Name: Colby Belflower DeCesare

Family: Mom, Sandra DeCesare; Dad, Bob DeCesare; Brothers, Bobby and Blake DeCesare

Hometown: Valdosta, Georgia

Current Town: Athens, Georgia

What Years at UGA: January 2017 to May 2019

School/Degree: Mary Frances Early College of Education

Profession: Sports Management: Georgia Athletics – Director of Facility Operations and Maintenance

‌What life lessons did you learn while at UGA?

I will forever be thankful for my time as a student at UGA. I learned how to be self-sufficient, how to multi-task, and became a better person. I learned how to be a good friend, study partner, and a Damn Good Dawg. Athens is a special place, made by the people who live, work, and study here. Although I was not here all four years of undergrad, I made a lifetime of memories in my two and a half years in school.

‌What professor did you most admire?

It is hard to pick out just one professor. I would have to say that all the teachers in the sports management department are admirable. Since I was also working for Athletics while I was in school, they understood the need for hands on development as well as being in the classroom.

‌What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I consider my greatest achievement to be my time with UGA Athletics. I started as a student assistant in February of 2017 at 19 years old and by September of 2024 at 27 years old I am now the Director of Facility Operations and Maintenance. That achievement in seven and a half years is something I am proud of.

‌Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Walt Disney, he had a dream and made the impossible happen. Who wouldn’t want to strive to do something like that?

‌Who are your heroes in real life?

My parents are my heroes. My dad passed away three years ago, and he was my rock as I grew up. He always wanted what was best for me and strived every day to provide for his family. My mom is my best friend and sounding board. She provides stability in my life and is the strongest woman I know. I look up to her in every aspect of life.

‌Quote to live by:

“That’s the real trouble with the world, too many people grow up” – Walt Disney

‌What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Beach with an iced cold beer and sunny and 75 degrees with good food. Put that all together and I will be forever content.

‌What is your most marked characteristic?

Compassion. I feel like I am a very compassionate person who sees the best in people.

‌What do you most value in your friends?

Loyalty. There is nothing better than a loyal friend.

‌If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I wouldn’t change anything. I am fearfully and wonderfully made, by God, in his vision.