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.
 February 2012
Megan Gornet - Women's Tennis
Senior, Major: Biological Science: Molecular & Cellular
Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
 I chose to attend Vanderbilt for its perfect blend of academic and athletic excellence. Most importantly, Vanderbilt students are well-rounded in all aspects of life. Few schools can maintain a high level of academic rigor or athletic prowess, and Vanderbilt manages to do both!
What are your career goals?
My goal is to become a doctor, and I am particularly interested in becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
To be academically successful at Vanderbilt, a student must be disciplined and willing to make sacrifices. My career as a student-athlete has enhanced my approach to my studies, as I have become more organized and efficient while studying. Similarly, the demand of our schedule requires that we are not always able to do the "fun" thing, like many of my non-athlete friends have time for. Understanding the sacrifices one must make in order to obtain desired results is essential.
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
In order to manage my demanding schedule, I must always plan ahead. Because of the time commitment to tennis, I have to always plan my schedule to allow for studying. Similarly, tennis requires individual practice as well. I study ahead of time in order to spend a few extra hours on the court each week.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
In preparing for a test, I always go through each and every lecture at least three times. First, I record all of my lectures and listen and transcribe them in a notebook. After rereading what I have transcribed, I go back and highlight the most important comments from the professor's lecture. I reread every lecture until I have nearly memorized what comes next on the page. I am then ready for my test!
What is your favorite quote?
"Do or do not. There is no try."
Why Megan is a Student-Athlete of the Month...
Megan has been a true role model and scholar athlete for the last three years at Vanderbilt University. She has proven to be not only an exceptional student, but also a good leader for the women’s tennis team. Megan is also actively involved as a representative on the University Honor Council. In the classroom, she has excelled in a difficult major, being named to the Dean’s List in five of her seven semesters, and the SEC Academic Honor Roll for the last three years. Megan plans to attend medical school after she completes her undergraduate studies. There is no doubt that her leadership skills and work ethic will give her continued success in all she does. -Christy Hogan
Zac Stacy - Football
Junior, Major: Educational Studies with a Concentration in Special Education
Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
 I chose to attend Vandy because frankly, you can’t go wrong with Vandy: An opportunity to play in the best conference in the nation, and the opportunity to excel in one of the top schools in the nation as well. Just can’t beat that.
What are your career goals?
To pursue a career in the NFL. I also see myself in a classroom or in the educational field.
What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
Resources and Networking: Use them and get to know regular students rather than athletes.
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
Time Management: Being able to manage time for academics and athletics is key.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
Pray.
What is your favorite quote?
Never Let Yesterday’s Disappointment Overshadow Tomorrow’s Dream. -- Unknown
Why Zac is a Student-Athlete of the Month...
Zac is an exemplary student, athlete, and person. For each semester he has been at Vanderbilt, he has improved. In the classroom, he achieved SEC Academic Honor Roll this past fall; on the football field, he achieved the all-time single season rushing record. In his major in Educational Studies with a concentration in Special Education, Zac has worked in various Metro School classrooms, where he has been an excellent support to the Metro teachers, and an outstanding role model to the students. He would like to play in the NFL, and then work as a Special Education teacher, and a principal. The world needs more people like Zac Stacy, and I feel privileged for having the opportunity to know him. -Elizabeth Wright
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Academic Support for Student-Athletes | Vanderbilt University
Department of Student Athletics | 2601 Jess Neely Drive | Nashville, TN 37212
Phone (615) 343-0444 |
