Sadie Chlapowski – In Motion Special
Just as no two snowflakes are the same, no two student-athletes are the same. Young men and young women from different backgrounds, religions, financial statuses and families come together with one thing in common — the opportunity to play college athletics
Daytona State has student athletes from many countries, including England, France, Korea, Australia and Haiti. Although most of their time is spent being a full-time student and attending practice, team meetings and games, most student athletes still find time to do the things that they enjoy outside of their many responsibilities.
Zach Henderson, a freshman on the DSC baseball team says, “When I am not at school or the field house, you can usually find me at the Oaks. I spend a lot of time studying, watching shows and playing catch with my roommates.”
“The Oaks” is what many DSC student athletes have nicknamed their apartment complex, more formally known as Whisper Oaks, where many of the athletes live off campus.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon at Whisper Oaks, Henderson and a few of his teammates were setting up camp in a patch of trees in the middle of the apartment complex’s common area. Henderson was setting up Enos. He explained that Enos are a type of hammock that you can tie around trees or poles that hold up to 400 pounds. Seven of Henderson’s teammates and friends at the Oaks have Enos and it is quite a sight to see.
“I love when we hang out in the trees,” Henderson continued. “I enjoy being in nature and just relaxing with my team.”
After conducting several other interviews, it is clear the “The Oaks” is the place to be. While interviews were being conducted, several volleyball players were passing a ball on the street and the basketball team was outside talking, pumping music through their car speakers. Cloee-Anna Smith, a sophomore on the Daytona State softball team said, “The Oaks is a pretty awesome place to live. We’re all looking out for each other and there’s a lot of time to hang out.”
It is not only the student athletes interested in their extracurricular activities, the coaches are involved as well. Laura Brown, Head Women’s Golf Coach at Daytona State College, explains how she expects a lot from her players but wants to make sure that they have time to enjoy themselves outside of training and studying. Brown said, “In their spare time my athletes like to spend time doing some activities other than golf, such as going to the beach, watching movies and spending time with family and friends. In the off season, they like a little more freedom to be able to relax as well, instead of going through the daily grind of in season activities.”
Jessica Bailey, a freshman on the women’s golf team, said it is a little more difficult to find things to do without a car.
“I am from England and I was not able to get a car here in Florida. I can’t drive, but most of my teammates can and they are pretty good about giving me rides when I need them.”
Bailey explained how she has found new hobbies that don’t require leaving home. “I spend a lot of time watching movies and baking cakes and other sweets, which my housemates really like. Sometimes I also like to sleep, as bad as that sounds,” she said with a laugh.
Also found at The Oaks were Jack Nagy and Justin Rodriguez, two sophomores on the DSCbaseball team. They said when their team was in the off-season, their coach created a foosball tournament among the players. Nagy and Rodriguez were getting ready for their head-to-head battle that afternoon and it was clear that competitiveness was in the air between the two good friends.
“It’s really all about the angles,” Nagy said. “JR is a really good goalie, but offense is usually my strong point. Let’s just say I’ll be happy if I win.”