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 2010
Diana Keenan - Lacrosse
Senior, Majors: Economics, English; Minor: Financial Economics
Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
 I fell in love with Vanderbilt when I first visited campus. I wanted to be at an academically challenging and diverse school, and I was excited to experience Nashville as well. Vanderbilt was a great choice and turned out to be a perfect fit for me.
What are your career goals?
While I'm currently very undecided, my main goal is to blend my passion for business and community service throughout my career.
What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
Hard work, time management and a positive attitude. (Dr. Pepper and a few hours of sleep are also very helpful.)
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
I do my best to stay organized and diligent. However, I would never be able to handle the stressful times without the constant support of my team, friends and family. Knowing that they are always there for me is what truly helps me manage everything.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
Study hard, get a good night's sleep and eat breakfast.
What is your favorite quote?
"Tough times don't last, tough people do." -Gregory Peck
Why is Diana a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
Diana has been a pleasure to work with over the past year. She is a hard worker in her sport and a dedicated teammate. Academically, Diana has consistently made the SEC Academic Honor Roll every semester. Diana was most recently awarded with the 2010 Division I Community Service Award by the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA). More importantly, Diana epitomizes what it means to strive for excellence as a student-athlete. I look forward to her continued success here at Vanderbilt. --Eugene Henderson
Adam Smotherman - Football
Senior, Majors: Secondary Education, History
Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
 I chose to attend Vanderbilt because it had, and still has, the best combination of what I was looking for coming out of high school--one of the top degrees in the nation and playing football for some of the best coaches in the best conference.
What are your career goals?
I am going to take football as far as I can go with it after college. I understand that such a career is not always guaranteed and can end at any time, so I feel that Vanderbilt has prepared me in every way for a career outside of football. I am going to become a collegiate strength and conditioning coach, with teaching and coaching in high school as my back-up plan.
What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
To be academically successful at Vanderbilt it takes dedication, hard work, and discipline. As student-athletes, there are plenty of opportunities for success at Vanderbilt, both on and off the field of play. Being a success at Vanderbilt requires that a person take responsibility for himself/herself and do whatever it takes to make the most of his/her career at the university.
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
I manage my demanding schedule by looking at the bigger picture. Since much of my time is dedicated to school work and bettering myself as an athlete, I have to be disciplined to make sure those things are done to the best of my ability before I make time for extracurricular activities. The bigger picture is that I have been blessed with a great opportunity at Vanderbilt, and it is my obligation to God, my family, and myself to make the most of it.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
Before taking a test, I make a study guide and read over it about 20 times. I feel that I am proficient at retaining concepts and broad ideas from classes, so I use study guides to memorize facts that pertain to those concepts and ideas.
What is your favorite quote?
"The things that are impossible with people are possible with God." --Jesus in Luke 18:27
Why Adam is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
Adam has worked hard to become a well-rounded student-athlete. Academically, Adam received SEC Academic Honor Roll recognition for his accomplishments in the classroom. Athletically, he was elected by his teammates as one of four co-captains to represent the 2010 Commodore football team. Adam is very deserving of this award and I see continued success in his future. --Eugene Henderson
Past Recipients...
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
December 2009
November 2009
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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 |
