STUDENT-ATHLETE SPOTLIGHTS

STUDENT-ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

WHAT BELMONT MEANS TO ME

QUESTION 1: WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT BELMONT THUS FAR? QUESTION 2: HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE AT BELMONT HELPED YOU GROW AS A PERSON?

LIAM O’BRIEN

MEN’S SOCCER // JUNIOR MUSIC BUSINESS

My most memorable experience at Belmont thus far would be this past soccer season and how successful we were making it to the Southern Conference Championship. This season was one of the best in program history and arguably one of the most difficult as well having to deal with COVID-19. What made this experience memorable for me was knowing how hard every guy on our team worked during the season and in the summer and the many sacrifices made as well following COVID-19 protocols. Making it to the final was well earned, but I know we are hungry to win a trophy next season and am very excited for the future of this program.

Belmont has helped me grow as a person tremendously in my three years I have been here so far. Belmont has taught me the importance a community can have on a person. I’ve learned that it is okay to reach out and ask for help when you are in need. Belmont has provided me with so many resources and genuine people within this community who are all looking to make you as successful as possible in sports and life. I think a community so strong and caring like Belmont’s is very rare to come by and I am very thankful to be a member of the Belmont family. Belmont has also taught me that you have to grind every day to accomplish your goals, but it is worth putting the work in. My time at Belmont has pushed me to become a harder worker on the soccer field and in class. Long term, this is crucial to making what you want in your life and I have only Belmont to thank for that and fortunate to be able to learn that this early in my life.

MORGAN PETTIT

WOMEN’S SOCCER // JUNIOR POLITICS & PUBLIC LAW AND ECONOMICS

My most memorable experience thus far is winning the OVC Championship in 2019 with my team. It was a real storybook ending for us and really exemplified our hard work and grit, so it was truly an amazing experience.

Belmont has shown me the importance of community. The students, professors and leadership here will do anything to help you find success, so not only has this helped me in my own endeavors but has showed me the importance of offering that same help to those around me.

CHANDLER SCHULTZ

BASEBALL // GRADUATE STUDENT MASTERS OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

My most memorable experience at Belmont was recently graduating and all that went into that accomplishment.

Belmont has given me the opportunity to create so many new relationships that have helped me to grow. I have learned so much in my time here that will allow me to succeed in life after my time at Belmont.

SADE ALALADE

TRACK & FIELD // HURDLES/JUMPS JUNIOR // EXERCISE SCIENCE

In my two years at Belmont, I have been provided a plethora of opportunities to grow, learn and step out of my comfort zone. Narrowing down one memorable experience seems almost impossible to do considering the impact that they have made on me. However, one occasion is an experience we all can relate to in some capacity. In 2020, the final Presidential debate was hosted at our very own Belmont University. During this debate I was privileged enough to not only volunteer as a hostess at the event but also watch the entire debate in person. Belmont’s athletic department was crucial to me doing this by writing recommendations, accommodating practice schedules and supporting my success via social media. To be able to cherish this moment with athletics made it all the more special and memorable for me.

When I first began college, I had a mindset of getting my Bachelor of Science, getting my Doctorate and getting a job. Simple, easy and to the point. However, over the past two years I have evolved from this simplistic and fixated train of thought. I have been able to explore and develop a passion for psychology which has led to me double majoring. Through a required BELL core course of speech 101 I have been able to find job opportunities moderating for large events and found a new love for public speaking. I have been able to become more rooted in my Belmont community through various extracurricular activities as well. Some of these avenues include joining S.A.A.C (Student Athlete Advisory Committee), creating a new committee called P.A.C.C (Preparing Athletes for Cultural Connections) and being selected to represent our university as a Belmont Ambassador. The mindset I held two years ago allowed only enough room for me to accomplish large broad goals. However, the path I have stumbled upon to get there is one of growth, exploration, and a lot of hard work. Today I can confidently say that my dreams are bigger, my passions are brighter, and my future is just beginning at Belmont University.

CARLY MASON

VOLLEYBALL // SENIOR MARKETING

My most memorable days at Belmont have been spent on the lawn with my friends. At the center of our beautiful campus is the lawn, and on any warm and sunny spring day it is filled with students. I spent many of those days out there throwing a football or baseball with my friends or just lying in the sun. The lawn is where relationships were built, and tons of fun memories were made. My favorite thing about my college experience has been the people I’ve met and been fortunate enough to become friends with and the lawn was where some of those relationships began.

The environment here at Belmont has provided me a perfect space to grow in the classroom, on the court, and in my faith. In the classroom I have had the privilege to learn from professors who are excited about what they teach. On the court I’ve grown stronger and closer to my teammates. The community at Belmont has helped me grow in my faith immensely as well through campus events, FCA, and service events organized by my team. After three years, I can’t believe how much I’ve grown and changed, and I can’t imagine myself anywhere else.

COLEMAN JONES

MEN’S GOLF // SENIOR FINANCE

I will always remember the golf tournaments when we are lucky enough to have all the players stay in the same condo or house. There are always plenty of fun memories and laughs that make the whole trip enjoyable. We all look forward to those trips the most.

Everything that I have done with Fellowship of Christian Athletes has really had an impact on me. I have gotten to know so many people that have helped me grow in Christ and in everything I do.

