Collegian T he Cameron University
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ATHLETES' ACADEMIC SUCCESS ATHLETES' ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Monday, September 23, 2024
Volume 111 Issue 3
Graphic by Hannah Owens
Hannah Owens Managing Editor
For two of Cameron University’s standout softball players, balancing the demands of competitive sports and rigorous academics is no easy feat, yet Kelsye Loughman and Presleigh Payne have each found ways to excel on and off the field. Loughman, who is in her final year of a master’s in business, and Payne, a senior with a perfect 4.0 GPA majoring in sports and exercise science, are not only leaders on the softball diamond but also models of academic discipline. Each athlete’s journey highlights the challenges and rewards of balancing the dual roles of student and athlete, offering inspiration for both their teammates and younger students hoping to follow in their footsteps. Payne, a Grapevine, Texas native, has had a softball in her hand since she could walk. “My mom wanted me to do it ’cause she played in college too," Payne said. Payne's drive doesn’t stop at the field; she manages to thrive in the classroom while navigating the demands of her senior year. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in athletic training at Texas Tech University, with the goal of eventually working in professional sports. Payne knows her success is no accident — it’s a result of careful time management and an unwavering commitment to excellence. She has found the library to be a haven for focused study time. Whether working solo or studying alongside teammates, she recognizes the importance of discipline in maintaining her high academic standards. She explained that traveling is often the hardest part of maintaining balance due to missed classes, requiring a high level of self-discipline to keep up with her studies. Payne’s discipline is rooted in the lessons she’s learned from softball. “Softball has definitely taught me that in like — not even the classroom but everything else,” Payne said. “Just making sure that, like, you have the basics down so that you can handle the bigger things when they come.” For young athletes who are struggling to find balance, Payne has simple but reassuring advice: You’re not alone. She has learned that preparation is key to managing both games and exams. Her gameday routines — such as laying out her uniform the night before and enjoying a breakfast from Chick-fil-A — mirror how she preps for exams. For every test, she uses a pink pencil, and her batting gloves go on in a specific order: right hand first, then left. As Payne nears the end of her time at Cameron University, she reflects on what she will miss most — her teammates.
For Loughman, the journey through college softball has been one of perseverance and growth. From her beginnings in t-ball, the Fort Worth, Texas, native has developed into a leader both on the field and in the classroom. Loughman is preparing to move back to her hometown after graduation to pursue a career in marketing or brand development. Like Payne, Loughman has had to strike a balance between her athletic commitments and her academic responsibilities. She credits much of her success to her support system, including her teammates and the older players who helped guide her when she was just starting out. “There are always those older girls, like whenever I was younger they were like, ‘Oh, I can help you, I can help you,’” Loughman said. “And it was so nice knowing that somebody else has kind of gone through the same thing." Loughman’s approach to academics is disciplined and structured. She often studies with her roommate, who also happens to be her teammate, and takes advantage of study hall hours to stay on top of her workload. One of the people who made a lasting impact on Loughman’s academic career was Dr. Syed Ahmed, a former professor in Cameron University’s business department. “Dr. Ahmed, who just passed away, he was my favorite teacher because I would show up to his class every day,” Loughman said. “He knew that I was in there and he knew that I wanted to, like, get a good grade and that I wanted to be there." Despite her success, Loughman admits that the challenges of her final year have not been easy. After all, this is her third time being a senior — first as a high school senior, then as an undergraduate and now as a master’s student. Both Payne and Loughman are examples of the hard work, dedication and discipline it takes to succeed as student-athletes at the collegiate level. For Payne, the dream of working in professional sports is well within reach as she prepares to embark on her next academic challenge. For Loughman, the world of marketing and brand development awaits, but not before she reflects on the mentorship and camaraderie that shaped her college experience. Their advice to younger athletes rings clear: prioritize studies, seek help when needed and remember that the lessons learned on the field often carry over into the classroom — and beyond. As these two athletes prepare for their next steps, they leave behind a legacy of not only athletic prowess but also academic excellence, proving that success is possible when discipline, focus and passion come together.
MUSIC RECITAL REVIEW
Makayla Flenoury Staff Writer
On Sept. 13, Cameron University’s music department held its first recital of the fall semester, separated into a piano and voice performance, and then general instruments concert, including brass, percussion, strings and woodwinds. The general instruments concert, included three pieces, the "Three Romances, Op. 94" by Robert Schumann played by Matthew Hogg on flute with Yiuka Little on piano. "Vessels" by Ivan Trevino performed by Darnell Collins on the marimba followed by, "Divertimento No. 1" by Mozart performed by Bellamarie Saucedo on clarinet and Lillie Hodgson on piano. Hogg performed the first two pieces of the "Three Romances" last semester, rounding it out at this recital with "Nicht Schnell" — meaning not fast, which he
played beautifully and confidently, with amazing breath control on the flute. Little played the piano powerfully yet graceful during the performance as well. "Vessels", performed by Collins was my favorite piece, because the marimba is an interesting and beautiful-sounding instrument. Collins played with four mallets, two in each hand, displaying great control by narrowing and widening the space when needed. This piece was euphoric, softened by the marimba, then becoming thunderous at times, creating a memorable experience. There was a slight intermission after Collins performed, so I took the opportunity to check on the voice and piano recital, meaning I missed the last performance of the general instruments. There was a total of ten pieces played at this recital including, "The Gift to Sing" by Marques Garrett, performed by Shayson Lenee (mezzo-soprano) and
Greg Hoepfner on piano. "Norwegian Dances" by Edvard Grieg performed a piano duet by Hodgson and Chelsea Mitchell. "Suite de Danzas Criollas" by Alberto Ginastera was a total of five pieces performed by Hodgson on piano. Davina D'Haiti (soprano) and Greg Hoepfner performed "Va Godendo" by George Frideric Handel and finally, Arath Javierperformed "Sinfonia No. 15" by I.S Bach. I was only able to watch the final two performances; however, I’m glad I caught what I did, because D'Haiti had a beautiful operatic-like voice that was so graceful, and Arath’s piece was mesmerizing. Music students hold concerts and recitals at 11 a.m. every Friday, each with different performers, genres and organizational style. The next recital, on Sept. 20 will be all instruments and voices together. I highly encourage everyone to check out these performances if you have a chance.
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