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.
September 2005
Darnell Martemus - Football
Junior, Major: Communication Studies
 Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
I chose Vanderbilt because it offered the complete balance of academics and athletics. I have the opportunity to play football in the best conference in America and receive a diploma from a top 20 university.
What are your career goals?
I would like to become a television newscaster and also have my hand in real estate.
What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
It takes a lot of hard work and taking advantage of tutors, professor’s office hours and study groups of your peers. It also helps to not wait until the last minute to study for tests or prepare for presentations.
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
It helps having a set schedule that I can follow so I will know where to be and when to be there. I also have to allow time away from football and school so I can relax because I work better when I’m comfortable.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
I make sure I study all of the material thoroughly and have friends in the class quiz me on the information. I also study different parts on different days and try not to cram all of my studying into a few days.
What is your favorite quote?
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
Why Darnell is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
I nominated Darnell because of his academic performance and his development of sound study habits. He has proven to be a dedicated student and his example has made an impact on his peers and professors. I expect Darnell to continue to improve through his work ethic and dedication to academic excellence. --Sterling Frierson
Liz Sherwood - Women's Basketball
Junior, Major: Economics
 Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
I chose Vanderbilt because it was a great combination of athletics and academics. I also love my teammates and coaches. Vandy is just a great place.
What are your career goals?
My career goals are to attend graduate school for business. After school, I hope to get a 9-5 job that pays well and is gratifying.
What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
To be academically successful at Vanderbilt you must always be ahead of schedule. The further behind in school I got the worse I would do. The trick is time manage and stay ahead!
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
With a busy schedule in school and basketball, I try to use my time wisely and use the time that I have productively. I also like to use tutors for more difficult subjects, because they help out a lot.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
I do not really have a ritual before tests...A good breakfast and a lot of studying is all I need.
What is your favorite quote?
"I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying." --Michael Jordan
Why Liz is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
Vince Lombardi once said, "The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand." Liz worked hard this summer, and her dedication to her academics has brought her success. I expect her to continue to work hard and continue to create her own success. --Christy Hogan
Past Recipients...
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 |
