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Francine Vasquez - Black Knight Spotlight

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Army freshman Francine Vasquez is the subject of the latest Black Knight Spotlight on GoArmySports.com
 
Army freshman Francine Vasquez is the subject of the latest Black Knight Spotlight on GoArmySports.com
 

Nov. 19, 2009

Why did you decide to come to West Point? What were some of the deciding factors? Who or what influenced your decision? 

I chose to come to West Point for the leadership, education and the career opportunities. West Point was by far the best academic and athletic opportunity for me. I was unsure about this institution when I was first recruited, but my father and my grandfather encouraged me to really look into this opportunity and I'm very glad that I did.

What does it mean to you to be able to play volleyball at West Point?

It is an honor to represent the Corps of Cadets by playing the sport I love. Our program truly is a family and I love being able to play volleyball with girls I consider my sisters. Playing for West Point is so much more than playing volleyball. Every time the national anthem plays before one of our matches I pause to think about all the people behind us and granting us these wonderful opportunities to succeed. Here you play for your country and all the people who have made you who you are.

What is the best thing about being an athlete at West Point?

The best thing about being an athlete at West Point is the support you get from your teammates, classmates, and teaching staff. Everyone is here to encourage you and help you develop into a better person.

What is the most difficult thing?


 

 

The most difficult thing about being an athlete here is missing class. It's tough to catch up after missing days when we travel. It's also very difficult to manage your time after long practices or game days.

What is your fondest memory at West Point?

-In sports?

My fondest memory is our win against #19 Pepperdine in California. Everyone contributed everything they had to this match and we came out on top. It was a great experience as a team and it was an incredible feeling to win in my home state.

-Outside of sports?

The 4th of July ceremony during Beast was definitely one of my favorite memories outside of volleyball. It was a great night to celebrate our nation with my squad mates and fellow New Cadets at Trophy Point. That night was a great reminder of the fellowship we as cadets and U.S. citizens have with each other.

What adjustments have you had to make since arriving here? 
-Socially

In the beginning, it was hard to adjust to military etiquette and lifestyle but now it's part of a routine. So far, I've learned that if you want to have fun here you have to find a way to make it fun. All the friends I've made have definitely made the transition from high school to West Point much more enjoyable.

-Athletically

Athletically I had to adjust to competing against more experienced girls. I really focused on preparing physically before I came here so the weight room and the level of play weren't issues for me. It was more of a challenge to compete against players who were more physically mature and experienced than me. Also, we have to be sure to be in good shape for the military aspect on top of what it takes to be a D1 athlete.

-Academically

I definitely had to adjust the most academically. High school came pretty easy for me so it was difficult managing my time with homework on top of practice and games. Even though I came from a rigorous high school I've had to get a lot of help from my classmates and instructors in order to keep my grades up.

What do you enjoy doing during your "down time"?

I spend time with my teammates or friends. We usually watch movies, play sports, or get something to eat.

What is your major and what is the most interesting thing you've learned here?

I have not declared my major yet here but I am thinking about majoring in Kinesiology or Psychology. The most interesting thing I've learned here is that we must constantly study ourselves in order to develop as leaders. There are many different styles of leadership and you have to do the research to find which style will help you develop into a great leader.

Which branch are you planning on entering following graduation? 

I would like to branch into Medical Service to be a nurse or a physical therapist but I'm not completely sure of what I would like to branch at the moment.

What is the best thing about being a cadet at West Point?

The best thing about being a cadet at West Point is the friendships you develop with your classmates and the support you get from attending such a prestigious institution. We all go through so much together and it's incredible to see how much we grow in academic, physical, and military aspects. There are definitely many sacrifices we have to make as cadets but we get through our challenges by helping each other.

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