New CGE Team Member Gains New Perspective Through FSU Guest Coaches Program

Zuania Fernández, JD, Program Manager for New International Student Services at the Center for Global Engagement (CGE), participated in the Student-Athlete Academic Services (SAAS) Guest Coaches Program several weeks after starting her position at Florida State. According to SAAS, Fernández was selected for this opportunity due to serving as the CGE liaison with FSU Athletics.

The Guest Coaches Program experience gave the selected participants an inside look at the support systems that help FSU student athletes succeed both academically and athletically. Guest coaches met with the SAAS team for a meet-and-greet breakfast, toured Doak Campbell Stadium and the new Albert J. and Judith A. Dunlap Football Center, attended football practice, met Head Football Coach Mike Norvell and watched FSU's October 3 victory over the University of Virginia from the sidelines.

The experience strengthened Fernández’s understanding of the challenges student athletes balance each day. “I think it's great to expose people that are not sporty to gain a bit more understanding,” Fernández said. “I was familiar with professional sports because of my husband, and now that I'm more familiar with college sports, I see they have almost the same demanding game and training schedules as professionals, and on top of that, they need to be full-time students with GPA requirements. It's like a superpower, and it takes a whole team to achieve that. FSU takes pride in having great athletes who are very successful students at the same time.”

For Fernández, one of the most rewarding aspects of the program was gaining a deeper appreciation for the collaborative work taking place across campus. “I think this program is beneficial because it brings people from our community together to learn about what everyone does in their role with these students,” Fernández said. “I really enjoy being new to this community and being at the center of what I think is very important for this university. FSU football and what it represents for the community, it's huge, and not all universities have that identity.”

Fernández joined FSU in early September, bringing experience in law, higher education support and public service. Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, she earned her law degree and built her career within the Judiciary of Puerto Rico before relocating to Tallahassee. Her international experiences living in Brazil, Italy, France, Romania and Austria, along with being part of a family of polyglots, strengthened her appreciation for multicultural exchange.

Fernández first connected with FSU when her husband, Ángel Pérez, was named Associate Head Coach of the FSU women's volleyball team. “I immediately fell in love with the campus, its people and the strong sense of community,” Fernández said. “As soon as I learned about the CGE's mission, I knew I wanted to

be part of their team as I'm a strong believer that multicultural exchanges are essential to a holistic education and enrich both the international visitor and our community.” In her role, Fernández supports newly admitted international students as they navigate the immigration process and transition to life at FSU. She also serves as a liaison between the CGE and the Career Center as well as the Republic of Panama campus.

As Fernández continues settling into her new role at the CGE, the Guest Coaches Program offered an early opportunity to build connections across campus while gaining a greater appreciation for the many communities that contribute to the student experience at Florida State University.