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Drew University Athletics

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Melanie Santos

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Mel Santos

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Sport: Women's Soccer
Year: Junior (C'16)
Position: Midfielder
Hometown/High School: Iselin,
N.J./John F. Kennedy Memorial
Major: Business Studies

Why did you choose Drew University?
I chose Drew University because it’s a school where I could pursue being a student-athlete to the fullest. The location, the size, and the beautiful campus are just bonuses.

Why did you choose your major and what is your favorite course?
Back in high school I took a lot of different elective classes that had to do with business and I enjoyed them. Although I came into college undecided, I had a feeling I was going to choose to be a business major. Taking some of the classes here is what helped me decide. My favorite course so far would have to be either Principles of Macroeconomics or Business Ethics.

What is your most memorable moment as a Ranger?
Without a doubt my most memorable moment as a Ranger is when we won the conference championship this past season in penalty kicks after playing a tough game.

How has being an athlete helped you as a student and in the classroom?
Being an athlete has helped me excel as a student because it has kept me organized. My day has to be more structured as a student-athlete because of everything that I have going on.

What is the most difficult part of your sport?
The most difficult part of my sport is getting the team to play in unity. Every year when new girls join the team we have to learn each player’s playing style, their strengths and their weaknesses, and how we can all play together in agreement.

Why do you wear your jersey number?
I wear number nine because it’s one of my favorite numbers, along with number 11.

What advice do you have for a prospective Drew University student-athlete?
My advice to a prospective Drew University student-athlete would be: (1) see if you would still be comfortable at this school if you didn’t play a sport because injuries are not foreseeable and you do not want to go somewhere that you don’t see yourself enjoying without playing your sport, and (2) do not be afraid to ask any questions you might have because choosing a college is a big decision and you do not want to commit somewhere with some unanswered questions.

Why is community service important to your role as a student-athlete at Drew?
Community service is an important role as a student-athlete at Drew because it’s rewarding knowing that we can help others or the community while creating a stronger bond between the players on the team as we volunteer our time.

Name one obstacle or form of adversity you have had to overcome...
One obstacle I have had to overcome would be my ankle injury. The first day of preseason my freshman year I partially fractured my left ankle during the three mile run. It was a tough situation for me both physically and mentally, but I knew that my new focus was to do everything I could to heal my ankle and get back on the field.

Rapid Fire:
Color? Baby Blue
Food? Portuguese BBQ
Restaurant? Ferry Street BBQ
Movie? This Means War
TV Show? NCIS and Pretty Little Liars
Musical Artist? Enrique Iglesias
Athlete? Cristiano Ronaldo
Pro Team? Real Madrid
Hobbies? Jet Skiing, Swimming, and Ice-skating
Most Prized Possession? My grandmother’s bracelet
Biggest Fear? Needles for taking blood