University of Connecticut Athletics
Varsity Letter Ceremony Held in Gampel
5/1/2019 4:39:00 PM | General
STORRS – UConn varsity letter-winners were recognized Tuesday evening at Gampel Pavilion, as the 2018-19 fall sport student-athletes received their awards.
In the past, the awards were picked up informally from the equipment room without a full understanding of what it meant to receive a varsity letter, but Tuesday's event made sure the athletes realized the importance of their efforts.
"I know how much work everyone puts in every single day," said Isabelle Lynch of women's soccer. "Especially us as freshmen, having to transition on top of that, so it is special to be recognized for something that we are constantly working hard at."
First-year letter-winners received their jackets at the beginning of the event, followed by the second- and third-year letter-winners. Second-year women student-athletes received a blanket personalized with their name and sport, while the men were awarded a Fossil watch. The third-year letter-winners left with a framed action photo.
The letters were distributed by UConn Athletics alumni from each fall sport. Those in attendance included Mansour Ndiaye (men's soccer), Kaity Craig (volleyball), Jill Gelfenbien (women's soccer), Pam Claudio (women's soccer), Anthony McKinney (football), Tavarr Closs (football) and John Fodor (football).
The requirements for earning a letter differ for each sport, but last night's student-athletes were there because their coach felt they earned a letter for this past season.
"It is awesome to be here with other teams and to be able to commend each other for the hard work we put in throughout the year," said football's Matthew Peart. "It is nice to celebrate what we do because it is a lot of hard work that does not get seen."
First-time letter-winner recipients are now eligible to become a member of the National C Club which is directed by Jamelle Elliott, the host of the event.
The National C Club is comprised of student-athlete alumni from all 24 sports. Upon graduation, athletes are welcomed into the National C Club organization. The National C Club offers mentorship and networking opportunities along with job and internship opportunities.
"We are now part of something bigger than ourselves," said football's Caleb Thomas. "We are able to connect with and gain advice from alumni who may have graduated 30 years prior and hopefully, one day, I will be able to come back and give that same sort of advice to the guys after me. It is a great thing that is set up for us here."
The event was an opportunity to not only recognize the student-athletes for their accomplishments on their field, but to expose them to the opportunities that are available to them not only during their time as a student athlete but also after they are done competing
