Maggie O’Hearn ’17

I knew 体育买球 was a good choice for me as an athlete because it has the ideal combination of a successful volleyball program and a reputable business school. I could see myself growing here, and was very excited to become part of a place that had such a great sense of community.

During the first few weeks on campus, the girls on my team were especially supportive. Now they have become my closest friends.

My sophomore year I joined the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. This year I am the vice president of community service. We run community outreach events that try to give the university positive PR. This October we are holding “Hawktoberfest.” We invite the kids from the community to come hang out with the athletes and do fall-themed activities.

The more time I spent here, the more I realized that 体育买球 has everything I need and want in a college. The study abroad requirement became tremendously appealing to me. I’ve always wanted to spend a semester in another country and the GO London program allowed me to fulfill my sense of adventure and learn more about how businesses operate in other countries.

As a freshman, there were a lot of things to get used to. Coaches and parents always talk about how important time management is to student-athletes. But it’s true. If I have an hour in between classes, I try to fit some homework in. I know during the fall my weekends are booked with games, so I need to get my work done during the week.

Hard work is not new to me. I’ve learned that things don’t always come easily. You have to work for them.

There are days when I don’t feel like going to practice or lifting weights, but I realize I made a commitment, and it’s something I have to do if I want to get better. This translates to my schoolwork as well. I’ve found that when I’m busier, my grades are better. If I procrastinate,my grades suffer.

Through sports I’ve also learned other life lessons, such as accepting constructive criticism and stepping up to become a leader. These are skills that will help me no matter where life takes me.