Rachel VanWart is a former women's cross country student-athlete and has been the graduate assistant for athletics development for the last two years. We cannot thank Rachel enough for her continued support and for all she has done for UWF.
 

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• As a former student-athlete, what impact do you think donor support had on your program?
  • Donor support as a cross country student athlete made all the difference. Being a sport with a typically smaller donor base, any donation was very appreciated. During my time as a student-athlete the cross-country team went on one 'big' trip every fall, usually to a bigger meet and it would be a weekend trip rather than just going somewhere, racing, and coming back. Without our donors, I do not think that trip would have been possible and continue to be possible for future teams.
• What impact do you think your annual donations have on the UWF Athletic Department?
  • I have given annually since my Freshman year at UWF. Although it was never much, it has been something I look forward to doing now and hope to continue doing in the future. My giving started with my first Varsity Club donation of $20.17. Varsity Club was something that I really got behind and did my best to encourage my teammates to participate in. It is important to give back to our program which has provided us with so much. Now as a two time graduate of UWF and two years removed from my team I have had the opportunity to share with all of our UWF teams the importance of giving. I like to think that if I continue to give it will encourage student-athletes to do the same.
• What makes you passionate about UWF Athletics?
  • Being a student-athlete and now a former graduate assistant for athletics development I have really had the opportunity to grow with this athletic department. I have made many friends and great connections through UWF Athletics, how could I not love it. I really believe in this institution, it has given me great opportunities and experiences.
• As a former student-athlete and a development graduate assistant, what is something you've learned from both experiences?
  • My experience as a student-athlete gave me opportunities that helped me realize what I wanted to do with my life, career wise. My bachelor's degree is in Exercise Science, which I enjoyed but realized a little too late I did not want to pursue that. I was the President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee so I had the opportunity to attend a Student-Athlete Leadership Forum, Where I spent the weekend with student-athletes from across the country as well as administrators. This experience really opened my eyes and helped me come to the realization that I wanted to work with student-athletes at the collegiate level in an advisory role. Athletics to me is such a positive atmosphere that allows for great opportunities and experiences.
  • My graduate assistantship in development showed me how much our donors care about our student-athletes, us, and the university. This past year especially I have been able to show up to events and look forward to who I might see there and be able to have meaningful conversations.
• Anything else you'd like to add?
  • I would like to say that I am furthering my professional career at The University of Illinois. I will be a part of their Young Professionals Development Program. This program is a Post-Graduate Internship within their Athletics Department. I am very excited to join their Academic Services Team to further my career within Athletics. I am grateful for the opportunities that UWF has given me, as always, Go Argos!