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Behind the Balance: Cadet-Athlete Features
The Three-Legged Stool in Action
Virginia Military Institute’s cadet-athletes have to juggle cadet life, heavy academic course loads, and their NCAA Division I sport. Committed to both academic and athletic pursuits, along with their military training, balancing their rigorous schedule in both sports and school requires a certain level of commitment and discipline.
Behind the Balance is a series that focuses on those cadet-athletes and how they handle the hurdles of the day-to-day as part of the unique undergraduate experience found at this historic military college.
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Through resources like the Miller Academic Center and academic advisors, Terrell Jackson stays on top of his studies while mentoring teammates and maintaining relationships between athletics and the Corps.
It wasn’t love at first run for Abby Fiorillo ’25. She said her father made her do cross country when she was in high school, but the longer she ran, her love for the sport grew.
Becoming one of the co-captains of Virginia Military Institute’s men’s soccer team, Colin Blandford ’26 didn’t expect to carry so much weight. It was a stark contrast to him serving as captain in high school.
The schedule Gretal Shank ’25 keeps ensures she’s able to get all her tasks done. On top of a sport, she’s taken a heavy credit load her entire time at VMI — taking 20 credits this semester, three of which are dedicated to her honor’s thesis.
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Ty Swaim '24 based his decision on attending VMI for the opportunity to play baseball, the trust he had with the coaching staff, and the expectations they had for him.
Leadership and regiment have been ingrained into Kyle Webster ’24 since beginning his time at Virginia Military Institute. In his last semester, he perfected the balance of academics and athletics. Although, he admits it was challenging.
Devin Butler ’24 doesn’t remember a time when there wasn’t a basketball in his hands. He may not have been able to dribble it as a baby, but it was there.
Courtney Novotny ’25 starts out each week with a plan. Every Sunday she goes over what needs to be done for the coming week. It’s the only way she can stay organized and on target for all her goals, especially since she’s one of the co-captains of the water polo team, handling her classes and more.
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The cadet regimen has worked out for Tyler Mousaw '24. Plus, being a D1 athlete on VMI’s wrestling team has enabled him to find ways to balance everything.
Katie Grochalski ’24 found that rifle served as her own personal time, something that she could devote only to herself. The solid black powder, the popping of rifles, it had a calming effect on her, so much so that she could even fall asleep at the range.