NOAH GRIMM

MEN’S TRACK & FIELD JUNIOR CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP & CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

The most memorable experience was the opportunity to compete and medal at the OVC outdoor conference meet in 2019. As a competitor, that was a day when I truly was blessed by God. At that meet not only did I achieve my personal best; but I had my most competitive competition, duking it out for over two hours with another athlete. Beyond my own performance, I remember the support from my teammates. I’ve had meets where I’ve performed better, or even won the high-jump competition. But what makes that meet the most memorable, is having my team and school cheering me on the whole time.

I have gained a lot of knowledge at Belmont. However, it hasn’t been the knowledge that allowed me to grow as a person; but the responsibility and discipline that comes with competing for the track team and being a double major. I still struggle sometimes as I try to balance ministry, school and track. But the discipline and responsibilities of a student-athlete has really helped grow me into the man I am today, and I thank God for giving me this blessing.

GRAYSON MURPHY

MEN’S BASKETBALL GRADUATE STUDENT MASTERS OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

My most memorable experience at Belmont was beating Temple in the First Four of the NCAA tournament to win Belmont’s first ever NCAA tournament game. Hopefully this favorite memory will be exceeded in the next upcoming season. I look forward to growing as a team to bring success to the program and university.

My experience at Belmont has helped me form relationships and friendships that will last a lifetime. I wouldn’t change my decision for the world and I’m forever thankful for this community.

ARTHUR TOLEDO

MEN’S TENNIS // SENIOR BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

The best memory that I have from Belmont happened recently where we won the OVC conference for the first time in Belmont history. We went to the tournament as a complete underdog and managed to finish on top after an electric final against Tennessee Tech. Definitely the best moment I experienced at Belmont thus far.

The experiences that I’ve accumulated so far at Belmont helped me to grow as a more dedicated teammate and I also am very thankful for this great opportunity that was given to me. Being a Belmont student-athlete has given me the opportunity to meet new people and build relationships that will definitely help me to succeed in the future.

MARIBETH PEEVY

WOMEN’S GOLF // GRADUATE STUDENT SPORTS ADMINISTRATION

My most memorable experiences at Belmont thus far have definitely included my time as a student-athlete. There is something so special about being able to represent your school at competition and even practices out at the courses. If I had to choose one, I would say one of my favorite memories apart from traveling and competing would be all of the time I spent in the athletic department talking and laughing with the staff there. They are the best!

My experience at Belmont has helped me grow as a person more than I could have ever imagined. I have learned that hard work always pays off, no matter what it may be. I have also learned that things do not always go as planned, but will work out for the best with the right people by your side - everything really does happen for a reason! I have an amazing support system at Belmont and I am so blessed for the values I have learned. I would not trade my time here for the world.

LAUREN VELTRI

SOFTBALL // JUNIOR EXERCISE SCIENCE

The most memorable experience I’ve had at Belmont so far is getting to play on the field with my sister again. When she graduated high school, I thought we’d never play on the same field again. I was so grateful that I was able to come to Belmont and play softball not only because of the inviting atmosphere, but because it gave me another chance to play beside my best friend.

Coming into Belmont I was a small fish in a big pond as any freshman tends to be. One would feel alone coming into a new experience like college, but the staff and community here at Belmont have been nothing but welcoming. They have all supported me through the college crisis of changing majors and helped me get on track for where I want to be in the future. My professors have been a huge part of getting me out into the real world and get the experience I need to be successful. My most memorable moments at Belmont thus far have been team meals. Getting to eat with all of my teammates after games while traveling on the road is the best! No matter if we win or lose, we are able to laugh, cheer each other up, and enjoy each other’s company. I really took them for granted before COVID. I will forever be grateful for the friendship and love that holds our team together no matter the outcomes of a season and getting to groan and enjoy team meals together has been the best part.

My experiences at Belmont have taught me what it means to be resilient through several adversities including multiple coaching changes and injuries. Instead of giving up, I leaned on my teammates for support and told myself to keep going. Through the courses and inviting faculty at Belmont, I have become a better communicator and made connections that will help me in my future career. I am no longer a shy girl who is scared to speak up in class but rather a confident future teacher.

SOMER HENRY

WOMEN’S TENNIS // SENIOR CREATIVE & ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRIES

I have had so many memorable experiences at Belmont I can’t just pick one. All of our traveling weekends are extremely memorable! The whole team is together nonstop and it is the best! I think the trips make everyone grow closer together and memories are made that will last a lifetime!

Belmont has pushed me to be the best version of myself on and off the tennis court. My communication skills, work ethic, teamwork and positive attitude have grown tremendously during my time at Belmont thus far. I continue to grow in ways I didn’t even know were possible! Belmont has provided the most amazing environment and support system for me and my teammates. I can’t wait to see how I continue to better myself with the help of everything Belmont embodies.

ALICIA VELTRI

SOFTBALL // GRADUATE STUDENT MASTERS OF ARTS IN TEACHING

TUTI JONES

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL // SOPHOMORE SPORTS ADMINISTRATION

My most memorable experience would definitely be winning the OVC championship. There was a lot of hard work that went into this season and the joy that everyone had after the win was something I will never forget.

My experience at Belmont has helped me grow as a person because the staff here taught me what it meant to be consistent. One of the main things my coaches and teachers repeated was how important it was to stay consistent, and it really got me through my freshman year. This year was filled with ups and downs but the people at Belmont helped me grow to say the least.