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UREC 251

Esmeralda Hernandez joined UREC in 2026 as a first-year Graduate Assistant (GA), where she oversees aquatics and safety. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Sport and Recreation Leadership with a concentration in Campus Recreation and is expected to graduate in May 2028.

Esmeralda graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. During her time at UCLA, she worked at Pauley Pavilion as an Administrative Coordinator and in Youth & Family Programs as a Site Coordinator. She was also actively involved in UCLA’s Student Affairs department, serving as the Captain of UCLA’s mascot, Josie Bruin, and as President of the Recreation Leadership Council (RLC).

Originally from East Los Angeles, California, Esmeralda enjoys exploring coffee shops and trying their seasonal drinks, attending Bible studies, spending time at the beach with her husband, and watching Star Wars. She is excited to explore the East Coast, visit all of the Hamilton monuments, and immerse herself in JMU culture-- from UREC programs and events to football and basketball games.