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.
May 2008
Caroline Ferrell - Women's Tennis
Senior, Major: Interdisciplinary - Neuroscience
Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
 It offered a great combination of academics and tennis. I also really liked the fact that Vanderbilt was in Nashville.
What are your career goals?
I am heading to dental school next year, but I am not sure which specialty I want to do.
What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
I think the most important thing to being successful is being organized.
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
It has definitely been an adjustment, but I try to stay on top of my work as much as possible. I also make lots of lists to make sure I get everything done.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
I normally try not to study too late the night before a test. I like to get up early and review the material for a bit. I also give myself about an hour break before taking the test.
What is your favorite quote?
“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome." --Arthur Ashe
Why Caroline is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
Throughout her tenure at Vanderbilt, Caroline has been a model of consistency in all her endeavors. She is a four-year starter who has earned All-SEC recognition and has helped her team advance to the postseason in every year. In 2007-08 she served as the President of the Student Athlete Advisory Board which, among other things, entailed organizing, participating and overseeing service activities within the student athlete community. As a student studying Neuroscience, she has excelled in a challenging major and is scheduled to graduate in May with honors. Upon graduation, she will begin the four-year dental program at the Medical University of South Carolina. I wish her all the best in a “bright” future. --Shawn Fagan
Ryan Flaherty - Baseball
Junior, Major: Human and Organizational Development
Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
 I chose Vanderbilt because I knew it was going to be a place where I could play against the best athletic competition in the country, while receiving a degree from one of the best Universities in the country. I also chose to attend because of Coach Corbin, who has had one of the biggest impacts in my life.
What are your career goals?
Some of my career goals would be to continue playing baseball because that is something I love to do and have always enjoyed doing. I also want to have the opportunity to work with younger kids. I would like to give kids who may not be as privileged as others, a chance to succeed.
What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
Time management would be one of the main things it takes to be academically successful. There are a lot of things to do as a student-athlete with very little time. You need to be able to manage your time.
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
You need to keep your priorities straight. Being a 21 year old kid in college, you need to be able to make sure you get done all of the things you need to. You need to stay on top of your athletics as well as your school work.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
I like to read through my notes from class and go over the power point slides. In order for me to fully understand the material, I need to write down everything I learn. Therefore, I will remember it when it's time for the test.
What is your favorite quote?
“What are my chances?
Not good.
You mean, not good like one out of a hundred?
I’d say more like one out of a million.
So you’re telling me there’s a chance!!” --Jim Carrey as Lloyd in Dumb and Dumber
Why Ryan is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
Ryan has worked extremely hard to become a well-rounded student-athlete. During his time at Vanderbilt, he has evolved into an organized, dedicated, conscientious, and smart student. Athletically, he is a loyal leader, who is widely respected by his teammates for both his skill and his commitment. As a citizen, he is involved in the community and has proven to be a role-model to the children of the Nashville area. Personally, Ryan is an outstanding individual with great faith and respect for others. His humble and fun-loving personality brightens the day when he is around. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Ryan and will miss him a great deal once he has completed his degree. He has a bright future ahead of him and I am excited to see what the future brings for this remarkable individual. --Katie Feyes
Past Recipients...
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005
Academic Support for Student-Athletes | Vanderbilt University
Department of Student Athletics | 2601 Jess Neely Drive | Nashville, TN 37212
Phone (615) 343-0444 |
