By: Brad Dawson, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, bpd13@psu.edu
There is a unique athletic opportunity that exists at Brandywine, an opportunity for student-athletes to get recruited, or even walk on in the sport of interest. For the student who wants to play a team sport, but did not leave high school with an athletic scholarship, this is an alternative. Brandywine athletics are at the top of our conference for a reason and that is the opportunity for everyone to play.
The Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference(PSUAC) is the conference Brandywine competes in for all their athletics. Brandywine has opportunities for all incoming freshman or current students to try out for any team. Teams hold tryouts to fill roster spots or just to see if anyone is interested in competing. Coaches even learn the names of people interested in playing from the involvement club fair at the beginning of the year.
Dalton Palmer is a prime example of an athlete who was able to get recruited to play baseball. He played in high school and got recruited by the baseball coach from Penn State Brandywine. He worked hard and was able to commit in his senior year.
“It was a hard process that my coach made easy. He always checked in on me and showed me around campus one day. I fell in love with the school as it felt home for me. Now since I am a sophomore and have my freshman year down, I am more excited to play and ready for the upcoming challenges.”
One thing that Brandywine Athletics make a commitment to, is academics for all the athletes. School comes first and the coaches and athletics department are always there to help athletes if they are having trouble in the classroom. The required freshman athletic seminar is also a way for incoming athletes to stay on track with school and time management when making the transition into college. This one credit course is taught by Brandywine’s Athletic Director, Bobbi Caprice. This is a great way for freshmen to get to know other freshman athletes and Bobbi.
Caprice is in charge of showing recruits the campus and staying in touch with students while recruiting them. It is their main goal to help new recruits feel welcomed to the Brandywine family.
Recruits have to opportunity to sit in classes and even stay overnight, if needed, in the dorms. Caprice tells us this, “day in a life of a Brandywine student,” helps the student experience school and athletics.
An example of a walk-on athlete is Austin Aurillo. Last year he walked on as a golf player. He helped Brandywine win its school’s first-ever win for the golf team. He walked-on senior year, so was only able to play one year, but the experience will last a lifetime.
“I loved the opportunity to play golf for my college. It was an experience like no other and I am beyond thankful for all the memories and friendships created. I still talk to my old teammates on a regular basis. I was nervous being the new walk on for the team but they opened their arms to me and we had an amazing year together as a team.”
Brandywine’s athletics are top in their division for a reason and the commitment to flexibility plays a big role. Every team has walk-ons who play with heart and soul every night for their team to help them win. Coaches do a great job letting students try out because sometimes, they get surprised by a great walk on athlete who amazes the crowds.