From the Starting Line to the Finish Line: A First-Gen Roadrunner’s Story

You know what it’s like to be the first one on your team to do something—the first to make a clutch shot, the first to break a record. But what if you’re the first one in your entire family to even play the game of college? That’s what it means to be a first-generation student-athlete, and at UTSA, you’re not alone.

Alexandria Gulotta, a new Athletics Academic Coordinator for men’s basketball and track & field, knows exactly what that’s like. She was the first in her family to graduate from college, and now she’s on your team, helping you navigate the playbook of college life.

Q: What does being a first-generation college graduate mean to you?

Alexandria Gulotta: “It means opportunity. Earning my degrees opened so many doors I never would have known existed.”

Q: What makes the first-gen experience so unique?

Alexandria Gulotta: “It’s a whole new world. Your family is your biggest fan, but they might not fully understand the game. There’s a unique pressure to succeed, not just for yourself, but to make them proud.”

Q: Why is it so important for you to be at a school like UTSA, where there are so many first-gen students?

Alexandria Gulotta: “It’s a huge source of pride. I get to use my own experience to help others succeed. I can be the coach and mentor that helped me through my own college journey.”

Q: How important is being an athlete for first-gen students?

Alexandria Gulotta: “Athletics are a game-changer. They instantly plug you into a community and a team. You’re not just a student; you’re a Roadrunner. It makes a big campus feel like home.”

Q: What is the most valuable trait you bring to your job?

Alexandria Gulotta: “Empathy and understanding. I’ve walked in your shoes. I know the unique pressures and I know how to help you find success.”

Q: What’s your top advice for other first-gen student-athletes?

Alexandria Gulotta: “Ask for help when you need it. Embrace every moment. And remember that the hard work you put in today will pay off later, on the court and in your career.”