Toms River, NJ - Welcome to OCC Vikings Alumni Check-In, where we hear from former student-athletes and coaches, to learn how their experiences at Ocean County College impacted them, and where they are now.
The list of accolades that Adelle Hickman earned at OCC before her graduation in 2016 is long. She was a two-year member of the NJCAA Region XIX All-Academic teams whose leadership on the volleyball court and softball diamond was an inspiration to her teammates (Adelle was also named to the All-Garden State Athletic Conference and All-Region XIX Teams for both sports). Additionally, Adelle was named Woman of the Year by the Collegiate Athletic Administrators of New Jersey (CAANJ) at the 2016 National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebration, in recognition of her athletic and academic achievements. Adelle is presently employed at New Hope Integrated Behavior Health Care, in Marlboro, NJ.
Years at OCC: 2014-2016
Sport(s) Played: Volleyball and Softball
Current Employer: New Hope Integrated Behavioral Health Care, Marlboro, NJ
Official Job Title: Treatment Associate; I work at an inpatient facility helping adolescents that are addicted to drugs and alcohol.
What made you want to work in the healthcare field? I've always had a desire to help people, specifically children.
What is your favorite memory as an OCC Viking student-athlete? Going to Nationals with my softball team in 2016. We went to Minnesota and it was such a great experience with a wonderful group of girls, coaches, and families.
During your time at Ocean, who was a person who had an impact on you, and why? Each one of my coaches and teammates had an impact on my life. Specifically, Coach Bob, Coach Mickey, and Coach Elise for softball and Coach Brett for volleyball because all of these coaches were so passionate about the sport and their team. They cared about us not only on the field or court, but also off of it. We made so many great memories together laughing, crying, screaming, and winning!
What is something you are thankful for? I am thankful for my family and for being healthy.
What is something you do to relieve stress? To relieve stress I go for a walk with my dog, or work out.
What advice would you offer people to help in the fight against COVID-19? To help fight against COVID-19, everyone needs to STAY HOME! Unless you are an essential worker, or you need to get food for you and your family, you should not be leaving your house. If you are an essential worker or going to grocery stores, keep yourself clean by washing your hands before and after. Do not visit your friends or family that lives outside of your house. Let’s stop the spread together!
Are you a former OCC Viking interested in sharing your story? We'd love to hear from you! Please reach out to Athletics Technical Coordinator Kevin Byrne (kbyrne@ocean.edu) for more information!