Commencement 2018 profile: Sarah Ngo

The highlights of aspiring singer-songwriter Sarah Ngo’s time at Binghamton University are too much for a four-minute song.

The student-athlete received her bachelor’s degree in three years; excelled on the volleyball court; worked with groups such as InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and the Special Olympics; and even found time to plan her upcoming wedding. Ngo will receive her master’s degree in marketing from the School of Management on May 18.

“God’s plan has always been greater than my own,” she said. “Through college, I made lifelong friends, I met my future husband, I was successful in volleyball and I am getting my master’s when that was never the plan.”

Ngo, a 22-year-old from Franklin, Tenn., chose Binghamton University after being offered a scholarship to play volleyball. Being part of the School of Management also played a role in Ngo’s decision, as she enjoys studying television advertisements, the importance of brand and consumer behavior.

“I’m the only person I know who likes watching commercials,” she said. “I was always fascinated with advertising, production and why (companies) chose what they did in commercials.”

Ngo completed her undergraduate education by the end of her junior year and decided to spend her final year at Binghamton pursuing a master’s degree in SOM. She admitted that the balance was initially challenging, especially trying to collaborate with graduate-student classmates while often on the road with her volleyball teammates.

“I not only took master’s classes during my fourth year, but also was on (a credit) overload during volleyball season,” she said. “I was nervous about it, but I decided I wasn’t going to let fear hold me back from doing this.

“SOM is all about community and the relationships you make. I’ve had great relationships with my professors and students in the program. There is a sense of camaraderie – you get to know each other.”

Like many student-athletes, Ngo stressed the importance of time structure and management.

“Sometimes I felt when we weren’t in season that I slacked off a little even though I had more time to do my work,” she said. “But when you have practices every day and have to return to gym and lift (weights) and you know you are leaving Thursday and missing classes for road games, you need to stay on top of your academics.”

Ngo always advised her younger volleyball teammates to communicate and connect with their professors.

“They need to know your face,” she said of faculty. “If it’s sports or any predicament you have – if they know you, they’ll be more willing to work with you on things.”

Ngo’s advice is indicative of the leadership she showed on the volleyball team. As a setter, Ngo served as the quarterback on the court, calling plays and managing the offense and defense. She learned a lot during her freshman year while backing up All-America East star Amanda Dettmann.

“She showed me what it meant to be a leader, hold people accountable and be a setter in a Division 1 program,” Ngo said. “You pay your dues and take your time. The next year I was ready to go.”

The Bearcats made the conference tournament during Ngo’s sophomore and junior seasons. Ngo was named team MVP as a sophomore and earned spots on the America East all-conference second team and America East all-academic team as a junior.

As a senior, Ngo was named team captain with roommate Lexi Lagoy. The team not only advanced to the conference finals by beating defending champion New Hampshire, but Ngo was named America East Setter of the Year and chosen as America East Volleyball Scholar-Athlete for fall 2017. The honor goes to student-athletes with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 who have played a significant role on their team.

“Sarah was at her best under pressure with her calm demeanor and never-ending effort,” volleyball coach Glenn Kiriyama said. “She was a consistent performer who worked hard to be the best and, selflessly, often lent her time helping others on and off the court.”

Ngo is able to stay busy off the court and outside the classroom as a Special Olympics volunteer, a member of the Johnson City Mentoring Program and as a worship leader for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Joining the latter group as a freshman was a “turning point,” Ngo said.

“My faith means a lot to me,” she said. “I think it’s the main reason I can do all of these things. It’s through the strength of Jesus in me.”

Ngo met her fiancé through Bible study with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Trey McIntyre is also receiving his master’s degree this month (in biomedical engineering). He was a part of a Watson School team that constructed a prosthetic hand for Binghamton University Dining Services employee Susan Reigel. Ngo and McIntyre are planning a July 28 wedding in Tennessee.

After graduation, Ngo plans to pursue a music career. She started playing piano at age 5 and then performed onstage with her mother, who was a singer in a bluegrass group. Ngo later taught herself how to play guitar and ukulele.

At Binghamton University, she sang with a capella groups, performed at TEDx and athletic banquets and had a role in the Dickinson Community Players’ production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical.”

“I’d go to the practice rooms in Fine Arts just to write songs on piano,” she said. “Sometimes I’d bring the ukulele.”

Ngo, who described her sound as alternative pop with a voice that is a mix of Regina Spektor, Sara Bareilles and Sarah McLachlan, said she wants to use her marketing education to work on a YouTube channel, make connections in the music industry and play live.

“If there’s a time to do it, it’s now,” she said. “It’s been a dream of mine since I was itty-bitty. I put it on hold for college and volleyball. The dream hasn’t left me. I should do it while I can.”

But the Binghamton University experience has still struck a chord with Ngo.

“Binghamton invests in you,” she said. “My advisors in athletics are always wanting to know how you are doing. Binghamton cares about you. Both Binghamton University and the School of Management invest in you as a person – not just as a student or as an athlete.”