Name: Brett Allen Siegel
JMU Sport Program: Football
Class Year: 2017
Where was your hometown when you were a JMU student-athlete?
My hometown was Leesburg, Virginia.
What JMU varsity sport did you participate in, what years did you participate, what was your jersey number and what position did you play?
I played football as a long snapper and outside linebacker. #41
What was your major/minor while studying at JMU?
While I was a student-athlete at JMU, I earned a Bachelor of Science studying Biology and Pre-Dental.
What extracurricular activities were you involved in at JMU? And, what was your role in each of the organizations?
Intervarsity (IV), member, 2013-2017 Role: Justice Team, Spring and Fall 2014One of 9 selected to identify injustices in the Harrisonburg community, communicate and inform members of injustices, and take action in the community.
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, 2016-2017, One of only 2 selected representatives. Provided a voice for JMU student-athletes and to maintain an open channel of communication with athletic administration and the JMU community.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Council, 2016-2017
Judge, “You be the Chemist” Regional Competition, Harrisonburg, VA, 2017 Volunteer, Dentistry from the Heart, 2015, Be the Match Bone Marrow Drive at JMU, 2017 Food Server and Greeter, First Presbyterian Homeless Shelter 2015-2017
Reading, Field Day and Classroom Volunteer - Stone Spring and Kessler Elementary School, Clymore Elementary 2014-2017
Speaker, Luray High School and FCA Power Camp
Research: Christopher Berndsen, Ph.D, James Madison University Biochemistry Undergraduate Research, 2017Producing Science, expressing and purifying proteins
What is your current job title? Where do you work? What is a brief summary of your job description?
I am a Dentist at Norbo Dental. My job description entails Family & General Dentistry, Dental Implants, Oral Surgery, Wisdom Teeth, Orthodontics (Invisalign), Endodontics, Dentures, and Emergency Dental Appointments.
Are you working in the field you thought you would when you were in school at JMU, or have you gone in a different direction?
I majored in biology and pre-dental, so the short answer is yes. However, it was a long journey, with five additional years of schooling after JMU. While my aspiration was always to pursue this career path, it's still somewhat surreal to me that I followed through with the plan that began at JMU.
Please share any additional information about what you've been up to since your days as a JMU student-athlete.
Woodgrove High School Varsity and JV football coach, Fall 2023 – Present
Virginia Dental Association Council of Government Affairs; May 2023-present Protect the interests of the dental profession and the public in all matters related to dentistry in the state and federal legislatures and with the Virginia State Board of Dentistry.
Virginia Dental Association Board of Directors; 2021-2023 Setting broad policies and making important decisions as a fiduciary on behalf of the patients of the state of Virginia and its shareholders. Only 1 student is selected in the school to serve in this position during term.
VCU School of Dentistry Chapter President; May 2020- June 2022; Richmond, VA President of Student Body, Presiding officer of Student Governance Committee meetings, Chairman of the Student Executive Committee, Ex-Officio member of all SGC committees, Official voting delegate (First Delegate) to the ASDA House of Delegates Annual Session. The presidents must submit a report to the Dean, and the Student Body. Act as a voting delegate to the VDA House of Delegates. The president must submit a report to the SGC, and the Student Body. Member of the Richmond Dental Society Board of Directors. To organize Skit Night for the entire school once per academic year.
Election Officer, November 2021-November 2023; City of Richmond, VA Set up voting equipment, Check voter IDs and check names on the electronic poll book. Provide assistance and instructions in using the voting machines. Tabulate the results at the close of the polls.
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How has your academic and athletic experience from JMU prepared you for your personal and professional life following your time on campus as a student-athlete?
My academic and athletic experiences at JMU have played a pivotal role in shaping my personal and professional life beyond my time as a student-athlete on campus. Academically, JMU provided me with a strong foundation in time management, discipline, and the ability to balance rigorous coursework with the demands of being an athlete. These skills have proven invaluable in my professional career, where I've been able to handle complex projects, meet deadlines, and maintain a strong work ethic.
What is your favorite campus memory?
College Gameday coming to JMU for the first time.
Check out the breeze article here!
Do you have a favorite moment from your experience as a student-athlete?
Winning the national championship and pouring Gatorade on Coach Houston.
Who were your most influential staff member(s) and/or mentor(s) during your time JMU? (and how were they affiliated with you...coach, professor, teammate, parent, sibling, etc.) And, what is the best advice you received from them?
John Bowers, the position coach. Best advice I received from Coach Bowers is “You can't control the outcome, but you can control the effort you put in.”
What did your time as a JMU student-athlete mean to you?
My time as a JMU student-athlete was nothing short of transformative. It meant everything to me. If you cracked open my skull, I would bleed purple and gold—such was the depth of my connection to the university. Being a part of the JMU community, particularly as a student-athlete, was a profound experience that shaped not only my collegiate years but also my outlook on life.
What was your favorite part of being a JMU student-athlete?
My favorite part of being a JMU student-athlete was the sense of camaraderie and the tight-knit community we had within our team and the broader JMU athletics family. There's something incredibly special about working closely with a group of teammates who share the same passion and dedication for your sport.
What did you love most about your team and JMU Athletics?
What I loved most about my team and JMU Athletics was the incredible sense of camaraderie and the unforgettable moments we shared. The locker room, in particular, was a special place. It was more than just a space to prepare for games; it was where we bonded, celebrated victories, and supported each other through the challenges.
Did you have any competition/game day traditions or superstitions? (wearing the same socks, not washing your jersey, reciting something before you competed, etc.)
Singing the fight song after every win was my favorite tradition that coach withers brought to the program.
Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself starting out as a student-athlete at JMU? What advice do you give to current JMU student-athletes to help encourage them during their journey at JMU?
To current JMU student-athletes, I would emphasize the same message. Cherish the moments on the field and in the locker room, but always keep in mind that your academic journey is equally important. Sports provide valuable life skills, but your education opens doors to endless possibilities. Your time as a student-athlete at JMU is a unique and precious chapter in your life. Embrace the lessons, the friendships, and the memories it offers, but also remember that your education is your ticket to long-term success. Sports may not last forever, but the skills and knowledge you gain through your education will stay with you for a lifetime.
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