NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Part of an ongoing series, VUCommodores.com catches up with former Vanderbilt soccer great Janis Rose Hurter.
Hurter graduated from Vanderbilt in 1992 after a successful soccer and track and field career and then completed a master’s degree in 1994.
Hurter recently took some time for a Q&A to update her life and career:
VUCommodores.com: What is your occupation these days, or what did you do before you retired?
Hurter: “Corporate account manager for Hercules Inc. before retiring.”
How has COVID-19 affected you and your family?
“Overall the distance learning for our high school sophomore and freshman has been going really well thanks to the proactive and nimble responses by (their respective high schools) here in Sacramento (California). Brownie, our chocolate lab, has immensely enjoyed the extra attention and walks during the day! We sometimes eat all three meals together at the same time which has been awesome.”
What has been the hardest adjustment?
“For me, it is not being able to hug people I care about and love. Physical distancing has been really important for me as I have been finishing my final chemo rounds for breast cancer over the past few months.”
What has been the most pleasant surprise in these circumstances?
“I have been able to plan, prepare and experiment with more recipes.”
What was your all-time favorite moment as a Commodore?
“Personal records in the discus and javelin at my final SEC competition for track and field and finishing tied for second in javelin that meet and sixth in discus at the time extending my all-time VU records. Also, signing my letter of intent to accept the first female soccer scholarship for Vanderbilt women’s soccer would also be on the top of my list of all-time favorite moments.”
What do you miss most in the sports world right now?
“March Madness.”
Any advice or words of wisdom to Commodore Nation to help us get through this thing?
“Stay strong and vigilant.”
Anything else you’d like to say about your time at Vanderbilt or what you’ve been up to since you left?
“I’ve been an alumnae interviewer with VUCorps and value that experience assisting our amazing school in the admissions process. Also, my husband Drew (Bachelor of Engineering ’92 and VU athletic student trainer) and I have been paying it forward every year with donations to the engineering school and women’s soccer and track and field programs.
“I actively volunteer as a foundation board of trustee for Alpha Chi Omega and on staff for the American Legion Auxiliary Volunteer Girls State program. I’ve been coaching competitive soccer and at our local junior college as an assistant for the past 10 years.”
