Spring Break
Athletes integral part of University life
Guest column
By: Rachel Shack
Issue date: 9/29/06 Section: Columns
Last update: 9/29/06 at 7:23 AM EST
Last update: 9/29/06 at 7:23 AM EST
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Professor Orin Starn recently wrote in The Herald-Sun, "A university that prides itself on innovation would become a bold leader in much-needed college athletics reform." What is so innovative about making Duke look like the hundreds of other universities with good academics and uncompetitive athletics?
It was not a sell-out at Cameron Indoor Stadium a few Mondays ago. The meeting of student-athletes, coaches and support staff "family" was a call to reaffirm and renew values that the Athletic Department, and all those in it, have always represented. As student athletes, we are in the unique position of representing the University on a national stage, which we do with pride. We love to play for the name on the front of our jerseys rather than the back, and all the past successes and tradition of excellence that come with the letters D-U-K-E.
I write to respond to some recent proposals that Duke de-emphasize or eliminate its athletics program.
I have been a life-long Duke fan. When I was admitted here, my dream became a reality. I was not recruited to Duke as an athlete. In the months following my acceptance, I decided that sports were too significant a part of my life to give up, so I tried out and walked on to the women's lacrosse team-a team that has gone to the Final Four my first two years at Duke. Since my first day of practice, I have felt extremely privileged to be a part of such a special, driven and talented group of women. At Duke, I have served on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, a group which interacts with the Athletic Department as well as organizes and participates in several community service projects. I am a member of the first class of Baldwin Scholars, a program which stemmed from Duke's Women's Initiative, and which aims to change women's leadership roles and attitudes on campus.
That being said, I am first and foremost a serious student, as are most student-athletes I know. I and my fellow athletes have enormous respect for the faculty at Duke. One of the ways we demonstrate that respect for our professors is hard work. Duke athletes work hard. Last year, 362 Duke student-athletes earned a place on the ACC Academic Honor Roll, which led the conference for the 18th straight year. A 2004 graduate of the women's lacrosse team finished first in her class as a mathematics and classics major.
It was not a sell-out at Cameron Indoor Stadium a few Mondays ago. The meeting of student-athletes, coaches and support staff "family" was a call to reaffirm and renew values that the Athletic Department, and all those in it, have always represented. As student athletes, we are in the unique position of representing the University on a national stage, which we do with pride. We love to play for the name on the front of our jerseys rather than the back, and all the past successes and tradition of excellence that come with the letters D-U-K-E.
I write to respond to some recent proposals that Duke de-emphasize or eliminate its athletics program.
I have been a life-long Duke fan. When I was admitted here, my dream became a reality. I was not recruited to Duke as an athlete. In the months following my acceptance, I decided that sports were too significant a part of my life to give up, so I tried out and walked on to the women's lacrosse team-a team that has gone to the Final Four my first two years at Duke. Since my first day of practice, I have felt extremely privileged to be a part of such a special, driven and talented group of women. At Duke, I have served on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, a group which interacts with the Athletic Department as well as organizes and participates in several community service projects. I am a member of the first class of Baldwin Scholars, a program which stemmed from Duke's Women's Initiative, and which aims to change women's leadership roles and attitudes on campus.
That being said, I am first and foremost a serious student, as are most student-athletes I know. I and my fellow athletes have enormous respect for the faculty at Duke. One of the ways we demonstrate that respect for our professors is hard work. Duke athletes work hard. Last year, 362 Duke student-athletes earned a place on the ACC Academic Honor Roll, which led the conference for the 18th straight year. A 2004 graduate of the women's lacrosse team finished first in her class as a mathematics and classics major.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
duke parent
posted 9/30/06 @ 10:09 AM EST
Rachel, you represent what is best in Duke, the student body. Your letter is superb! I am proud that my child walks on the same campus with you. I cannot say the same for Starn, Holloway, Wood and others. (Continued…)
Duke '92 Grad
posted 9/30/06 @ 11:38 AM EST
An impressive article. Well thought out, unlike the commentaries from the faculty that have appeared in larger circulation. Thank you for representing Duke, on the athletic field, in the classroom, and in this publication, so very well Rachel. (Continued…)
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