July/August 2017 Commodore Nation by Vanderbilt Commodores

July/August 2017

WORLD WIDE WEBB Vanderbiltâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ralph Webb eyeing SEC greatness in 2017

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S PR ING H ILL

CONTENTS P.8

P.20

Soccer in Music City

White enters Hall of Fame

Dores riding the wave of local soccer support

Dores’ hoops coach garners CoSIDA honor

P.16 Breaking borders Vanderbilt student-athletes spend summer abroad in ‘17

P.12 Run, Ralph, run!

P.2

Ralph Webb climbing SEC record books

P.24

Compliance Corner

My Game

P.4

Trent Sherfield

National Commodore Club

P.7 Inside McGugin

P.23 My Take Zac Ellis’s monthly column

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C O M M O D O R E N AT I O N

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Publisher: Vanderbilt University Editor: Zac Ellis

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Contributors: Andy Boggs Frederick Breedon Larry Leathers Kyle Parkinson Catherine Hilley

Administrative

COMPLIANCE

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Inside McGugin

2017 Football Schedule

JOE HOWELL

Vanderbilt’s Courtney Clayton earned All-America status at NCAA outdoors in June.

Baseball Program Shines In MLB Draft Following its fourth NCAA Super Regional appearance in five seasons, Vanderbilt baseball once again landed a number of talented student-athletes in the Major League baseball draft. A total of eight Commodores heard their names called during the draft in mid-June. All-American right-handed pitcher Kyle Wright became the highest-drafted Vanderbilt player this year when the Atlanta Braves

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Opponent

Location

Sept. 2

Middle Tennessee Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Sept. 9

Alabama A&M

Vanderbilt Stadium

Sept. 16 Kansas State

Vanderbilt Stadium

Sept. 23 Alabama

Vanderbilt Stadium

Sept. 30 Florida

JOE HOWELL

anderbilt track and field seniors Sarah Bell and Courtney Clayton both made the most of their first-ever trips to the NCAA Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Ore., this past June. The pair of Commodores both earned First-Team All-America status with their performances, the first Vanderbilt teammates to finish NCAA outdoors as AllAmericans since 2004. Bell, a senior pole vaulter and the Vanderbilt indoor and outdoor record holder in the event, cleared both of the first two bars at heights of 4.00 and 4.15 meters on her first attempts. Her top height of the day was 13-7.25 (4.15m), which tied her for eighth overall. Athletes who finished in the top eight of their respective events receive First Team All-America honors. Clayton reached the finals of the 800-meter event and placed seventh overall, besting her Vanderbilt program record in the race with a 2:04.02 time. Like Bell, Clayton managed to secure First Team All-America accolades. She was the first Commodore runner to advance to a finals section since Ryan Tolbert in 1997.

Date

Kyle Wright’s 121 strikeouts in 2017 ranks seventh on Vanderbilt’s all-time single-season list.

selected him No. 5 overall. All-American outfielder Jeren Kendell later went 23rd overall to the Los Angeles Dodgers, joining Wright as the 17th and 18th first-round picks in Vanderbilt history. Will Toffey (Oakland) and Jason Delay (Pittsburgh) went in the fourth round, followed by Collin Snider (12th round to Kansas City), Reed Hayes (13th to Baltimore), Matt Ruppenthal (17th to Houston) and Ro Coleman (34th to Detroit). Vanderbilt’s eight draftees matched LSU, Florida and Kentucky for the most players selected in the Southeastern Conference. The eight players selected are the most for the Dores since 2015 and gives VU 99 draft selections under head coach Tim Corbin. Snedeker Family Establishes Scholarship An endowed scholarship helped pave the path to a remarkable collegiate and PGA Tour career for Brandt Snedeker. Now, Brandt and his wife Mandy Snedeker have given back to Vanderbilt and Head Golf Coach Scott Limbaugh’s nationally recognized program by establishing the Snedeker Golf Scholarship, which will support future Commodore men’s golfers. The Snedekers’ gift moves Vanderbilt closer to a fully endowed men’s golf program, the university’s first in any sport. It would also move Limbaugh’s program into a select group of national powerhouses to claim the honor. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity I was given to attend Vanderbilt University and play golf for the Commodores,” Brandt Snedeker said. “I have so many incredible memories and lifelong friendships from those days, and it’s also where Mandy and I met. We are a Vanderbilt family and cheer on the Commodores with all our might.”n

Gainesville, Fla.

