February-Vanderbilt 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.

February 2005

Joe Germanese - Men's Soccer

Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
I chose Vanderbilt for its good academic reputation and beautiful facilities.

I'll try to play soccer as long as I can and then probably go into business or to law school.

What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
To be academically successful at Vanderbilt, you have to be extremely organized, focused, and willing to work pretty hard.

How do you manage your demanding schedule?
It is tough at times, but you just have to make sure you maintain a good balance between having fun and working hard.

Why Joe is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
Joe Germanese is a talented soccer player, but more importantly is extremely focused in the classroom. He sets high goals for himself and continues to have high expectations academically. He was selected to the 2004 Missouri Valley Conference Honor Roll and plans on majoring in Economics. Although a freshman, he has the ability to be an excellent role model and leader for his peers. I’ve enjoyed working with Joe during his first year at Vanderbilt. It has been a pleasure watching him mature and achieve in the classroom. I look forward to great things in the future. --Mollie Busam

Erica Grimaldi - Women's Basketball

Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
God really opened up a door for me to be at Vanderbilt University. I was going to walk onto the women’s basketball team at Xavier University and then Coach Balcomb got the job at Vanderbilt in June of 2002. She called me a few days later and offered me a scholarship. I was not sure where Vanderbilt was located at the time, but I am so thankful Coach gave me this opportunity and that I am here.

What are your career goals?
My career goal is to work with underprivileged kids and to be a positive voice in their lives, while I learn from them. I am not really sure whether I will work in the schools, a community center, or something completely different, but it will be great.

What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
Good time management. During your sport season, it is almost easier because you do not have the time to procrastinate.

How do you manage your demanding schedule?
The most important thing for me is to write everything down in a planner. When I do this, I know before the start of the week how many tests and papers I have to complete. Therefore, I am not stuck with three papers that I have not started until the night before.

What is your ritual before taking a test?
I really do not have a specific ritual other than trying to be as prepared as possible so I am confident when I take the test.

I have lots of favorite quotes, but this is one I read the other day on the wall at McGugin and liked:

"This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today is very important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving something in its place I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss...good, not evil...success, not failure in order that I shall not forget the price I paid for it!"

Why Erica is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
Erica’s basketball team voted her “Most Studious” and I can not agree more. Erica realizes the value and importance of an education and will stop at nothing to achieve success. She is a leader amongst her peers and a wonderful role model to look up to. Erica is a very special, hard-working, and dedicated student-athlete. --Katie Feyes

Mario Moore - Men's Basketball

Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
I chose to attend Vanderbilt because it is close to my home and I would receive a good education.

I would like to be successful in life and provide the opportunity for my mom to not have to work.

The most important skills needed in college are time management, dedication, and brainpower.

It depends on how serious the test is…if it is a final exam, I study the entire night before, get three hours sleep, and wake up to study more before the exam…if it is a quiz, I review the notes and go from there.

Why Mario is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
Mario not only excels on the basketball court, but in the classroom as well. He truly realizes the importance of academic success and demonstrates each day what it means to be a good citizen. His exceptional work ethic and dedication, on and off the court, serve as the basis to Mario’s role model status.

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