Sara DeClemente-Hammoud '02 has spent more than two decades at Binghamton, first as an elite student-athlete, and for the last 16 years she has carved out a noted career in human resources. The volleyball and softball player saw the University transition from a Division ll to a Division l program and remains volleyball's leader in career service aces. In this interview, DeClemente-Hammoud discusses her collegiate career, professional career, and how she and her family are managing the pandemic.
Tell us what you have been up to these days, and what you currently do for Binghamton University.
After graduating from BU, I stayed in the area and began working at Binghamton University in 2004 in the Human Resources Department. I have worked within the department over the last 16 years and now my role is the Senior Associate Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations. I have two little girls, ages 7 and 9, and now I have the opportunity to watch them play sports and coach their teams. It is an even better feeling to watch your kids improve, love the game, and experience the sports that I once loved and played.
Looking back in time, what led you to decide to come to Binghamton?
Going to Binghamton was mainly because of my ability to play both volleyball and softball at the collegiate level. I knew the education I would get would be top notch while still being able to play the two sports I love and only being one hour from my hometown (Corning) played a large factor in my decision.
You were a part of the University's transition from Division ll to Division l. What was that like and describe being a part of Binghamton's first Division l volleyball season.
It was definitely a learning curve stepping into Division II my first year and then to Division I. I know the program was very strong at the Division III level, but we managed to remain competitive each year I played. I came from a high school where I was lucky enough to win state championships in multiple sports so coming to college was definitely an eye opener. We had winning seasons all 4 years however we were never eligible for conference championships since we were just joining the conference. I still remember the day that I was given the opportunity to represent the team at the announcement of the University joining the America East Conference.
You were coached by Glenn Kiriyama, Binghamton's longest-tenured volleyball coach who has led the Bearcats to three America East Championships. Describe your experiences with him and how you have seen the program grow over the years.
Playing for Coach Kiriyama was a very memorable experience. His knowledge of the game and his ability to take players to the next level was phenomenal, nothing like I had experienced before coming to Binghamton. I had the opportunity to serve as his Graduate Assistant my first year out of college, and that made me appreciate his coaching style and knowledge that much more. I have remained in contact with him over the years and continue to support Binghamton Volleyball whenever we can make it.
You have remained a program leader in career aces (219) and are second in program history with 4,360 assists. To what do you attribute that success, durability, and reliability?
I was lucky to come in as a freshman and be able to start and play almost every game. Coach Kiriyama was hired my sophomore year and I can honestly say he made me a better person, player, and student. The work outs both during and in the off-season, the strength and conditioning (from Bryan McGovern) and the constant reminder as to how lucky we were to be student-athletes at such an amazing institution made me work that much harder.
Having been a mainstay in the Binghamton community since your time as a student-athlete, have you been able to watch any of the Bearcats' America East Championship runs over the years?
I have been around to watch the team since graduation. I always come to alumni events to connect with the student-athletes and I bring my girls to attend as many home games as we can make. They still can't believe that there was a day where I was out there with those amazing athletes.
How have you and your family been holding up during this time? How has your job changed and what adjustments have you had to make?
Since March and the time COVID changed our day-to-day lives, it has definitely been an adjustment. I have been used to constant practices, games and running around to watch the kids play as well as continuing to play softball, volleyball and golf myself. This has all obviously changed. My job has taken a drastic turn and I am now handling the day-to day dealings with COVID related issues/concerns for faculty and staff on campus. I opted to work in the field of Human Resources to help others and I have certainly had to work to help many on a daily basis.
Talk about your experiences at Binghamton academically, and the opportunities presented to you that have resulted in your career success.
As an undergraduate student-athlete, the Athletics department support system in place definitely played a key factor in my current success in life. The folks that helped guide me through picking a major and ensuring internships were part of the puzzle, and how to manage class/work/practice/life all at once was no easy feat. As a freshman, I was guided to find an internship and gain as much experience as I could. I served as an intern in the Human Resources department for all four years while in school, and ultimately that experience afforded me the opportunity to be hired as a professional at Binghamton University. In turn, I ensure that I take on at least a few interns each semester since I appreciated the opportunity so much and appreciate the opportunity to now teach students interested in the field.
How have you remained connected with the athletics program through committee work?
I have served on the BBAA for the last four years and it has been a wonderful experience. I have served on various committees such as the Women's Luncheon, membership, and Hall of Fame selection committee. This year I am serving in the Vice Chair role of the BBAA, which I am looking forward to. It has kept me engaged in all the athletic programs at the University, and my family attempts to make at least one game from each team competing.
Looking back, what are you most thankful for about being a part of the Binghamton volleyball program?
I am extremely grateful for the relationships I have built and maintained through my experience on the BU Volleyball team. Binghamton Volleyball (and mainly in part to Coach Kiriyama) taught me more life lessons than I would have ever learned. Work ethic, adjusting to the situation you are in and constantly looking to improve in all aspects of life are probably the most impactful areas that I have learned from him and the program.