Oct. 7

Georgia

Vanderbilt Stadium

Oct. 14

Ole Miss

Oct. 28

South Carolina

Nov. 4

Western Kentucky Vanderbilt Stadium

Oxford, Miss. Columbia, S.C.

Nov. 11 Kentucky

Vanderbilt Stadium

Nov. 18 Missouri

Vanderbilt Stadium

Nov. 25 Tennessee

Knoxville, Tenn.

2017 Soccer Schedule Date

Opponent

Location

Aug. 09

Furman (EXH)

Nashville, Tenn.

Aug. 13

Memphis

Memphis, Tenn.

Aug. 18

Tennessee Tech

Nashville, Tenn.

Aug. 20

Saint Louis

Aug. 25

Boston College

Boston, Mass.

Aug. 27

Massachusetts

Amherst, Mass.

St. Louis, Mo.

Music City Invitational Sept. 01 Indiana

Nashville, Tenn.

Rhode Island

Nashville, Tenn.

Sept. 08

Western Kentucky Bowling Green, Ky.

Sept. 10

Lipscomb

Sept. 17

LSU

Sept. 21

Arkansas

Sept. 24

Georgia

Athens, Ga.

Sept. 29

Missouri

Nashville, Tenn.

Oct. 05

Kentucky

Oct. 08

Florida

Oct. 15

South Carolina

Oct. 19

Tennessee

Nashville, Tenn.

Oct. 22

Texas A&M

College Station, Texas

Oct. 26

Auburn

Oct. 31

SEC Tournament

Nashville, Tenn. Baton Rouge, La. Nashville, Tenn.

Lexington, Ky. Nashville, Tenn. Columbia, S.C.

Nashville, Tenn. Orange Beach, Ala.

C O M M O D O R E N AT I O N

SOCCER SURGING

IN NASHVILLE Commodores one piece of sport’s newfound popularity in Music City

By Zac Ellis

n July 8, the United States national team played Panama to a 1-1 draw in a CONCACAF Gold Cup match at Nissan Stadium, home of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans. The turnout for the match turned more than a few heads; the announced attendance of 47,622 set a record for the largest crowd to ever watch a soccer game in Tennessee. Those numbers did not surprise Darren Ambrose. In two-and-a-half years of living in

Nashville, the Vanderbilt women’s soccer coach has witnessed a surge of support for the game of soccer. “I think soccer is the next major sport to hit our city,” Ambrose said. “Nashville has tremendous diversity. It’s not just a charming, southern city. It’s a booming place to live with pro sports. To me, soccer is the next sport that could find a really supportive home in Nashville.” The U.S. national team’s visit represents

just one example of the increase in soccer’s footprint in Nashville. Music City is one of 12 cities vying for the opportunity to land one of four Major League Soccer expansion teams. MLS Commissioner Don Garber, who attended the U.S.-Panema match at Nissan Stadium, said Nashville has risen to “pretty high on the list.” But Vanderbilt soccer is part of the sport’s rise in Nashville, as well. This summer, the program has hosted the Martinique national team for a

JOE HOWELL

Simone Charley (right) and Vanderbilt have reached two straight SEC tournaments under head coach Darren Ambrose.

Ju l y / Au g u s t 2 0 1 7

JOE HOWELL

Coach Darren Ambrose is entering his third season at the helm of the Commodores.

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JOE HOWELL

practice at the Vanderbilt Soccer Complex, and it is slated to welcome Manchester City for a workout at the end of July. The opportunity to host European soccer clubs is unique among SEC universities and another reason why Nashville is a growing venue for the sport, Ambrose said. “We’re the only SEC school that has the amenities, the pro sports, the activities, and it’s all growing,” Ambrose said. “At the moment, because of the draw to have national and international events here, we’re very well-positioned in Nashville.” Ambrose has witnessed first-hand the growth of soccer during his short stint in the midstate. In the 1990s, the coach would frequently travel to Nashville as part of ODP, or the Olympic Development Program. Ambrose recalls a city without a noticeable soccer presence. Much has changed thanks to an influx of transplants now calling Nashville home. In March, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated an average of 100 people per day moved to Nashville from July 1, 2015, to July 1, 2016. The city’s shifting makeup has lured soccer fans from around the world to Music City, and the pool of local talent has likewise evolved. Ambrose said the Nashville area boasts a number of high-level women’s club soccer programs. “There’s a successful club, Tennessee Soccer Club, who has four or five kids on youth national teams,” Ambrose said. “They’ve played in the U-15, -16, -17 national teams. That’s impressive.” Ambrose added that a new generation of parents sees soccer as a mainstream activity for one simple reason: the parents played soccer. “It’s the largest participation sport among youth athletes in the country. It’s mainstream,” Ambrose said. “You think about the generation of parents now with five-, six-, seven-year-old

