NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Some people find their way to the Vanderbilt family – others are born into it.
George Harwell is the latter.
Growing up in Nashville, Tennessee, Harwell was always around Vanderbilt’s campus. He frequently attended sporting events at Vanderbilt.
“I grew up down West End about five minutes away from campus,” Harwell said. “I remember going to all the Vanderbilt football and basketball games growing up.”
Harwell’s affection for Vanderbilt goes beyond growing up in the Music City.
His great grandfather is Fred Russell, a sports journalism legend who played baseball for the Commodores in the 1920’s. To this day, the University has an academic scholarship for students interested in pursuing sports journalism called The Fred Russell-Grantland Rice Scholarship.
Harwell’s grandfather is Sam Harwell who played baseball and tennis at Vanderbilt.
Love for tennis was also passed down the family tree to Harwell, who is in his fourth year in the Vanderbilt program. And although he now plays at the top of the lineup for the Vandy tennis team, Harwell started at the bottom.
As a prep player, Harwell won three individual state championships and one team state championship. Still with his multiple accolades, he was lightly recruited.
“Since I went to Montgomery Bell Academy, I did not get to play in as many tournaments in high school as other kids who may have been homeschooled,” Harwell said. “I had to rely on my high school’s tennis season to showcase myself for college coaches.”
In one of the few tournaments he was able to compete in he played in the finals against one of Vanderbilt’s top players Danny Valent. Although he lost, Harwell played well and the Vanderbilt coaches took notice.
“After the tournament they invited me on an official visit where they offered me,” Harwell said. “I had visits to other schools scheduled but cancelled them immediately because this is where I wanted to be.”
In his freshman year, Harwell made his way into the lineup.
“Individually that is probably one of the accomplishments that I take most pride in,” he said.
Poised for a breakout junior season, Harwell began 2019-2020 on a roll. He went 21-9 in singles matches – four of which were victories against ranked opponents.
Although he fought hard all year, the COVID-19 outbreak cancelled the rest of that season in March. Thinking that he only had one year left, Harwell was bummed.
“When we got the news that the season was canceled, it was tough,” Harwell said. “I thought we were on the brink of some big SEC wins. It left a bad taste in our mouths that will be motivating for this upcoming season.”
Shortly after the season was canceled, the NCAA announced that all spring sport athletes could regain a year of eligibility. Although Harwell never redshirted his freshman year, he was now be able to play a fifth season.
Last week, Harwell was accepted into Vanderbilt’s graduate school where he will be seeking a master’s degree in finance after he graduates in May with a bachelor’s degree in human and organizational development.
Although he does not want to play professionally after college, Harwell wants one more season with his favorite childhood team.
“I want to give everything I have at Vanderbilt and then hang up the racket and move on,” Harwell said. “I will forever be grateful for Vanderbilt.”
— Scott Meyer is a fifth-year senior for the Vanderbilt football program.
