Due to recent bad press and criticism of the University of Louisville Men’s Basketball Team and Athletic Department as a whole, I feel compelled to share a positive word about the institution that shaped my future. This goes far beyond school pride. From the minute I stepped onto the University of Louisville campus for my official visit in 2010, I knew it was the place for me. Not because of the flashy facilities, multi-million dollar Adidas contract, or endless resources for student athletes—but because the culture of hard work and dedication was contagious. For four years I watched staff, coaches, and athletes uphold the highest level of success with the highest level of integrity, and it motivated me to do the same. The University of Louisville was my home, Louisville Athletics was my family, and I attribute all of my success—tennis, professional, and personal—to my experience there.

I consider my college tennis career a journey of self-discovery. As an incoming freshman, I was selfish, lazy, and completely unaware of my potential. That quickly changed. Head Women’s Tennis Coach Mark Beckham taught me how to put what was best for the team ahead of my own ambitions. Through this, I found purpose. Every early morning workout, every sprint, every weekend practice, and every extra rep was to make him and my teammates proud. I learned how to overcome adversity and push myself harder and further than I ever imagined possible. This, in turn, gave me the confidence I needed to excel as an individual competitor. With the unconditional support of my Louisville family, I was able to achieve a Big East Freshman of the Year Award, four First Team All-Conference selections, three trips to the All-American Championships, a Cinderella run to the ITA National Indoor Championship Doubles Final with partner Rebecca Shine, and a #2 national ranking. Subsequently, the habits I forged and the lessons I learned equipped me for continued success in every facet of my life.

After graduation, I moved to New York City to begin my professional career with Major League Baseball in their Social Media Department. As the only female on a team of twenty-five, I immediately doubted my ability to succeed in that field. However, that insecurity was short-lived as I soon realized the skills I gained at the University of Louisville would directly correlate to my success in the workplace. Being a team player, the hardest worker in the room, performing under pressure, not making excuses, excelling at time management, not taking things personally, learning from my mistakes, and respecting my peers helped me gain the recognition of bosses and coworkers. Now, I carry that foundation and confidence into my current role, where I manage the social media presence for the largest financial services firm and investment bank headquartered in Philadelphia.

Contrary to popular belief, University of Louisville Athletics has positively influenced the lives of thousands of student athletes. I believe the NCAA has lost sight of the broader value of these programs. One person and one bad decision should not tarnish the reputation of an entire institution. It takes an army to win a Championship, and every single athlete on the Louisville Men’s Basketball Team was/is more than deserving of that title. To Tom Jurich, Mark Beckham, my team, and the entire University of Louisville Athletic Department, thank you. I will forever be proud to be a Louisville Cardinal.