Spring Senior Scholar-Athlete Spotlight: Emma Pettit
6/9/2020 9:52:00 AM | Women's Cross Country, Women's Track & Field
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.
Name: Emma Pettit
Sport you competed in: Women's Track & Field
What is your major?: Political Science
What was your favorite class and why?: My favorite class (although it's so hard to choose) would probably be Abraham Lincoln and the Crisis of American Democracy because I learned so much from Dr. Ahrensdorf about an important time in American political history that still has so many impacts today.
Where did you complete your studies this semester?: At home in New York City.
Though it was cut short, what will you remember most about your senior season?: season?: I think more than any one moment, I will remember all the workouts on the track: the note cards with the intervals, cooling down around the neighborhoods, crazy sock days, and the iconic "hit it, ladies!"
What was your favorite trip you took as a team and why?: My favorite trip was A-10 Conference for cross country last fall. Going as a senior was so special, I loved having the time with the team and being so proud of and excited for my younger teammates who will go on to lead this team in the future.
What makes a Davidson scholar-athlete different?: I love that Davidson is a place where I can just be me, and all the many facets of myself that encompasses. I never felt like I had to choose between the team and school work, extracurricular activities, or a social life. I have appreciated the way teammates, professors, and friends have all been supportive, compassionate, and inspiring.
You can invite any three people to dinner, who is joining you?: Three of my favorite Davidson alumni/fellow student-athletes: Helen Webster, Sophia Mills, and Steph Curry.
Most memorable college moment outside of competition?: The cake race every year!
Did you have a pre-game/match/meet superstition?: I tried to avoid superstitions because I find if I rely on them too much they ca do more damage than good, so I just try to take deep breaths and remember all the hard practices that prepared me for the race ahead.
What lessons from sports has helped you deal with the unusual situation of the spring semester?: Racing and PRing is an exercise in pushing yourself faster than your body has ever gone before, so you have to tell yourself and believe that you are stronger than you think. Now, we are all facing a challenge we have never overcome before also. With what could've been some of the best months of college erased and experiencing the loss of life due to the virus, I try and remind myself that we, as a community, are stronger than we think, and we will get through this too. Also, I think running teaches us to be grateful to our body for all that it does when pushed to the limit. I try to practice gratitude everything I do have, never take good health or safety for granted, and advocate for the health and safety of others.
What are you most proud of from your time as a Wildcat?: I'm most proud of the way the team has grown over my four years, all of the amazing memories and friendships made. But more than proud, I just feel incredibly lucky to have met these people and can't wait to see the amazing things everyone does in the future.
Who do you want to thank for their support?: I want to thank my fellow seniors for being there for me through all the ups and downs, love you guys!! I also want to thank Jen Straub for being such a dedicated, passionate, and loving coach who never ceases to bring the energy to practice! I couldn't have made it through these four years
without my amazing track family!
What's next for you?: I will be working at Hamilton Place Strategies, a public affairs consulting firm, in New York City starting in September.
.
Name: Emma Pettit
Sport you competed in: Women's Track & Field
What is your major?: Political Science
What was your favorite class and why?: My favorite class (although it's so hard to choose) would probably be Abraham Lincoln and the Crisis of American Democracy because I learned so much from Dr. Ahrensdorf about an important time in American political history that still has so many impacts today.
Where did you complete your studies this semester?: At home in New York City.
Though it was cut short, what will you remember most about your senior season?: season?: I think more than any one moment, I will remember all the workouts on the track: the note cards with the intervals, cooling down around the neighborhoods, crazy sock days, and the iconic "hit it, ladies!"
What was your favorite trip you took as a team and why?: My favorite trip was A-10 Conference for cross country last fall. Going as a senior was so special, I loved having the time with the team and being so proud of and excited for my younger teammates who will go on to lead this team in the future.
What makes a Davidson scholar-athlete different?: I love that Davidson is a place where I can just be me, and all the many facets of myself that encompasses. I never felt like I had to choose between the team and school work, extracurricular activities, or a social life. I have appreciated the way teammates, professors, and friends have all been supportive, compassionate, and inspiring.
You can invite any three people to dinner, who is joining you?: Three of my favorite Davidson alumni/fellow student-athletes: Helen Webster, Sophia Mills, and Steph Curry.
Most memorable college moment outside of competition?: The cake race every year!
Did you have a pre-game/match/meet superstition?: I tried to avoid superstitions because I find if I rely on them too much they ca do more damage than good, so I just try to take deep breaths and remember all the hard practices that prepared me for the race ahead.
What lessons from sports has helped you deal with the unusual situation of the spring semester?: Racing and PRing is an exercise in pushing yourself faster than your body has ever gone before, so you have to tell yourself and believe that you are stronger than you think. Now, we are all facing a challenge we have never overcome before also. With what could've been some of the best months of college erased and experiencing the loss of life due to the virus, I try and remind myself that we, as a community, are stronger than we think, and we will get through this too. Also, I think running teaches us to be grateful to our body for all that it does when pushed to the limit. I try to practice gratitude everything I do have, never take good health or safety for granted, and advocate for the health and safety of others.
What are you most proud of from your time as a Wildcat?: I'm most proud of the way the team has grown over my four years, all of the amazing memories and friendships made. But more than proud, I just feel incredibly lucky to have met these people and can't wait to see the amazing things everyone does in the future.
Who do you want to thank for their support?: I want to thank my fellow seniors for being there for me through all the ups and downs, love you guys!! I also want to thank Jen Straub for being such a dedicated, passionate, and loving coach who never ceases to bring the energy to practice! I couldn't have made it through these four years
without my amazing track family!
What's next for you?: I will be working at Hamilton Place Strategies, a public affairs consulting firm, in New York City starting in September.
.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Track & Field
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