March 2009 Student-Athletes of the Month

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.

March 2009

Nick Christiani - Baseball
Senior, Major: Economics

Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?

I chose to attend Vanderbilt because of the terrific mix of academic and athletic opportunities the university offers.

What are your career goals?
My career goals are to pitch in the Major Leagues and to open up my own business after I retire from baseball.

What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
To be academically successful at Vanderbilt, you need to give yourself plenty of time to study and absorb the material for each class. Attending every class and being an active participant also leads to success.

How do you manage your demanding schedule?
Planning ahead and completing assignments in advance helps me stay on top of my work, without running out of time.

What is your ritual before taking a test?
I make sure I have studied all the material, get a good night's sleep, and just relax. I trust that I have done all I can to prepare and the results on the test will take care of themselves.

What is your favorite quote?
"Sorry ‘bout it!" -Larry Day

Why Nick is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
Over the last four years, Nick has evolved into a great leader and an excellent role model. This past summer, Nick was selected in the MLB draft, but elected to forgo this selection and return to Vanderbilt for his senior year. This decision was a huge gain for the University and the baseball program. Academically, Nick has steadily improved each semester, earning SEC Academic Honor Roll status last school year. Nick is a great teammate, tough competitor, and a hardworker. He is trustworthy, honest, and has a witty personality. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Nick. He has made me a better person and counselor and I am excited to see where life takes Nick. -Katie Feyes

Carter Foote - Lacrosse

Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?

I loved the team and I thought it provided a great balance between academics and lacrosse.

What are your career goals?
I want to eventually work for a sports advertising firm.

What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
I think you have to keep up with your work and not let it get ahead of you.

How do you manage your demanding schedule?
I try not to stress out and I make to-do lists.

What is your ritual before taking a test?
I review the material and make sure I have an extra pen with me.

What is your favorite quote?
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great." -Tom Hanks in the movie "A League of their Own"

Why Carter is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
Carter is an extremely friendly, considerate, and caring individual. She is a role model for her peers as she embodies the values and ideals of a Vanderbilt student-athlete. Since her arrival she has been an active participant in service to the community through various athletic and Panhellenic initiatives. Carter continues to excel in the classroom and is on target to earn SEC Academic Honor Roll recognition at the end of the term. She had a breakout season last year, pacing the team with 35 goals and earning Second Team All-Conference honors. This year the team will rely heavily on Carter’s leadership and skilled play as they strive to reach the postseason for an unprecedented third straight year. It has been a pleasure working with Carter and I wish her the very best in the years to come. -Shawn Fagan

Past Recipients...

January 2005