Since Vanderbilt opened its doors, student-athletes have represented the university in the field of competition.
As we celebrate our Sesquicentennial, the moments, feats and championships that brought our community together help stitch together the story of our first 150 years. And as we look to what is possible in the years to come, Commodores continue to lead the way.
As part of Vanderbilt’s yearlong Sesquicentennial celebration, the student-athlete feature series will share the stories of current student-athletes who embody the university’s “dare to grow” motto. They play different sports, pursue different majors and hold different dreams for how to change the world, but they share the curiosity, competitiveness and collaborative spirit that continue to make Commodores our university’s greatest ambassadors.
Encompassing every varsity sport and continuing through March 2024, these are the stories of student-athletes pursuing championships today and preparing to lead the innovations of tomorrow—in everything from climate change to internet security and neuroscience.
Honoring our traditions and building our future, these are today’s student-athletes.
Célia-Belle Mohr
World on Her Racket
By daring to grow at every turn, Célia-Belle Mohr steered a course from the south of France to Vanderbilt.
by Graham Hays
Célia-Belle Mohr’s first steps in tennis came with a gentle push: She didn’t so much choose to pick up a racket as accept the one placed in her hands by a loving mother.
But her path from being the child of a soccer player in the south of France to living, studying and playing SEC tennis in the home of country music was forged with steps of Mohr’s own making.
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Gordon Sargent
The Moulding of a Masters Amateur
Gordon Sargent’s golf game a combination of power, maturity
by Chad Bishop
All eyes of the gallery had been conditioned Tuesday to crane to see how Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka were doing for their practice rounds on the front nine at the Augusta National Golf Club. But soon enough, heads were turning and queries were made as to who the third member of the threesome was—the one in the light purple shirt?
Gordon Sargent continued to impress in his buildup to the Masters Tournament, which begins Thursday, with another day of epic drives and unflappable demeanor. The Vandy sophomore spent three hours on the pristine course taking in lessons from the two pros while simultaneously continuing to make a name for himself before the world’s largest golf event even begins.
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Celina Sattelkau
A Good Walk Savored
All-American Celina Sattelkau feels at peace on a golf course. It’s why she keeps coming back.
by Graham Hays
For Celina Sattelkau, there always has been more to golf than completing a round in fewer shots than her opponent. From the beginning, before there were trophies and spectators, being on the golf course offered tranquility. That, to her, is the game’s greatest allure.
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Mabel Cummins
Cummins Turns Childhood Dreams Into Championship Excellence and Opportunities
Graduating senior leads Dores to national title
by Graham Hays
It’s not quite accurate to say that there is nothing to do outdoors in the depth of an Alaskan winter. Mabel Cummins has the photos to prove it. Childhood snapshots show the future Commodore bundled up against winter’s chill, a family sled dog watching over her.
Cummins spent much of her elementary school years in the state. But even for the hardy, growing up in Alaska encourages a familiarity with indoor pursuits. It’s why she has fond memories of watching shows like NCIS and Bones with her grandmother. And weekend evenings weren’t complete until she and her parents ventured to the local bowling center.
Those surroundings would wind up shaping her life’s journey.
