“Being successful motivates me, whether it’s playing baseball or getting a job,” said Andrew Booth, a senior baseball player committed to St. Leo University. Student-athletes are motivated to work hard at school and in their sports, so they have a gateway to get into good colleges.

PHU has many student-athletes committed to play their sports at a collegiate level. They must work hard in the classroom as well as on the field or on the court. These student-athletes have an immense amount of motivation, so they can get the job done.

 Mia Buffano is a senior softball player at PHU who has been committed to the University of Florida for three years. “Playing softball in college is one of the only ways I can get to college and it has been my dream since I was little,” said Buffano.

Buffano will be attending one of the highest ranking athletic and academic universities in the nation. She is motivated to work hard to get good grades as well as achieve playing time. “I’m trying to start at UF and get a lot of playing time, so I have to work my hardest,” said Buffano.

Andrew Booth committed to St. Leo University on January 16, 2018 after the coach watched him play in the summer of 2017. “I want to continue to play the game I love and go to school at the same time.” said Booth. This motivates Booth to work hard on both the field and in the classroom.

Booth chose SLU for two main reasons. “The coaches are awesome, and the campus is nice.” said Booth. He is beyond excited to continue to play the sport he’s loved since he was 9 years old.

College athletics span farther than just your “power sports,” such as baseball, football, and basketball. Alec Lambert will be attending Carson Newman University on a golf scholarship. He is a senior on the PHU golf team and has been committed since August of 2018.

Lambert has wanted to go to CNU since freshman year because he knows the golf coach. “Golf motivates me,” said Lambert. “I’d like to pursue higher education and my golf scholarship helps me to do that.” 

A poll shows PHU currently has 17 student-athletes committed to play at the collegiate level. Although all sports are different, they all have one thing in common; every student-athlete is motivated to work their hardest in the classroom and on the field.

College athletics provide a gateway to success for student-athletes willing to work hard. Colleges will give financial aid in the form of an athletic scholarship for talented and motivated athletes.