Ward Sutlive, Campus Carrier asst. sports editor

Berry’s men’s soccer team has received the academic excellence award, which recognizes students who have high GPAs. This isn’t the first time that the soccer team has won this award however. The team has a history of getting awarded this honor, and even has a tendency to set GPA records.

“Without downplaying it, it’s almost an expectation at this point,” Richard Vardy, coach of the Berry Soccer team, said.  

Vardy is a firm believer in balancing both of the two equally important responsibilities of academics and athletics, and encourages his players to succeed in every endeavor.

Vardy also makes sure to seek out students with high GPAs to join his team, wanting players who can walk that tightrope. Vardy is very clear about that when he meets with prospective players. The coach also looks at students who have a history of staying on top of school work and keeping focused. 

“For various reasons, we try to target kids with high GPA’s, who also have a good background in keeping themselves focused.”, said Vardy.

One thing that helps players get high GPAs, particularly freshmen, is that everyone is in the exact same boat. The upperclassmen set a very good precedent for the freshman, always going above and beyond to excel in every challenge they come across. 

“When everyone else is doing it, it’s easier to be part of it.,” said Vardy.

What often happens is that in their freshman year, players are required to do a study hall, no matter their academic background, but soon become inspired by the more experienced players on their team, and thus end up doing group study sessions, which usually ends up working out well for everyone involved.  

Vardy makes a point to keep an eye on his students, and depending on a player’s respective performance, he’ll let them opt out of the previously mandatory study hall. Vardy also takes the time to check in on his students during the off season, both to make sure that they’re working like they should be, as well as providing encouragement. 

Another thing that helps students out is the fact that they have a set routine, having to get up, go to class, do their LifeWorks job and then head to practice. Having a fixed schedule makes it easier to plan out one’s time, and in the process, find room to study. This is certainly true for the team, as evidenced by their reputation for academics. 

Vardy plans to keep pushing his team to be the best that they can be and wants them to keep doing well in academics. However, he knows that with the uptick in freshman joining the team this year, the overall GPAs might be lower. Despite that, Vardy realizes that the GPA’s won’t be low for long, and with GPAs for the soccer team getting higher every year, it will only be a matter of time before the team reaches and then exceeds its GPA record. 

In general, Vardy is very confident for the upcoming soccer season, but has also made sure to prepare for the unexpected. Vardy has also said that his players are getting along very well and expects a good showing from. Overall, all signs are pointing to this being a great year for the Berry Vikings soccer team.