Michele Christy
Monday, October 23rd, 2017
Michele Christy
University of Tennessee Soccer Player 2013-2017
I’ll never forget my first official day as a Division I collegiate athlete. As I was sitting through our team meetings, nervous and distracted by the fact that preseason training was starting the next day, our athletic director Mr. Dave Hart entered the room. He purposefully took time out of his day to tell us that he believed in each and every one of us, that we were there for a reason and that he was confident we could accomplish great things. From that entire day of meetings, this was the one moment I remembered as I began to feel both excited and at ease knowing that my athletic director had unwavering faith in me. The support Mr. Hart had for all of the University of Tennessee Athletics programs was one of his defining qualities and was a reason he left a lasting impact on the lives of so many student-athletes. As I reflect on my past four years as a University of Tennessee soccer player, I am so grateful for the work Mr. Hart did to bring the athletic department together into a “One Tennessee” family. Through his innovative thinking and leadership, Mr. Hart gave Tennessee Athletics an important edge through the implementation of programs such as the VOLeader’s Academy and resources like UT Smokey’s Grill. As the head of a student-athlete centered athletic department, Mr. Hart ate lunch with various student-athletes, listening to the needs and wants of each team and individual. His visibility, mentorship and commitment to put the student-athletes first have allowed me to not only grow as a soccer player, but also a well-rounded individual and leader prepared to enter life after college athletics. I am forever thankful for Mr. Hart’s ability to unite an organization and provide growth for the individuals within it.
University of Tennessee Soccer Player 2013-2017
I’ll never forget my first official day as a Division I collegiate athlete. As I was sitting through our team meetings, nervous and distracted by the fact that preseason training was starting the next day, our athletic director Mr. Dave Hart entered the room. He purposefully took time out of his day to tell us that he believed in each and every one of us, that we were there for a reason and that he was confident we could accomplish great things. From that entire day of meetings, this was the one moment I remembered as I began to feel both excited and at ease knowing that my athletic director had unwavering faith in me. The support Mr. Hart had for all of the University of Tennessee Athletics programs was one of his defining qualities and was a reason he left a lasting impact on the lives of so many student-athletes. As I reflect on my past four years as a University of Tennessee soccer player, I am so grateful for the work Mr. Hart did to bring the athletic department together into a “One Tennessee” family. Through his innovative thinking and leadership, Mr. Hart gave Tennessee Athletics an important edge through the implementation of programs such as the VOLeader’s Academy and resources like UT Smokey’s Grill. As the head of a student-athlete centered athletic department, Mr. Hart ate lunch with various student-athletes, listening to the needs and wants of each team and individual. His visibility, mentorship and commitment to put the student-athletes first have allowed me to not only grow as a soccer player, but also a well-rounded individual and leader prepared to enter life after college athletics. I am forever thankful for Mr. Hart’s ability to unite an organization and provide growth for the individuals within it.
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