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.
October 2009
Ashley Belden - Bowling
Senior, Major: Communication Studies
Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
 Obviously Vanderbilt is a wonderful institution academically and an up-and-coming threat in the sports realm, but the true reason I chose Vandy was that I felt at home. During my visit, everything felt comfortable and familiar, and I could see myself living here for the next four years of my life.
What are your career goals?
Is it okay to admit that I am a senior who is still unsure of what I want to do? Eventually, I would like to teach, but that is a distant plan. I love sports, marketing, and I want to travel, so any job that would combine them would be perfect. My true passion is people, what they think and how they feel, so I have also thought about counseling. Needless to say I am leaving my options open.
What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
Productive study skills, time management, rest, and a solid stress reliever (like movie night or a window-shopping spree).
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
My planner, which is color coded by subject and keeps me somewhat orderly. But the true secret to success is making sure you take care of yourself. I try to get a decent amount of sleep each night, hydrate, and eat well.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
Get enough sleep the night before, reivew the next morning, and then take some time to relax.
What is your favorite quote?
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." --Deuteronomy 31: 6
Why Ashley is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
Ashley has made many contributions to Vanderbilt Athletics both as a student and as an athlete. Throughout her college career, Ashley has consistently made the SEC Academic Honor Roll and is a major contributor on the bowling team. Ashley's dedication exemplifies what it takes to be successful here at Vanderbilt. --Neal Clark
Vijay Paul - Men's Tennis
Senior, Major: History, Minor: Film Studies
Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
 I chose Vanderbilt because I wanted to do battle in the SEC and the team chemistry was fantastic. Coach Ian has great experience through years of success and Coach Tom has a burning will to win that inspires us all each day.
What are your career goals?
I'll try to play professionally as long as I can, but I want to explore other avenues after. I want to work in film, open a shoe store, and serve the public.
What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
It's challenging, but after a while you start understanding how the system works and how to best use your time. Every waking moment must be spent doing something productive.
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
I don't waste time. I spend it working, practicing, and messing around with people. Human interaction is most important to me. Sacrifice sleep if need be, but never sacrifice time with friends.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
2 cups of coffee, 1 bagel, and an orange juice...works like a charm.
What is your favorite quote?
"Everything you can imagine is real." -- Pablo Picasso
Why Vijay is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
Vijay has quietly established himself as one of Vanderbilt’s most consistent student-athletes. He is a four-year starter on the men’s tennis team, having played anywhere from the 1-4 singles slot during this stretch. Last year, he was named to the SEC Men’s Tennis Community Service Team as well as the SEC Academic Honor Roll for the third straight year. This summer he continued to ramp up his game as he won a singles championship in the Central Regional of the ITA Summer Circuit. He has also done a commendable job in all of his coursework and his instructors consistently praise him for his maturity and work ethic. This year he will be called upon as a leader on and off the court and I am confident he will embrace this role naturally. Vijay is a connoisseur of Indian food and lists his favorite dish of all time as “chicken tikka masala.” It has been a pleasure getting to know Vijay over the past four years and I wish him the best in his pursuit of success and happiness. --Shawn Fagan
Past Recipients...
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
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 |
