The 4.0 club
10/4/2004 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
All of the students interviewed for this story have consistently out-performed fellow students academically, and all credit their involvement with Lehigh’s athletics programs for their success off the field.
Lacrosse player Barrie Comsinky ’05 is one of several athletes who manages to juggle the demands of being a top-performing lacrosse player and student in the highly challenging behavioral neuroscience curriculum.
Comsinky learned about the addition of the new academic program before starting as a freshman, and decided to try it out.
“I thought it sounded perfect for me,” says the Comsinky, who is on track to pursue a doctoral degree, appreciates the structure of an athletic program. “I truly believe that being part of a team helps me do better in school,” she says. “I know, for example, that if I’m going to have a late practice, I need to get my homework done before. I also believe that being part of a team means you have to have a lot of discipline, which helps me to concentrate on my studies.” Women’s soccer player Shannon Trexler ’05 concurs. “Both academics and athletics are really important to me,” says the senior psychology major. “Because I strive to do well in both areas, I put a great deal of effort into managing my time and setting high standards for myself.” Trexler plans on staying on at Lehigh to earn a master’s degree and teaching certification, and feels that the setting of high aspirations is the defining force behind her success. “If you’re highly motivated and willing to put much effort towards both areas, I think success in both academics and athletics is attainable,” she says. “I can’t even imagine how my college life would be without being part of my team.” Sheila Clabby ’05 chose Lehigh because she felt that it was an ideal university for both the study of psychology and the chance to participate in athletics. “I knew Lehigh had versatile academic programs, and it also offered the college scholar program,” says Clabby, who combines her love of art and interest in human behavior in her academic pursuits. “Those options gave me the freedom to take the classes I enjoy no matter what the discipline. So the chance to be a part of a great academic institution and have the opportunity to play Division I hockey was one I couldn’t turn down.” Her keys to success: Organize, prioritize and compromise. “I have to be aware of what I want to accomplish,” she says. “And I have to keep on track with all of my tasks.” She also sacrifices some of the indulgent pleasures of other students. “I don’t take naps or watch too much tv,” she says. “I may be out of touch with what the cast of the ‘Real World’ is up to, but at least my papers will be turned in on time.”
For all the students, the university experience has been a grueling, but rewarding one.
“It’s a busy life, but I couldn’t imagine it any other way,” says Clabby. “True student athletes use their work ethic, talent and ambition in every facet of their lives. It’s my personality to work hard in all areas of my life. If I don’t expect anything but my best on the field, why wouldn’t I feel the same way in the classroom?”
Trexler says she couldn’t even imagine what college life would have been like without her role on the soccer team.
“As a team, we’ve developed an extraordinary amount due to our leadership in the past and to our coaching staff,” Trexler says. “It’s all brought us a lot closer to one another. My only regret is that I have to graduate and leave the program.”
Her sentiments echo those expressed by Comsinky, as well.
“Being an athlete sets you apart from everyone else,” she says. “I know I wouldn’t be the same person if I didn’t play lacrosse here. My teammates are amazing and the coaches have served as wonderful role models for me. If there is anything I could change, it would be to be a freshman so I could do it all over again.”
Story by Linda Harbrecht, University Relations
