Student-athlete Q&A with Camryn Bancroft and Michael Vietri
Camryn Bancroft
Class of 2021
Women’s Volleyball
Physical Education
How have your views on leadership changed?
I think the most important thing is that we are all in the same boat. We wish we could hug our teammates, but it’s so important to realize that there were so many steps and work behind the scenes to ensure that we are on campus, and we don’t want to throw that all away with one bad decision.
What have you learned about yourself since your collegiate volleyball experience is so different now?
Last year, my injury prevented my year going how I had anticipated. I’ve had a lot of conversations with Coach Long and really reflected on how I can still be a leader off the court. I think the biggest piece for me was really connecting with my teammates more, especially on a more personal level. Volleyball is all about connections, and the way we are able to connect off the court will reflect on our play. Now with Zooms and phone calls during break, this is the most I’ve ever been connected to my teammates, which is funny because it was the longest we’ve ever been apart from one another.
Michael Vietri
Class of 2021
Wrestling
Applied Exercise Science
What are your thoughts heading into the semester?
I was unsure about what campus was going to be like this semester, but it seems like everyone is really happy to be back, and I think that has so much to do with the culture of this campus. We are such a close-knit community and it’s so good to see.
Why is being on Alden Street important to you?
I think if this pandemic has taught us anything, it's that it’s time to grow up a little bit. Maybe now it’s time to be more serious with things. We can’t go through the motions in life anymore. It’s time to step up and be a leader. That’s always been talked about on this campus. It’s nothing different from what we’ve ever done. That’s just Springfield really—it’s being a leader. I’ve worked really hard to get where I’m at. I’m sure a lot of people on this campus feel this way. Things may be different, but we have to keep pushing. Life is about how you respond. I want to continue to work hard and better myself as a person.
