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“I tell everyone I am not just an equipment manager here at VC. I feel like a life coach. I have the pleasure of meeting new students and student-athletes every year, and the bond that we build is heartfelt,” says Jessie Llamas, a 25-year veteran at Ventura College.

Jessie’s introduction to her current job as physical education/athletic equipment manager began when she was a student-athlete participating on the track and field team at Oxnard College. 

“I held a work-study job assisting Marti Dibble, who was the athletic trainer and equipment manager at the time. Marti made the job exciting from learning how to tape ankles and stretching athletes to lining the soccer field and doing laundry.”

After assisting Marti for two years, Jessie knew she wanted to pursue a career in athletics and equipment management.

Her next step was working as Ventura College Athletic Trainer Mark Chaney’s assistant, a position that helped Jessie hone her skills in readying athletes for events. Most of the preparation for Ventura College’s 19 intercollegiate sports starts with her, so she is keenly aware of every student’s background before beginning to work with them.

Colleagues praise Jessie for her compassionate nature, equity-mindedness and attention to detail. She will gather information about students and use her insights and knowledge of the college’s student success services to aid them both on and off the field.

“Students come to VC with the hope that we will be standing beside them through this new journey to help answer every question and address every problem, whether it be personal or school-related,” she says.

During her personal time off campus, Jessie enjoys watching sports, camping and spending time with her family.

Aside from her role as equipment manager, Jessie manages the college’s unhoused shower program. This program provides housing-insecure students with towels, food, other resources, and most importantly, dignity, to help them succeed in their studies.

Jessie thrives in the 24/7 nature of her work. She emphasizes that her greatest reward is watching the students she’s worked with walk across the stage at commencement.

“I love the intensity they show in everything they do…from homework to practice and then, game day. They are constantly working hard to get to the next level, and I’m lucky to be a part of that.”