When you’re going through the recruiting process, scholarships are a major priority. They’re talked about on SportsCenter as if every school has this mystical, bottomless pit of money to frivolously throw at any athlete they want. And while I wish that were the case, it’s not. (Even now, working at a Power Five school — it’s not.)
I consider myself very fortunate, I had parents who were willing to help with out-of-state tuition (Not to mention relocate so we would be eligible for in-state tuition.). I worked hard in school so that I would be eligible for additional academic scholarships. I maintained a high GPA so that I could be a member of the Napoleon Hill Scholars. I was able to pick up a flexible part-time job in student activities, Greek life, and intramural sports to have shopping money.
But then life, (as it always does at the most untimely moment,) hit and it hard. My dad got furloughed in my junior year. I remember sitting in the financial aid office on the verge of tears wondering if my family would be able to cover this semester’s tuition.
How are we going to pay for this?
I am privileged that we were able to do so with the help of an emergency grant from UVA-Wise.
While my story is unique, it’s not uncommon. The reality is, tuition costs are on the rise but funding for programs isn’t. I know of several athletes — former teammates, current students, and family friends — that have a tough conversation every semester…
We owe how much?
What is a FASFA?
Where the hell is last year’s tax return?
Why are they asking me this when they already have my social security number?
Should I take out another loan?
Could I ask coach for more money?
How are we going to pay for this?
The truth is, my experience wouldn’t have been possible without several scholarships. I am grateful to have graduated undergrad with minimal student debt (we won’t talk about my Master’s). The question came up often, but rarely did I have to genuinely worry:
How are we going to pay for this?
It’s been 8 years since I arrived to UVA-Wise a bright-eyed, anxious freshman. It’s been 4 years since I walked off campus as a back-to-back conference champion. Every day I think about our program and how I wouldn’t be me without it.
So in January, my parents and I, along with Coach D, Nathan, and Sam (if you know them, consider yourself lucky to have them in your corner) put the pen to paper... To help the next woman up, we launched the UVA-Wise Women’s Lacrosse Family Legacy Scholarship.
Our goal is to raise $50,000 over the next 5 years to have this scholarship endowed by UVA. Put simply, (because I was NOT a finance major) we fundraise now and our money makes money!! All to help ensure the next family who asks
How are we going to pay for this?
Has another option.
It’s a way to keep making the pass and help the next woman up.
If you feel compelled to give, please join us!
1. Visit: https://lnkd.in/g5MQAyVm
2. Enter your donation amount.
3. Designation: WISE Women’s Lacrosse
4. Enter your personal information
5. In Honor Of: Lacrosse Family Legacy Scholarship
6. Pay via Venmo, Pay Pal, Credit/Debit Card, or Bank Transfer
Comments
Post a Comment