Admissions Blog Posts

Becoming a Paladin: The Start of My Journey as a Student-Athlete


Last updated October 10, 2023

By Elijah Poritzky

Intro

The journey to becoming a student-athlete at Furman University is a unique and exciting one. It’s a path filled with recruitment calls, decisions, and the anticipation of starting your college career as a Paladin. As someone who has experienced this firsthand, I want to share my story and shed some light on what aspiring student-athletes can expect when considering Furman University as their home for academics and athletics.

My Experience:

My journey to Furman began in 2020 while I was fully immersed in the world of professional tennis. College wasn’t initially on my radar, but as I continued to excel in my sport, I started receiving inquiries from various colleges and universities. Among them, Furman stood out as an institution that piqued my interest.

The recruitment process included several calls with the head and assistant coaches, during which I gained valuable insights into the university’s athletic program. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented me from taking a physical campus visit. Nevertheless, I gathered enough information through virtual tours, videos, and Furman’s engaging social media and ultimately decided to verbally commit. After a few months, I officially signed with Furman and began preparations to become a Paladin in the fall. 

When I stepped onto Furman’s campus for the first time, I was amazed by its incredible beauty. The campus has a special charm that made me even more certain that I wanted to a Paladin.

What to Expect When Arriving at Furman:

For student-athletes, the journey begins earlier than most. This head start allows you to familiarize yourself with your coaches, training facilities, and fellow athletes. In the days following your arrival, you’ll participate in orientation activities where you’ll have the chance to meet a diverse group of students, some of whom may share your athletic interests.

Beyond the typical orientation, you’ll attend special meetings tailored for student-athletes. Here, you’ll be introduced to key figures within the athletic department, including the athletic director. These meetings will not only help you understand what it means to be a Furman Paladin but also inform you about the many advantages and resources available to student-athletes.

Becoming a Paladin

Becoming a Furman student-athlete is not just about excelling in your sport; it’s also about becoming a part of a close-knit community that values both academic and athletic achievement. So, if you’re considering Furman University as the next step in your academic and athletic journey, get ready for an exciting adventure that starts long before your first day of classes. To learn more about the Athletics at furman, check out the Athletics website! https://furmanpaladins.com/