Wake Forest Athletics
Gold Rush Feature: A Student-Athlete Intern's Perspective
3/1/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
March 1, 2011
This article was originally published in the Feb. 5 edition of Gold Rush.
By Lauren McIntyre ('11)
Oscar Wilde once said that, "The secret of life is to appreciate the pleasure of being terribly deceived." As a student-athlete at Wake Forest, I was most certainly deceived by the athletic program here. I had absolutely no idea the man power, finances, and time invested just to get our student-athletes onto the field, court, and track. I had no idea that the insignificant things we student-athletes whine and complain for everyday were being rigorously fought for behind the scenes. As a spring intern for the Deacon Club, and former volleyball player at Wake Forest, I am learning that this is much more than just a game.
For four years, I have invested countless hours, blood, sweat, tears and heartache to ensure that I gave any and everything to my team. Little did I know, this effort went far beyond the court. There is something to be said about student-athletes at Wake Forest and how each individual game plays a major role in the fan base, financial intake, and overall funding. With each success, you not only gain more fans, but you also gain more funding. Understanding this business side of the sport is slightly bitter sweet because I am realizing that just playing is not enough.
Fond memories in the locker room will always resonate with me as I look back on my time spent as a Wake Forest student-athlete. We use to whine about not having an adequate speaker system, free shampoo and conditioner for the showers, a gym full of fans for every game, and more Nike gear. After my short time here in the development office, and having a better understanding of the finances involved, I am slowly realizing that simply funding scholarships falls short every year, let alone the funding for facilities, travel, miscellaneous, etc. I had no idea the amount of money needed to fund even one sport, like football. I am truly thankful now for every opportunity we were given as student-athletes.
The appreciation I have gained through even the first month of this internship has inspired me to thank each and every individual who ever helped to put me on the volleyball court. Coaches, tutors, academic counselors, donors, athletic administration; I could go on and on. The ladder of personnel that it takes to sustain a sport is mind-boggling. I have tried as much as possible to communicate to my student-athlete peers the daily efforts that are made for the student-athletes and their sports.
In the coming semester I hope to learn ten times as much as I have learned just in these first few weeks. This is an amazing opportunity to have the tables turned and realize just what it takes to run an athletic program. Also, I have gained even further appreciation for our donors, and the commitment they have to our athletics and our school. It truly demonstrates the difference between a spectator and fan when you continue to see the loyal support through the good seasons and the bad. It is my hope that I will one day become a Deacon Club member and major supporter of Wake Forest Athletics. It is my hope that I can return to Wake Forest in ten years and speak to student-athletes about the significance of our donors, athletic staff, and the overall efforts made to sustain these sports.
Mr. Wilde was truly correct in saying I would receive pleasure from this deceit; it has truly brought appreciation into my life for all of the generous donors and dedicated staff who have helped me to grow to the person I am today.
