Elena Paolini joined the Academic Services for Student-Athletes staff as an Assistant Director in August 2016. At UCF, Elena serves as the lead advisor for the women's basketball and women's soccer teams. Additionally, she oversees the Developing Athletic Academic Professionals (DAAP) Program, which prepares the ASSA's Graduate Assistants and Interns for full-time positions in athletic academic advising.
Elena came to UCF from American University, in Washington, DC, where she was an Academic and Life Skills Counselor, working primarily with the women's soccer, lacrosse and field hockey teams. Additionally, she had full oversight of the department's Life Skills program and was charged with the continuous development of AU's first-year, leadership, personal and professional development programming. Prior to AU, Elena spent two years as an Academic and Life Skills Coordinator within the Department of Athletics at Syracuse University, in Syracuse, NY.
Elena began her career in athletic academic support in 2010, as an Academic and Student Services Intern for the University of California, Los Angeles. She has since held similar positions at the University of Louisville and the University of South Florida.
A native of Tampa, Fla., Elena earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Florida in December 2009, majoring in family, youth and community sciences with a minor in education. During her time at UF, she was a member of the all-girl competitive cheerleading team and an employee in the UAA Ticket Office. Elena received her master's degree in sport administration from the University of Louisville in May 2013.
Favorite Quote: "People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it. Start with the WHY!" - Simon Sinek