As support for soccer continues to rise in Nashville, Vanderbilt embraces its own growing fan base on West End.

kids, a lot of those parents played soccer themselves. I have former players from the nineties who played soccer, and as parents they want their kids involved. Forty years ago, you didn’t see that.” Vanderbilt’s goal is to harness Nashville’s support for soccer with its own brand on West End. Ambrose has led the Commodores to two straight SEC tournament appearances in his two seasons in town; the program had not played in the conference tournament since 2010 prior to his arrival. The 2017 squad returns a number of key faces, including senior Lydia Simmons and sophomore Grace Jackson, and will also have senior Simone Charley eligible for her final year. Charley, who redshirted in 2016, is an All-SEC forward who became the first Vanderbilt athlete to earn an invite to the U.S. Soccer Under-23

National Team Camp earlier this spring. With Nashville blossoming as a soccer market, Ambrose says Vanderbilt can turn into a destination for local fans of the sport. The Commodores are in the right place at the right time. “We can help put soccer front and center to a lot of people,” Ambrose said. “We have a great product. SEC soccer is fun to watch, it’s free and it’s family entertainment. Our goal is to turn it into an event, not just a soccer game. “When people know Man City is training here, Martinique training here, it helps bring a spotlight to Vanderbilt and our facilities and our program. We have to jump on that bandwagon and push Vanderbilt women’s soccer forward.” Vanderbilt opens its season with an exhibition match against Furman on Aug. 9 at the Vanderbilt Soccer Complex. n

“It’s the largest participation sport among youth athletes in the country. It’s mainstream.” — Darren Ambrose C O M M O D O R E N AT I O N

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JIM MCKEE, BAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;60 Yearbook entry: Quarterback, pitcher, Cadet Commander, Sigma Chi LinkedIn profile: 1st Lt., 101st Airborne, First Tennessee Bank, cofounder of Data Communications and of Online Computing Inc. Item checked off bucket list: World travel and winning seven national handball championships Jimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan for Vanderbilt: Repay the university for his education by establishing as many scholarships benefiting student-athletes as possible through planned gifts.

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The talented

Ju l y / Au g u s t 2 0 1 7

Mr. Webb

Ralph Webb looking to cap stellar Vandy career By Zac Ellis

he weight room at Vanderbilt’s McGugin Center thumps with music as Ralph Webb, sweaty in a dark, drenched T-shirt, wipes his brow following a recent morning workout. The Commodores’ fifth-year running back takes a breath, grabs a pre-packed breakfast and leaves a symphony of clanging equipment in his wake. As Webb passes into an adjacent hallway, a graphic above its entrance reads, “THE ROAD TO ATLANTA PASSES THROUGH THESE DOORS.” Webb’s work ethic is revered within the walls of Vanderbilt’s football complex. But as Webb tells it, he is not unfamiliar with the role of the underdog. “I’ve been underrated all my life,” Webb says. “It means a lot to me to carry a chip on my shoulder. I just keep my head down and keep working.” Webb’s penchant for grinding could lift Vanderbilt to new heights in 2017. It could also cement the running back among the greatest players in SEC history. Entering the fall, Webb has 3,342 career rushing yards, No. 1 all-time at Vanderbilt and 20th all-time in the SEC. If his surge contin-

ues this fall, Webb will solidify his spot alongside one-name SEC legends steeped in football lore: Herschel, Bo and the like. That notion, however, seems not to faze the determined Webb. “I just take it as it comes,” Webb says, “but my mindset is always to be great, to be legendary. A chance to be up there with some of the greats in the SEC, that means people can stop sleeping on me.” Through three seasons as a starter, Webb has done enough to shake up the Commodores’ record books. The durable runner has already set Vanderbilt freshman, sophomore and junior rushing records. His 1,283 yards in 2016 set the program’s new single-season record, besting the previous mark set by former All-SEC back Zac Stacy. And Webb is also a workhorse; he has more career carries (739) than any Vanderbilt player and is riding a 37-game streak of consecutive starts.

