The Division of Athletics hosted its annual athletic meet and greet on Thursday, September 20. Director of Athletics, David Mathis, shared their goal for the season when he said, “We aim for a track record of success both in and outside of the classroom.”

Mathis’ sentiment was shared by others who spoke that night. Women’s Basketball Coach, Brandan Harrell, said, “These teams are about more than athletes and coaches.”

Balancing college life and athletics can be difficult. However, student athletes have to maintain a good work ethic to keep a 2.0 grade point average to stay in their sport and have to prepare for big games with the pressure of living up to high expectations.

Coach J.J. of the Men’s Basketball team said, “They aim to get better each day.” The men’s and women’s basketball teams are currently preparing for the first game of the season on November 1 in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Mathis said, “The ego driven student athletes count their newspaper clippings. The humble student athletes count their blessings.”

There should be ample opportunity for both this season.