing you learned in this discipline?  My major is Criminal Justice. I have changed my opinion on the death penalty as a punishment for crime. I have changed from being for the death penalty to being against the death penalty. I feel that there are some people are wrongfully convicted.  I feel that giving someone the death penalty is the "easy" way out.  Also, I feel that we should not play God and end someone's life.  I feel that my opinion will change throughout my life  but, as of right now, I am against the death penalty.

What is your favorite spot on campus?   My favorite place on campus is probably the Lee Center.  It is a place where so many activities occur. It is a place I can clear my head by shooting around, swimming or getting my Zumba on.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place to visit?   My favorite place to visit other than my house and campus is Long Beach Island, N.J.  This is where my family vacations and a place where many unforgettable memories have been made. 

Other than your team, what organization(s) do you participate in (on or off campus)?   I am in my second year as a Resident Assistant, a member of the Campus Ministry Association, a member of athlete’s bible study, a SAAC member and a member of the Delta Epsilon Sigma and Alpha Phi Sigma honor societies.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career?   I think it would be when we went to the Sweet Sixteen my sophomore year.  It was a great experience and was a great team and group of girls.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?   I feel that an important societal issue facing college students is self esteem. I feel that many college students look for acceptance from their peers and society but need to accept themselves as beautiful and worthwhile.  I feel that the media distorts the meaning of beauty. Beauty and confidence does not only come from the outside but, it comes from inner strength and spirit of an individual.

If you could change any one item in the world, what would it be, why, and how would you do it?   I would not allow children to buy or play video games until after they reached 18 years of age. Too many children spend countless hours playing these games and not getting involved in their community, neglecting school work and not exercising. Video games are unnecessary and are causing many children to not focus on what is important.

Other than your family members, who is the most influential person in your life?   I have been fortunate to have had many people that I can say have influenced me in my life and I am truly grateful. But the one person who has inspired me to do my best, work hard, maintain integrity and humility is my High School coach Judy Mottola.  She is a person who started out as my teacher/coach and now I consider her a true friend who I can talk to about anything at any time day or night. No matter what the situation she remains composed, shows class and treats everyone with respect.  She has truly been a mentor to me in my life. If I can be half the mentor she was to me to someone else I will consider myself very blessed.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?   Music is probably my favorite form of entertainment. Music really can help you get focused for a game, relaxed after a hard practice, or happy if you’re having a bad day. I feel that there is a song for every situation or mood I get in.

What is your favorite source of information (TV , book, magazine, website, friends in dining hall etc. )?   My favorite source of information about the world is probably the newspaper. Although the newspaper is “old school”, I like to start my day by reading the newspaper to let me know what is going on in the world. As for what is going around on campus, my friends in the D-Hall is probably the best place to get information.

If you could give one piece of information to elementary school children, what would the advice be?  I would probably use this quote- ‎"Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible." ---Cadet maxim, West Point, N.Y.  And, when you play basketball, play for the love of the game.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  I have always admired Pat Summit.  I love the way she coaches her team- she holds her players to high standards and expects nothing but their best at all times. I especially admire her courage and dignity in facing her current health issue.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you’d like to have dinner with?
1) Jesus Christ- I would like to know how he thinks I am doing in my life. And what I need to do to be a better person.
2) Firefighters that lost their lives on 9/11 - I would want to thank them for their bravery and giving the ultimate sacrifice.
3) My Grandmother- She passed away five years ago- I miss her so much. I had great times and memories with her- but wanted many more.