Now Webb has a chance to truly leave his mark on the SEC. With a repeat of his 2016 rushing output, the senior would cap his Vanderbilt career with 4,625 rushing yards, second-most in SEC history behind Georgia legend and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker (5,259 yards). Doing so would push Webb ahead of the likes of Arkansas’ Darren McFadden (currently No. 2 at 4,590 yards) and Auburn’s Bo Jackson (No. 4 at 4,303), the latter another Heisman winner. Vanderbilt running backs coach Jeff Genyk said the potential for SEC greatness adds a level of intrigue to Webb’s swan song in Nashville. “Obviously, we’re in this to win games and push Vanderbilt to the SEC Championship Game,” Genyk said. “But you look at the names near the top of that SEC list, and it’s very exciting. The fact that we’re even talking about this for Ralph is exciting.”

JOHN RUSSELL

The durable Ralph Webb has started 37 consecutive games and amassed 3,342 career rushing yards over three seasons at Vanderbilt.

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C O M M O D O R E N AT I O N

JOHN RUSSELL

Coincidentally, Webb’s tenure at Vanderbilt almost never came to be. A standout back out of Gainesville, Fla., the rusher was once moments away from committing to Minnesota. The Sunday before National Signing Day in 2013, Webb grabbed his phone to call then-Minnesota coach Jerry Kill. That’s when former Vanderbilt coach James Franklin FaceTime’d him, a scholarship offer in tow. More than four years later, Webb credits a bit of divine intervention for his now-prolific Vanderbilt career. “It was all God. He saved me,” Webb says. “That was my calling. After I’d come and visited Vanderbilt’s campus, I knew I had my shot.” The 2016 season was Webb’s best yet on campus. He set a single-game career-high with his 211-yard outburst in a 47-24 win over Middle Tennessee on Sept. 9. Webb surpassed 100 yards rushing in seven games and tallied 13 rushing touchdowns, the most by a Commodore since 2013. “Ralph Webb is the epitome of what we preach at Vanderbilt, which is being relentless, tough and intelligent,” Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason said. “He is as hard-working as any player I’ve come across and is an invaluable leader for this program. By returning to West End in 2017, Ralph has a chance to truly build on his legacy not just at Vanderbilt, but in the SEC.” Amid a record-breaking career, Webb has made the most of his time as a student-athlete. In 2016, Webb spent two weeks studying abroad in Australia, where he snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef and toured the Daintree Rain Forest. His experience helped convince teammate Oren Burks, a senior linebacker, to embark on the same trip this summer. Back in Nashville, Webb—a corporate strategies minor alongside a major in sociology— has spent the past two summers interning at a local Holiday Inn. Webb says he hopes to own his own hotel one day. Until then, a future in football seems likely for the sturdy 200-pound bruiser. Webb’s efforts as a junior in 2016 earned him second team All-SEC honors, and he toyed with an early departure from Vanderbilt to test the NFL waters. But Webb announced his decision to return following Vanderbilt’s loss to N.C. State in the Camping World Independence Bowl last December. At the time, Webb said he knew he had more to give. That’s what Vanderbilt’s workhorse has focused

A native of Gainesville, Fla., Ralph Webb became the first Vanderbilt player to represent the school at three straight SEC Media Days since Jay Cutler (2003-05).

on during spring practice and summer workouts. “Everything from pass protection to hands out of the backfield to finishing plays to getting better in open space and knowing the defense,” Webb said. “It’s more than running the ball. It’s more than X’s and O’s. You have to know how to adjust in situations. I think all-around I’ve gotten better.” Added Genyk: “Ralph embraces a leadership

