August 2007 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 role models for current and future VU students and student-athletes.

August 2007

Ryan Preston - Men's Tennis

Senior, Major: Economics, Minor: Financial Economics, Managerial Studies: Leadership and Organization

Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?

For me, Vanderbilt was the best combination of tennis and good academics. Also, the people I met on campus during my visit were great. Oh, and of course, Hendrix room sold me.

What are your career goals?
I want to play tennis after college and go as far as I can with it. After that, I'm not sure as of yet. Probably something dealing with finance or banking.

What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
It's all about balance. You need to know when to push it in the classroom, but also when to ease back and relax. It's just like anything, you can't push it hard all the time or you'll burn out.

How do you manage your demanding schedule?
I try to prioritize what needs to be done first and what things are most important. Typically, I have my tests, practice, and playing schedule planned out for the semester and I try to always look 2 weeks ahead. Therefore, school can't sneak up on me and I can devote more time to the team.

What is your ritual before taking a test?
I make sure to give myself two hours on the day of the test to cram.

Why Ryan is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
Ryan Preston personifies the inimitable qualities of a Vanderbilt student-athlete. In the classroom, Ryan’s hard work, discipline and dedication are apparent through his accomplishments: ITA Scholar-Athlete honors, SEC Academic Honor Roll and Dean’s List every semester. He plays the #1 seed for the Commodores and as a result, he competes against the best players from each team and throughout the country. Despite these challenges, Ryan earned All-SEC honors and represented Vanderbilt at the NCAA Singles Championships in the previous two seasons. Ryan hopes to play on the professional tennis circuit upon graduation and regardless of his path, I am confident he will continue to experience success in all he does. --Shawn Fagan

Alexandra Walsh - Swimming and Diving

Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?

I picked Vanderbilt because of its strong Biomedical Engineering department and the abundant opportunities for undergraduates to become involved in research.

What are your career goals?
I plan to attend graduate school and/or medical school after completing my degree at Vanderbilt.

What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
I have found that the best way to be academically successful is to not get behind. Also, I try to take advantage of study sessions, help offered from professors, and services offered by academic support.

How do you manage your demanding schedule?
I try to get lots of rest and stay on top of my classes. Participating on the swim team requires me to be organized and manage my time carefully.

What is your ritual before taking a test?
I try to start studying well in advance for a test so that I am not cramming at the last minute. The day before or of the test, I usually review my notes to refresh my memory.

What is your favorite quote?
“I was like a boy playing on the sea-shore, and diverting myself now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.” --Sir Isaac Newton

Why Alex is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
It has been my honor to work with Alex as an athlete and a student for the past year. She is a remarkably motivated student, a dedicated and hard-working athlete, and a leader by example. As a freshman, she achieved SEC Academic Honor Roll acknowledgment, was named to the Dean’s List, and she was admitted into the ENGAGE Scholars Program for the School of Engineering. With all of her hard work academically, she still made time to become a devoted member of Vanderbilt’s newest varsity team. She has aspirations to continue in the field of biomedical engineering and eventually to go to medical school. I have no doubt that she will be successful in any of her chosen endeavors. Her selflessness, enthusiasm, and effort will surely carry her on to great achievements in the future! --Katie Berglund

Past Recipients...

January 2005

Academic Support for Student-Athletes | Vanderbilt University
Department of Student Athletics | 2601 Jess Neely Drive | Nashville, TN 37212
Phone (615) 343-0444