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.
September 2009
Rachel Bachtel - Women's Soccer
Junior, Majors: Human and Organizational Development; Art Studio
Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
 I chose to come to Vanderbilt because it's the best of both worlds! I am on a great soccer team competing in the SEC, plus I am able to get a great education at the same time.
What are your career goals?
After Vandy, I want to go to design school. I would like to work as an industrial designer.
What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
Time management. You need to be able to complete your busy work/class schedule around an even more demanding athletic schedule.
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
Whenever I have free time, I try to use it to my advantage. Instead of staying up watching an "America's Funniest Home Videos" marathon, I make myself do my work so it doesn't all pile up at the last minute.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
To wake up at least 2 or 3 hours before so I have plenty of time to relax, review and drink a large cup of coffee.
What is your favorite quote?
It isn't really inspirational or anything, rather more of a saying , but EV (my goalkeeper coach) always tells me to "put my team before myself" and it's something I try to live by, on and off the field.
Why Rachel is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
Rachel is a conscientious and dedicated student-athlete who is willing to take the extra step to be successful. She is very detail-oriented and devotes a great deal of her time outside of class to complete her classroom assignments and artwork. She is one of our team's leaders and I look forward to seeing her help raise the soccer team's level of play in the future and pursue her career aspirations. --Sterling Frierson
Jermaine Beal - Men's Basketball
Senior, Major: Human and Organizational Development, Minor: Managerial Studies
Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
 I wanted to play for a school, not too close but not too far from home so I can mature on my own. I knew if basketball didn't work out I could always fall back on my degree from Vanderbilt. Also, the SEC is one of the top conferences in the country and I wanted to get national exposure.
What are your career goals?
Play in the NBA, if it is meant to be. Eventually I want to own my own business (I don't know what though at this point). I want to own a hotel on a strip in Las Vegas. In addition, I want to be a great father and family man (when that time comes). I wouldn't mind doing some movies either like Denzel Washington or Martin Lawrence.
What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
A lot of studying and reviewing your work several times a day.
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
I try to get some sleep. That way my body can recuperate after my workouts, practices and games. Sleep is the key for me. It is good for me to rest at some point during the day.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
I usually go over my notes right before so the information will be fresh on my mind.
What is your favorite quote?
"EAT OR GET ATE" and what my mom always tells me, "Don't underestimate the power of prayer."
Why Jermaine is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
Jermaine demonstrates what it takes to be a leader both in the classroom and on the basketball court. He has really embraced the role of being such over the last two years. During this period, I have seen a clear commitment to excelling in the classroom. Because of this, Jermaine is on track to graduate following the Spring 2009 semester. --Neal Clark
Past Recipients...
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
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December 2006
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December 2005
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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 |