THE WEBB FILE Ralph Webb already holds nine Vanderbilt school records. They are: career rush yards: 3,342 career rush attempts: 739 single-season rush yards: 1,283 single-season rush attempts: 277 rush yards by a junior: 1,283 rush yards by a sophomore: 1,152 rush yards by a freshman: 907 most 100+ yard rush games in a season: 7 most 100+ yard rush games in a career: 13

role. He can run a Division I football running back room, and he continues to grow from a knowledge standpoint.” Webb won’t sneak up on the SEC when Vanderbilt kicks off the 2017 season. But the Commodores could have the pieces in place to surprise the rest of the league. Webb is one of nine returning starters on offense, including quarterback Kyle Shurmur and senior receivers C.J. Duncan, Caleb Scott and Trent Sherfield. The Dores lose All-American linebacker Zach Cunningham on defense, but they boast blossoming stars like Burks and defensive lineman Nifae Lealao. Indeed, team success is the focus for Webb, who prefers to stiff-arm the spotlight like a wouldbe tackler. But the potential for SEC greatness looms large over Webb’s final season at Vanderbilt. With a little luck—and plenty of hard work— the Commodores’ star might just find himself among legendary company. “If you speak of the SEC, you’ll have to speak of Ralph Webb,” Webb said. “If you speak of Vanderbilt, you’ll have to speak of Ralph Webb. Just as a leader and a captain on this team, I have to make sure I set the standard in all phases.” n

“Ralph Webb is the epitome of what we preach at Vanderbilt, which is being relentless, tough and intelligent. He is as hard-working as any player I’ve come across and is an invaluable leader for this program. By returning to West End in 2017, Ralph has a chance to truly build on his legacy not just at Vanderbilt, but in the SEC.”—Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason 14

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Vanderbilt’s Lee earns prestigious McLendon minority scholarship By Zac Ellis

andice Lee wasted no time when deciding where to play college basketball. A prep standout from Madison, Ala., in the mid-90s, Lee traveled 115 miles north on I-65 to a summer basketball camp at Vanderbilt, which was hosted by then-head coach Jim Foster and his staff. Following the camp, Foster offered Lee a scholarship to play for the Commodores. The wide-eyed high schooler didn’t hesitate when committing on the spot. “It was literally a no-brainer for me,” Lee said. “I said yes before even taking an official visit. It didn’t even require going home first. It was the best decision I ever made in my life, besides marrying my husband.” Twenty years later, Lee has yet to leave Vanderbilt. She played an injury-extended six seasons for Foster as a team captain and went on to earn three degrees from Vanderbilt, including a Ph.D. in higher education administration in 2012. She has spent her entire

professional life on West End and currently holds the post of associate vice chancellor for university affairs and deputy athletics director, as well as senior woman administrator. This summer, Lee earned national recognition for her career as one of 10 recipients of the minority scholarship award from the John McLendon Minority Scholarship Foundation for the 2017 LEAD1 Association Institute. Honorees were nominated by athletics directors at their respective institutions and attended the 2017 LEAD1 Association Institute at the University of Colorado-Boulder from July 17-19. The McLendon Foundation offers postgraduate scholarships to minority candidates pursuing graduate degrees in athletics administration. But the foundation’s minority scholarship program also aims to cultivate a pipeline of minority administrators in college athletics. As a woman of color, Lee said she is grateful to represent something bigger than herself.

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“I’m humbled and thankful for programs like the McLendon Foundation that work to support up-and-coming administrators and give them the most exposure possible,” Lee said. “One day, it won’t be a story that you’re an administrator of color with the responsibility of opening doors for others of color. But the reality is, we have to talk about this, because there is still so much work left to do.” David Williams, vice chanceller for student affairs and athletics and athletics director at Vanderbilt, said Lee has served as a vital leader since she first stepped on campus. “Candice arrived at Vanderbilt as a standout women’s basketball player and served as captain with the program,” Williams said. “She went on to receive three degrees from the university. Dr. Candice, as we call her, is a three-time Dore and a tremendous leader with a genuine passion for student-athletes and positioning Vanderbilt athletics as a leader in how we compete, serve our student-athletes and others. Combining her unique perspective and outstanding work ethic, Candice has an extremely bright future in collegiate athletics.” n

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C O M M O D O R E N AT I O N

