May 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.

May 2006

Tim Lonergan - Men's Soccer

I chose to attend Vanderbilt because I felt called to be here by our awesome Lord. During my recruiting visit, I fell in love with Vanderbilt because it is an excellent institution, it is in the beautiful city of Nashville, and I saw that I would be around some really wonderful people. I also was immediately comfortable in this place, since I already knew the coach so well and I had an uncle just ten minutes away.

Right now, I plan to go to Physical Therapy school. I love being around people, and I think it would be really fun to have a job where I could encourage and strengthen a patient/friend that I would regularly see and help along.

I do not know what is considered academically successful, but I know that I am satisfied with the grades/knowledge that I have obtained from Vanderbilt. My strategy is to have a good attitude and get some sleep. As stupid as it sounds, I really just have to believe that I can do it, and that it is possible. I also think it is important to look at what is not working, and reevaluate how you are going to succeed in each class. And the last thing—enjoy what is going on around you, no matter what it is----that will always make you successful.

Managing the schedule is tough, but I have found that having a durable (because I take it everywhere with me) planner is crucial. It is also important to make sure that you are being efficient with whatever you are doing, and even efficient in the “in-between” times.

My ritual before taking a test probably changes every time….but one thing always stays constant. I close my eyes and take a deep breath before even looking at the test.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith.” --2 Timothy 4:7

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

I am so proud of how Tim has worked to achieve both in the classroom and on the soccer field the past two years. He has a tremendous ability to take initiative and communicate with others. I don’t know if he has ever met a stranger. Tim has an excellent work ethic and determination to succeed in everything he does. His focus and effort on academics, soccer, his friendships and his spiritual life are an inspiration. --Mollie Busam

Caitlin Shannon - Women's Cross Country

Vanderbilt had the ideal combination of the intimacy of a smaller private school and the competitive name, academic standards, and opportunities in medical research of the big research-oriented schools. I knew an education at Vanderbilt would help me achieve my post-graduate goals. It was also a great opportunity to be able to work with Jim Spivey, the former women's distance coach. He recruited me to run for Vanderbilt and really opened my eyes to what a great academic institution it is.

I hope to pursue a career in academic medicine, specifically in neurology/neuroscience. I will spend the next eight years obtaining both my medical degree and my PhD from the University of Kentucky, which will prepare me for a career as a physician-scientist.

For me, attending class has a huge effect on academic success. I also found that time management to allow for plenty of time to be devoted outside of class to reading and studying for classes was crucial. Not leaving things to the last minute and utilizing the resources of the academic center also helps.

I have found that there is time to get everything done if you prioritize.
Sometimes this meant studying on the bus to a meet, not wasting time, and focusing on the most important things first.

Before a test I make sure to relax and get a lot of sleep. I find that cramming does me little to no good.

Why Caitlin is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
Caitlin Shannon has been a true role model and scholar athlete for the last four years at Vanderbilt University. Caitlin has been a quiet leader on the women’s cross country team and is a highly respected member of the women’s track program. She has also been an outstanding student during her time here having made the Dean’s List and SEC Academic Honor Roll several times. Caitlin is a graduating senior majoring in Neuroscience and plans to attend medical school after she completes her undergraduate studies. --Max Martin

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