Thirty-three seniors were on Davidson Wildcat rosters as this spring began, and though their 2020 seasons were abbreviated, their contributions to their respective teams, the overall athletics program and college itself make them worthy of recognition. Each Tuesday and Thursday, we will feature members of the class of 2020 as part of the Senior Spring Scholar-Athlete Spotlight.
Sport you competed in: Women's Track & Field
What is your major?: Biology and Studio Art
What was your favorite class and why?: Neuroscience of exercise, my class is so fun because we are learning something new constantly and it relates to my interests almost exactly. I love being able to read research articles and then dive into them further.
Where did you complete your studies this semester?: At home most likely in my bed or "studio."
Though it was cut short, what will you remember most about your senior season?: The practices that I had with my teammates. I will miss them dearly.
What was the defining moment of your athletic career?: This most recent A-10 conference. Indoor usually isn't my season and everythinglined up so well.
What was your favorite trip you took as a team and why?: Honestly, the 14-hour drive to Rhode Island my sophomore year! It was a lot, BUT we had a great time bonding and playing games together.
What makes a Davidson scholar-athlete different?: The fact that we balanced so much and are still excelling in things off of our playing fields/courts/pool/track. We are always pushing the boundaries of what athletes are capable of accomplishing because we are investing our time in so many other things - the community, the arts, our peers, our academics. I am always in awe of what other athletes at our school are involved in andhow much of a difference that makes in other people's lives.
You can invite any three people to dinner, who is joining you?: Beyoncé, my artist crush, Titus Kaphar, and Tracee Ellis Ross.Binter placed 3rd in the pentathlon at the 2020 A-10 Indoor Championship!
Most memorable college moment outside of competition?: The unveiling of my Mural Panel Project.
Did you have a pre-game/match/meet superstition?: I have to wear some kind of crazy socks with the arm sleeve WITH the double buns. And when I say have to, I mean I have to. Especially for the pentathlon and day one AND two of the heptathlon.
What lessons from sports has helped you deal with the unusual situation of the spring semester?: That ultimately, things have to end. In high jump, in long jump, a race, there is an ending to everything good and bad. In high jump, you ultimately have to end on a failed jump. You will miss and there won't be another one and you do not get to try again. Although that sounds really negative, I think that prepped me for a more positive and optimistic attitude that I have now, because if you can't look forward to what is next, what is coming up, or the chance to do something better next, then what is there to look forward to? Especially in a hep and pent, if an event goes poorly, you have 30 minutes to get your mind right to move on to the next event. It keeps you on your toes and requires the ability to move on mentally and stay focused.
What are you most proud of from your time as a Wildcat?: The woman I have become. I would not have been able to do everything that I have and had the opportunities I have had if I did not go to Davidson. The things I have been able to accomplish and the wonderful people who supported me along the way have impacted me for life and I could not be more thankful.
Who do you want to thank for their support?: Coach Molly - the myth, the legend, she got me to where I am today and she already knows how impactful she has been. Coach Straub - thank you for trusting me. Shout out to the Art Department, Biology (especially Dr. Mark Barsoum, Dr. Lom, and ALWAYS, Dr. Campbell). Sherry Nelson, yes ma'am, Dean Domingue, Liz Hammond. My teammates - always love for my event group and the Bouncy boys. My sisters on campus- always supportive and loving in every way. Everyone who worked with me/helped me along the way (friends and peers know who they are). I feel like I wrote too much for this question…
What's next for you?: I have a Fellowship at Charlotte Country Day IndependentSchool where I will be teaching and (hopefully) coaching.