Foreign policy at Vanderbilt Commodore student-athletes enjoy summer studying abroad in ’17 By Zac Ellis

tudent-athletes across the country routinely traverse the country while participating in their respective sports. At Vanderbilt, certain Commodores even expand their adventures to other parts of the globe. This summer, several Vanderbilt student-athletes took part in study abroad programs in foreign countries, an opportunity that is relatively uncommon within big-time athletics programs. Most student-athletes aren’t afforded time to study abroad alongside fellow classmates. But Vanderbilt and athletics director David Williams felt it was important to offer those opportunities to student-athletes. “I think these kind of things may be the most important things we do,” Williams said. “It’s the kind of thing that might not be a requirement

or covered by an athletic scholarship. But it’s one of the most fulfilling things we do.” This summer was not the first time Vanderbilt student-athletes have traveled abroad. In 2016, Commodores’ All-SEC running back Ralph Webb spent a stint in Australia touring the Great Barrier Reef, among other sites. But a number of other student-athletes took advantage of Vanderbilt’s opportunity this time around. Plus, a surplus from Vanderbilt football’s Independence Bowl budget helped to fund expenses for a number of participants in 2017. Women’s basketball senior Christa Reed spent the May mini-session touring France. A medicine, health and society major, Reed enjoyed six weeks of studying differences between the American and French healthcare

“I’m blessed to have had this opportunity to study abroad with the help of Vanderbilt University’s athletics department, and I look forward to cherishing these memories for the rest of my life.”

Vanderbilt lacrosse player Melanie Becker helped deliver shoes to local schools in a mission trip to Jamaica.

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Vanderbilt linebacker Oren Burks enjoys a helicopter ride above the Great Barrier Reef.

systems. Along the way, Reed took in sights like the Eiffel Tower, a trip to Versailles and the Marie Curie Museum. The experience was one she won’t soon forget, Reed said. “I got to see a lot of different places and things in Paris, but we also delved into the more academic side of our experience,” Reed said. “We visited some historical sites to learn more about the history and development of medicine in France.” Football senior Oren Burks took a page out of his teammate Webb’s book and ventured to Australia. Burks managed to snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, visit the largest sand island in the world in Fraser Island and tour the expansive Daintree Rainforest. The senior’s trip helped to put his own viewpoint as an SEC student-athlete in perspective. “As the natural wonders of the world are becoming more and more endangered, we should all take a look in the mirror to see what we can do better to ensure that our children’s children can enjoy these incredible sights,” Burks said. “I’m blessed to have had this opportunity to study abroad with the help of Vanderbilt University’s Athletics Department, and I look forward to cherishing these memories for the rest of my life.” Other Vanderbilt student-athletes decided to take a service approach with opportunities abroad. One group of Commodore studentathletes and staffers spent a week in Jamaica delivering shoes to local children in partnership with nonprofit Soles4Souls. The group visited five Jamaican schools and distributed more than 850 pairs of shoes. ■

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Vanderbilt’s White enters Academic All-America Hall of Fame

anderbilt head coach Stephanie White was inducted into the 2017 College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-America Hall of Fame class in June. White and three other inductees joined the prestigious 142-member Academic All-America Hall of Fame. They will be inducted into the Academic All-America Hall of Fame at CoSIDA’s annual convention during the organization’s annual Hall of Fame Ceremony at the World Center Marriott. “I’m honored to be inducted into the Academic All American Hall of Fame,” said White. “As a student athlete, academics was as much of a priority as athletics and I took great pride in striving for excellence in both areas. As I look back on my journey as a student in college athletics I am grateful for the many experiences I had, both positive and negative. As a coach, it’s my mission to provide opportunities that help our student athletes on their quest for excellence.” Created in 1988, the CoSIDA Academic All-America Hall of Fame recognizes former Academic All-Americans who received a college degree at least 10 years ago, have achieved lifetime success in their professional careers, and are committed to philanthropic causes. White, who recently completed her first season at the helm of the Commodores, was a standout in the classroom as well as the court during her decorated playing career at Purdue. Earning Phi Beta Kappa honors, she was a two-time Academic All-America selection and was named the 1999 Academic All-American of the Year for women’s basketball (university division) as a senior. On the floor, White was named the national Player of the Year after leading the Boilermakers to the 1999 NCAA championship. “In our 2017 Academic All-America Hall of Fame class, we recognize four

women who made major contributions to their respective collegiate sports and who continue to make significant impact in their professional careers,” said Andy Seeley, UCF Assistant Athletic Director for Communications and current CoSIDA president. “As undergraduates, they excelled at the highest levels to their respective sports while also being committed to obtaining extraordinary academic success.” The Hall of Fame induction ceremony featured ESPN’s Rece Davis as emcee and legendary broadcaster Dick Enberg, the ambassador of the Academic All-America program, as special guest and presenter. At that time, the 2016 Dick Enberg Award recipient, former Ole Miss chancellor Dr. Robert Khayat, also was be recognized. ■

