July 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.

July 2007

Mackenzi Adams - Football

Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?

I wanted to attend Vanderbilt because it is a "Top 20" school and I would get to compete in the SEC.

What are your career goals?
Right now I am planning on finishing my undergraduate degree and then hopefully attending graduate school to get a Masters. After that I am not really sure, it just depends on my options I guess.

What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
Basically if you work hard and study, stay on top of your assignments, and believe in yourself, that's really all you can do to be successful.

How do you manage your demanding schedule?
It just becomes natural after you do it for an extended period of time. Freshman year it was a constant struggle just to survive, but you get a routine and all your experiences prepare you for more experiences.

What is your ritual before taking a test?
The day of a test I always wake up at least an hour or two early, go get breakfast at Rand, and I sit at a table in the corner by myself and try to check everything over to make sure I know it.

"Remember, when you are not working, someone, somewhere is, and when you meet them, they will beat you."

Why Mackenzi is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
I have been privileged to work with Mackenzi for two years. He is a leader in the classroom and on the field. He is a model of integrity, focus, loyalty, and drive. In the classroom, Mackenzi has achieved SEC Academic Honor Roll recognition, and has made the Dean's List. He hopes to attain a Masters degree during his time here at Vanderbilt. I look forward to watching Mackenzi's achievements in education and athletics, and have no doubt that he will continue to succeed and inspire those around him. -- Elizabeth Wright

Karen Grygiel - Bowling

Vanderbilt provides so many wonderful opportunities both in academics and athletics. It was a chance of a lifetime to join such a successful and rewarding program.

As of right now, I am pursuing a Human and Organizational Development Major in the Health and Human Services track, along with a minor in Child Development. I love children and I love helping others. That is all I know for now, so we shall see where it takes me.

It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. You really have to stay focused, organized and have your priorities in order.

I relax and try not to let myself get overwhelmed. I plan ahead and keep my work organized. It is the only way you can prevent from falling behind.

Start studying a couple days early, so that way the night before I am just reviewing and do not have to cram. Then I can get a good night's sleep and be relaxed the next day.

What is your favorite quote?

"Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." -Robert Frost

Why Karen is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
I nominated Karen for her outstanding achievements during the 2006-2007 school year. Considered as a consistent performer during bowling's championship season, she won the Mississippi Valley Classic and had three Top 5 finishes. As a result, she made the Honorable Mention All-American team. Karen made tremendous strides during her sophomore year in the classroom as well. She finished the year with the most improved grade point average of all returning players, and made the SEC Honor Roll. In May, she enhanced her learning experience by participating with the study abroad program in Australia. There is no doubt that her leadership skills and work ethic will continue to allow her success in bowling and in the classroom. --Neal Clark

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