Sports analysts and other top ranked schools have long
commented that it is simply impossible to achieve academic and athletic
excellence simultaneously. With now 17 Director’s Cups, and working towards 18 our athletic program has proved this assumption wrong 17 times. I am not
writing to brag about accomplishments, rather to share my observations on what
I have learned through being part of such an esteemed institution.
Having
completed four quarters here on “The Farm,” I am beginning to figure this place
out. Those who are successful at Stanford are able to thrive in the face of
challenges. While this applies generally to success in life, Stanford certainly
demands this of their student-athletes. It is a reflection of the culture and
standard that coaches, teammates, and alumni have developed within the athletic
department and individual teams.
Stanford is
able to attract Olympic athletes and national standouts year after year. Not
only do athletes turn down easier academic options, they also choose difficult
majors while here. Other universities often recruit athletes with the idea that
a lesser academic load will help them better integrate into the professional
athletic ranks. However, in the last year I have come to the exact opposite
conclusion. I believe the ability to handle the bilateral commitment to
athletics and academics has been the very reason why Stanford has produced
dominant professional athletes like John Elway, Kerri Walsh, John McEnroe, and
Tom Watson.
The
balance of academics and athletics forces students to be disciplined in
handling their performances. On almost every team there are examples of
individuals like Toby Gerhart. As many know Gerhart, now on the Minnesota
Vikings, was a two-sport athlete who finished 2nd in Heisman voting
in 2009 while taking 21 academic units (6 more than the average of 15 per
quarter). Being surrounded by an athletic program comprised of such excellence
and determination has had a profound effect on me. It has lead me develop time
management skills and maturity that I don’t think I would have developed
anywhere else.
Stanford
Golf and more broadly, Stanford University is something that is truly special.
It has already given me growth and learning opportunities that I will find
valuable long after graduation. Coming off a hard academic week with finals, I
can’t wait to get back to a full practice schedule. We have a great group of
guys this year and saw improvements throughout practices and workouts during
the fall quarter.
Looking forward to Spring Season and
finding some W’s!
Go Cardinal!
