One thing we have learned as student-athletes at Johns Hopkins is that it is impossible to judge the worthiness of something solely based on whether it returns a financial benefit. What athletes gain through giving their blood, sweat and tears simply cannot be valued in monetary terms. Athletics challenge our student-athletes to be better in every aspect of their lives, to always strive for greatness and to honor the tradition that the jersey represents. Here at Hopkins we are proud to have the opportunity to wear our school’s name across our chest, much the same as thousands of student-athletes across the country who also proudly represent their universities.
Student-athletes at Johns Hopkins dedicate themselves to sports purely for the love of the game — thus creating a special culture that fosters the growth of both the individuals who participate directly in them and the student body as a whole. The athletic department works to benefit the entire University while maintaining equal access to fields and practice courts for all. Therefore, the entire student population is united in working toward a common goal of shared excellence.
At Johns Hopkins University, passion is not hard to come by: It is spread far and wide across various disciplines. As student-athletes, the same passion that drives us to compete extends beyond our teams and into the surrounding community. For example, our JUMP program fosters supportive relationships and encouragement between student-athletes and inner-city youth. Individually, our teams support specific organizations such as the field hockey team’s St. Baldrick’s Fundraiser or the women's lacrosse team’s “Stick it to Sarcoma.” We are eager to use our platform as student-athletes to promote causes that are important to us and our community. In fact, more than 200 of our student-athletes participated in the President’s Day of Service in the fall.
In the past few years athletics at Hopkins have taken on a larger role on campus. Each season, more and more fans line the fence at Homewood, tailgate behind Babb Field and pack the student section at Goldfarb Gymnasium (interesting costume choices and all). If nothing else, this is a testament to the constantly improving, supportive relationship between Hopkins Athletics and the rest of the Hopkins community. Sports have become a more integral part of student life at Hopkins, and that’s largely attributable to all those who support us.
Whether it be in an academic department, on-campus organization, team, sorority/fraternity or club, we encourage all students at Hopkins to find a niche where they feel supported, challenged and valued while simultaneously supporting others in their endeavors. Since the value of Hopkins Athletics in our lives has been immeasurable, we hope to continue to give back to the University and the Athletic Department for all it has given us. We are tremendously thankful for the lessons and opportunities that we have gained from our time here. As future alumni, we intend to continue to improve the experience for all students in the future through organizations such as Blue Jays Unlimited, which has made our time here possible.
So, to all the students, faculty, administrators, alumni and organizations on campus that have brought us to where we are today, thank you. Thank you for taking a break in your busy schedules, painting your faces black and blue and cheering for Hop. In particular, we extend our gratitude to Kevin Shollenberger (Vice Provost of Student Affairs), Terry Martinez (Dean of Student Life), Tiffany Sanchez (Associate Dean of Student Life) and Allison Avolio (Director of Residential Life) who have made a noticeable and appreciated effort to enhance overall the student experience at Hopkins. Included is the amazing support and promotion they have provided for athletic events on campus, which foster school spirit and bond the more than 5,000 Blue Jays at Homewood.
Lastly, for all those who love varsity sports at Hopkins as much as we do, come show your support this weekend! Our men’s basketball team is currently ranked No. 11 in the nation and is hosting the Centennial Conference tournament in Goldfarb Gym. Be sure to snag a seat in what is expected to be a capacity crowd. Tipoff for the semifinal game is slated for Friday at 8 p.m. (championship on Saturday). In addition, our men’s lacrosse team will host Princeton at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Homewood Field. The Nest will be packed, so get there early!
By Shannon Parker (field hockey), Zach Lorenz (football), Katie Clark (women’s basketball), Josie George (women’s lacrosse), George Bugarinovic (men’s basketball), Justin Drechsel (baseball) and Matt Daum (baseball)
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