Student-Athletes of the Month
*The Student-Athletes of the Month are selected on the basis of the all-around student-athlete...effort and excellence in academics, leadership, integrity, dedication to team, campus involvement, community service, and the ability to serve as a role model for current and future VU students and student-athletes.
August 2005
Cameron Betourne - Baseball
Junior, Major: Communications
 Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
As much as I'd like to give credit to the wonderful city of Nashville, I must admit that it was the hard work and dedication of the baseball program that got my attention. I knew this would be a place where I would come out a better pitcher and also a better person. Along with the excellent education I would be receiving at Vanderbilt, it was impossible to turn it down.
What are your career goals?
I would love to continue playing baseball professionally. The coaching here is top notch, and if I keep making progress with the knowledge of the game I continually receive from them, professional ball is possible.
What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
Obviously, a lot of hours studying. Time management is the biggest thing, especially as an athlete. It is almost necessary sometimes to stay up studying, writing papers, etc. until you find yourself with your face planted in an open text book the next morning.
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
Spending most of my time at the baseball field, it is important to get as much work done whenever possible, like in between classes, or if I have a little time before practice. It's complicated....but it's part of my life.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
I drink a large coffee with 5 sugars and a good amount of cream.
What is your favorite quote?
It's like when Dumbledore said to Harry in the Chamber of Secrets, "It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
Why Cameron is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
Cameron is a very dedicated, perseverant, and hard-working individual. While at Vanderbilt, he has transitioned into a very studious student-athlete and will not settle for anything less than the high expectations he has set for himself. Cameron is a wonderful person and I look forward to seeing big things from him in the future. --Katie Feyes
Kelechi Ohanaja - Football
Peabody Graduate Student, Master of Education
 Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
The combination of excellent academics and athletics.
What are your career goals?
To be a lawyer or professor.
What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
Time management and teacher rapport.
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
Time management.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
A nice long shower followed by one hour of TV and a light breakfast.
What is your favorite quote?
"A man's work is never done."
Why Kelechi is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
I have known Kelechi for five years, since the first day he stepped on campus. In that time, Kelechi has proven himself to be an inspiration both academically and athletically. During his first semester at Vanderbilt, Kelechi struggled a bit academically; however, his innate intelligence and remarkable dedication and perseverance carried him through. I am proud to say that Kelechi, now in his fifth year at Vanderbilt, is a graduate student in Peabody working toward his Master of Education degree. Kelechi generously helps incoming student-athletes every year, sharing his experience with them and helping them to navigate their way. He is a leader both on the field and off. It has been a pleasure to get to know and work with Kelechi over these five years. --Elizabeth Wright
Past Recipients...
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
Academic Support for Student-Athletes | Vanderbilt University
Department of Student Athletics | 2601 Jess Neely Drive | Nashville, TN 37212
Phone (615) 343-0444 |
