Jamie Meshew – Team Q&A

  • Why did you want to join WorldStrides Excel Programs?

    • I have been fortunate enough to coach and play overseas a number of times and I wanted to be able to make sure as many players and coaches as possible could have that same opportunity!

  • How long have you been with WorldStrides Excel Programs?

    • I joined the WorldStrides Excel team in June of 2018.

  • What do you like the most about your job?

    • I’ve always been a talker – and now its my job to talk to people! I get to talk to people every day about my two favorite things – soccer and traveling!

  • As a child, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up and why?

    • I thought that I was going to be a professional soccer player, and if that didn’t work out then I figured I’d just work for US Soccer and coach the US Women’s National Team. No big deal right?

  • If you had to describe yourself with just one emoji – which one would it be and why?

    • I like the one with the guy wearing a monacle – He’s curious but also skeptical and I feel like I make that same face at least 30 times a day.

  • What do you like doing in your spare time?

    • I teach US Soccer Coaching licensing courses, am the GK coach at St. Edward’s University, and I coach youth soccer sessions every chance I get. I also run every day. Not necessarily far or fast, but every day. But most of all, I love to play with my 3 big dogs (Samson, Abbey, and Sydney).

  • Have/do you play any sports? If so, what were/are they?

    • Soccer has been the love of my life since I was 5 years old. I also earned my black belt in Tae Kwon Do at the age of 13. As an adult I still play soccer when I can, but I’ve taken up distance running and Triathlon.

  • If you were a Pixar/Disney character who would you be, and why?

    • I like Timon, the meerkat from Lion King. He’s a little conniving, but also loyal and fun-loving. Plus, “Hakuna Matata” is my anthem!

  • Who is your childhood sporting hero?

    • Mia Hamm. No question. I had about 100 photos of her on my wall growing up. As an adult I’ve had a chance to meet Mia while working a camp with her…instantly turned into a 12 year old and had to try hard not to fangirl out!

Eric McAleer – Team Q&A

  • Why did you want to join WorldStrides Excel Programs?

    • My love and passion for sports and international travel

  • How long have you been with WorldStrides Excel Programs?

    • Since 1998!

  • What do you like the most about your job?

    • The life-changing opportunities we provide!!

  • As a child, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up and why?

    • A soccer player:) Fell in love with the game around 4 years old and spent EVERY SINGLE DAY from then-on kicking a soccer ball.

  • If you had to describe yourself with just one emoji – which one would it be and why?

    • Smiley Face

  • What do you like doing in your spare time?

    • Being active outdoors; cycling, hiking, paddle boarding, golf and many other sports.
  • Have/do you play any sports? If so, what were/are they?

    • Golf, tennis, table tennis and cycling.

  • If you were a Pixar/Disney character who would you be, and why?

    • Scrooge McDuck; as he is an elderly Scottish duck:)

  • Who is your childhood sporting hero?

    • Kenny Dalglish, Jim Watt and Alan Wells…..all gave me awesome childhood memories!