Vanderbilt soccer alums stretch far and wide and we’re excited to hear from them about their fondest Commodore memories. Monthly, we feature a former Commodore as Vanderbilt continues to connect Dores past with present.
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Resides: Nashville, Tenn.
Profession: Business Strategy & Data Analytics
How did your time at Vanderbilt prepare you for life after college?
Competing every day at such a high level both academically and athletically honestly just makes a lot of other things in life less daunting.
When’s the last time you were on campus? How has it changed since your playing days?
I was on campus just a few months ago to watch the game against Memphis. The campus is as beautiful as it ever was, and admittedly, it’s hard not to be jealous seeing all the great renovations to McGugin.
What originally attracted you to Vanderbilt?
The opportunity to compete in the SEC, go to school on a beautiful campus, in a cool city, while earning a prestigious degree … I mean, what else can you ask for?
Favorite thing about Vanderbilt?
This is tough, but I think I have to go with the people. I feel so much gratitude to the coaching staff (including Melby, of course), professors, teammates, classmates and friends who both challenged and supported me in ways that helped me grow tremendously as a person.
Favorite Vanderbilt Soccer moment(s)?
I could pick a big moment, but it’s really small things – the smell of fresh cut grass, the endless practices, time in the training room, playing under the lights, laughs shared in the locker room, crosswords on the bus – that are the memories I cherish the most.
How often do you keep in touch with your former teammates?
Quite often! I frequently get together with some of the girls who live in the area, including players I didn’t overlap with but met through the alumni events!
Advice for current players?
As a student-athlete, you’re likely to experience higher highs and lower lows. Enjoy the heck out of the highs, and take comfort in the fact that as you endure the lows, you’re building unique strengths that will set you up for success in your future.
For more Alumni Spotlights:
–Brittany Thomas, Class of 2015
–Katie Bartley, Class of 2000