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Kyle Wright heads to Atlanta

hen Kyle Wright heard his name called in the 2017 Major League Baseball draft, the situation could not have been more ideal. The Atlanta Braves took the Vanderbilt righthanded pitcher with the fifth overall pick, securing the junior a spot with his childhood team. “It’s just so special,” Wright said. “I can remember me and my brothers growing up watching Braves games, through all the ups and downs. It’s been a longtime connection, and I’m just very happy to be part of it. It’s just a perfect fit, honestly.” A native of Huntsville, Ala., Wright now gets to trade his black and gold for a Braves uniform as yet another major-league talent from Vanderbilt. The 6’4’’, 220-pound player became the 17th firstround pick in Commodores’ history after striking out 121 batters in 103.1 innings and allowing opponents to hit just .216 en route to All-America and first team All-SEC honors. He is the 12th Vanderbilt pitcher to be taken in the first round, and following teammate Jeren Kendall’s selection at 23rd overall by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Wright is now one of 14 first-round picks produced by head coach Tim Corbin. Wright’s selection also bolstered a sterling legacy of Vanderbilt pitchers who have heard their names called in the first round. The Dores have now had a pitcher selected in the first round for the fourth straight year, following Tyler Beede (2014), Carson Fulmer (2015), Walker Buehler (2015) and Jordan Sheffield (2016). In 2007, meanwhile, Vanderbilt pitcher David Price became the first overall pick in the draft, a first in program history. Now, Wright gets to add his name to that list. “It’s an honor just to be in the conversation with guys like that, just to in a way uphold and continue that tradition,” Wright said. “Those guys have laid the standard and set the foundation. It’s given a chance for guys to come in and be successful.” Wright will join former teammate Dansby Swanson in Atlanta, himself a former No. 1 overall pick (2015). And though Wright has closed the door on his Vanderbilt career, perhaps he will have a permanent home on West End: the Commodores’ new baseball facility at Hawkins Field is set to include a spacious locker room for former players. “I guess I get a locker in there,” Wright said with a smile. ■

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My Take By Zac Ellis

avid Williams has served as Vanderbilt’s athletics director since 2003, which is the equivalent of a lifetime in college sports. Case in point: at the Southeastern Conference’s annual Spring Meetings in Destin, Fla., in May, Williams and Kentucky’s Mitch Barnhart represented the longest-serving athletics directors in the conference. That perspective interested me as I searched for topics for a recent episode of the Commodore Insider Podcast, which you can find at VUCommodores.com. I decided to sit down with Williams and assess the issues that were discussed at spring meetings. His perspective ended up being fascinating, and not simply as one of the veteran ADs in the room. Vanderbilt is also the only private university in the SEC. “There are some things that we see completely different,” Williams said. “The great part about the group [of SEC athletics directors] is the level of respect amongst the group, that even if my issue or our issues are completely different from them, there is an ability and a desire to hear what we want to say.” During the “I left Williams’ office in the McGugin discussion, we manCenter convinced there may never be aged to touch on a number of topics a more compelling time to work in or pertaining to the be a fan of college sports.” SEC. For example, conference leaders altered a rule to allow an easier path for graduate transfers into the SEC. In the past, schools had been prevented from receiving more graduate transfers if previous transfers failed to meet certain academic requirements. But Williams said future discussions on the topic will likely involve SEC-toSEC graduate transfers. “Where the debate in the room came with graduate transfers was within the conference,” Williams said. “That’s where the big debate was, over whether or not you should be able to transfer within the conference as a graduate transfer and not have to sit out. That did get a lot of debate.” Among other topics, conference leaders analyzed the issues of alcohol sales in stadiums, divisional realignment and staff sizes in sports. The latter debate became an interesting discussion in Destin due to increased revenue in college sports. As money has increased, staff sizes have begun to follow suit, and Williams said he hopes that subject focuses more on student-athletes in the future. “There is some recognition that maybe we need to be spending a little bit more time thinking about student-athlete welfare,” Williams said. “If the increase in staffs can relate to student-athlete welfare, it’s ok. But if it’s just to increase the staff, I don’t know.” But perhaps the most thought-provoking subjects from my meeting with Williams centered on the future of college sports. Vanderbilt’s AD alluded to the impact of future television deals on the country’s biggest conferences, an impact that remains relatively unknown. The evolution of media—and how customers consume it—is set to heavily determine the future of the SEC. Williams even alluded to further conference realignment. I left Williams’ office in the McGugin Center convinced there may never be a more compelling time to work in or be a fan of college sports. I recommend you give the podcast a listen at VUCommodores.com. The Commodore Insider Podcast can also be found on SoundCloud, iTunes and Stitcher.■

