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.
 December 2011
Brandon Barden - Football
Senior, Major: Special Education
Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
 I chose to come to Vanderbilt because of the great education and a chance to play in the best football conference in the world.
What are your career goals?
My career goals are to graduate from college, play in the NFL, and then have my own hunting show.
What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
It takes a steady work ethic and the will to want to succeed.
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
I deal with my demanding schedule by taking everything day by day. I try to cherish each day and get the most out of it.
What is your favorite quote?
"Everyone is entitled to their own incorrect opinion.” –Brian Vaszily
Why Brandon is a Student-Athlete of the Month...
Brandon demonstrates what it means to be a true student-athlete. Most recently Brandon was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll for his achievements in the classroom. Athletically, Brandon was named second team All-SEC by Associated Press after the 2010 season. Brandon is scheduled to complete his degree this month. His leadership and personal work ethic will be missed both on and off the field. I look forward to watching Brandon’s continued success in all of his future endeavors. -Eugene Henderson
Emily Grant - Women's Soccer
Senior, Major: Classic Civilization
Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
 I chose Vanderbilt because athletically it is a great institution as well as academically. I knew it would prepare me for the future more than adequately.
What are your career goals?
I want to play professionally overseas and then eventually coach at the highest level possible.
What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
Time management and discipline are the keys to being academically successful at Vanderbilt.
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
I manage my schedule through careful planning as well as allowing for time to relax and recharge so as not to get worn down.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
I get really bad test anxiety so before each test I take a few deep breaths to calm myself and clear my mind.
What is your favorite quote?
“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” -Muhammad Ali
Why Emily is a Student-Athlete of the Month...
Emily exemplifies the true meaning of a Vanderbilt student-athlete through her leadership, work ethic, and selfless nature. At every game this season, Emily was in the middle of the huddle insisting her teammates persevere through adversity and find a way to win, proving to be a valuable vocal leader on the team. At every practice, Emily was unyielding in her positive attitude and, as her teammates have said, always had a smile helping the team push through even the toughest days. She has embraced the same drive and positive attitude in her academics at Vanderbilt and will graduate in May with a degree in Classic Civilization. I am thrilled Emily has been selected as Vanderbilt’s Student-Athlete of the Month as she has consistently demonstrated qualities true to an elite athlete and scholar. -Claire Smith
Past Recipients...
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
February 2011
January 2011
December 2010
November 2010
October 2010
August 2010
July 2010
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
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February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
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December 2007
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December 2006
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December 2005
November 2005
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September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
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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 |
