June 2006 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.

June 2006

Ryan Davis - Baseball

I decided on Vanderbilt because it offers a good coaching staff, good facilities, good players and tough academics.

My career goal is to take baseball as far as a I can and I will figure out the rest after that.

To be academically successful at Vanderbilt you have to pay attention in class. Therefore, when you look over the material before a test it is familiar.

I manage my schedule by concentrating on school in the morning, baseball in the afternooon, and a little of both at night.

I usually study lightly two nights before the test, then study hard the night before the test, and leave time in the morning to get a good meal and review everything briefly before I take the test.

"I've never known a man worth his salt who in the long run, deep down in his heart, didn't appreciate the grind, the discipline - I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear, is that moment he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle- Victorious." --Vince Lombardi

Why Ryan is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .

In his two years at Vanderbilt, Ryan Davis has developed into an exemplary student-athlete. He is a polite, caring, and personable individual who works extremely hard in the classroom and on the baseball field. Academically, nothing can get in his way to achieve the high standards he has set for himself. He is willing to put in the extra time and effort to improve his grade in each and every class he takes. Athletically, he recognized what he needed to accomplish to become a starter on the team and did so. He has emerged into a great leader and example for his teammates and the Vanderbilt community. Ryan will be very successful in life due to his dedication and confidence, and his hard-working, perseverant, and enthusiastic nature. --Katie Feyes

Jen Risper - Women's Basketball

I chose Vandy because of the oppportunity to compete at the highest level of athletics and to get a great education. This school had everything I prayed for.

I'm not sure what I want to do as a career, but I do know that I want to help people and be involved in athletics.

It takes time and hard work. For me, tutors and having a good relationship with my teachers helps. They are so helpful!

It is hard to stay focused all the time, but you just have to stick to your priorities and learn from your experiences.

Usually I get nervous, but I try to stay positive and confident. I think it's good to have a good snack while testing.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some of us; its in everyone.
And, as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." --Marianne Williamson

Why Jen is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .

Jen Risper has proven that she has what it takes to be a successful student-athlete at Vanderbilt. At the end of the basketball season her team voted her "Most Improved". But, being "Most Improved" goes beyond the basketball court; she would be my vote for "Most Improved" in the classroom as well. Jen has worked extremely hard to improve from her first semester. She is a motivated, determined, and conscientious student-athlete. I know she will reach all her goals she sets out before her. Jen has a natural ability to get the most from those around her while maintaining a great sense of humor. She is a joy to work with, and I believe her professors, coaches, classmates and teammates would agree. She is well-deserving of a Student-Athlete of the Month recognition. --Christy Hogan

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