C O M M O D O R E N AT I O N

My Game

Trent Sherfield

f you watch Vanderbilt football in 2017, expect to hear Trent Sherfield’s name a lot. The senior wide receiver should be one of the Commodores’ top offensive weapons as they kick off their SEC football season. A Danville, Ill. native, Sherfield sat down with Commodore Nation to discuss his revered work ethic, his goals for 2017 and more: Commodore Nation: You spend a lot of time on the practice field doing individual drills. Why is that important to you? Sherfield: One of my goals is to be the best wide receiver in the SEC. Every day I want to put in the work to become that. I want to push the guys in the wide receiver room, and I want those guys to push me. Whenever they see me out there putting in extra work, they often come out and join me. The everyday goal is to wake up and be better than I was the previous day. CN: In 2016, you finished second on the team in catches and receiving yards. But sometimes Vanderbilt looked to be missing a go-to receiver in key moments. Can you fill that void in 2017? Sherfield: That’s definitely one of my goals. To be able to do all the small things right and be disciplined, that’s why I’m out here everyday, pushing myself beyond comfort levels. I want to be that go-to guy for Kyle in crunch time. That’s what all the hours are put in for. CN: Junior quarterback Kyle Shurmur returns in 2017 as one of the most experienced passers in the SEC. You’ve played together for two seasons now. How is the chemistry between you guys? Sherfield: The chemistry with Kyle is only getting better. Sometimes we come out here on our own just to build that chemistry. But it’s getting better each and every day. Whenever Shurm wants to watch film, he lets us know. We hold each other accountable. If I see

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Shurm do something he shouldn’t, I let him know, and vice versa. In my eyes, Kyle Shurmur is the best quarterback in the SEC. I love the guy to death, and he’s not just a great football player, he’s a great person, too. CN: Your journey to Vanderbilt has been an interesting one, particularly with regards to your position. Tell us about that. Sherfield: In a lot of ways, I’ve grown tremendously. A lot of people don’t know, but I didn’t start playing wide receiver until my freshman year at Vanderbilt. I came in having played quarterback and defensive back in high school in Danville, Ill., and coach [Derek] Mason and his staff decided to switch

me to receiver. I was definitely okay with it, because I love having the ball in my hands. But the transition was tough. I didn’t play much freshman year, so this is really just my third year playing wide receiver. It’s taken long hours of putting in the work and continuous repetitions just to get better at the little things. Now I definitely feel as though I’m a leader. CN: Have you grown to idolize any all-time great receivers? Do you try to model your game after anyone? Sherfield: I love to watch Odell Beckham, Jr., Antonio Brown and Julio Jones. But Jarvis Landry and Stefon Diggs are guys I try to model my game after, like being really physical in the run game, which is something I want to get back to. When I’m watching that tape, I tell myself there’s no difference in the routes they run and the things I do. It’s just all about the mindset, going out there and dominating. CN: You committed to Vanderbilt under its previous staff. Why did you choose to stick with the Commodores after Coach Mason got hired? Sherfield: Several guys in my recruiting class decided to de-commit, but me and guys like Emmanuel Smith, Tre Herndon and Bruno Reagan, we decided to stay because we committed to the school, not the coach. We wanted to stick it out because we knew we could do some special things at Vanderbilt. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. You can’t take something away from someone that they’ve worked for. You can only take something away if it’s given to you. CN: What are Vanderbilt’s goals for the 2017 season? Sherfield: I think we have all the leaders, and we know what it takes to win the SEC East. We’re going to push each other to our limits. ■

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