Men’s Golf Travels to White House for College Athlete Day
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The Carnegie Mellon University men's golf team took part in the first-ever College Athlete Day celebration in the nation's capital on Monday.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden extended invitations to NCAA teams from all three divisions that won National Championships during the 2022-23 academic year. The College Athlete Day recognition took place on the White House front lawn with over 1,000 student athletes from 47 teams and 19 sports across three NCAA divisions in attendance for this first-of-its-kind event.
Vice President Kamala Harris and NCAA President Charlie Baker each spoke at the podium, praising the student-athletes for their accomplishments and touting the unifying force of team sports. University of Texas women's volleyball player Logan Eggleston closed out the event with a podium speech before presenting Vice President Harris with a replica NCAA championship trophy.
The University Athletic Association (UAA) was well represented at the event, which included Carnegie Mellon men's golf, Case Western Reserve University men's tennis, Emory University men's swimming & diving and University of Chicago men's soccer.
The Tartans had eight members of the team present along with Head Coach Dan Rodgers and Assistant Coach Colleen Meyers. Below are thoughts from members of the team and staff that were in Washington on Monday.
Thoughts from Head Coach Dan Rodgers
"It was truly an honor and privilege to be on the White House lawn to celebrate the College Athlete Day of Champions. Obviously, it's not something you get to do every day. Being inside the gate of the White House and having the photos taken and that experience is just so memorable. I am not sure that there are true words to describe what we got to do. It was an amazing day."
Thoughts from Assistant Coach Colleen Meyers
"Many people visit the white house but very few are invited. This was such a special experience because these men have worked so hard. I am extremely proud of them and so happy to have the opportunity to see their national championship honored in this way, this is a lifetime memory for all of us."
Thoughts from sophomore Justin Chan
"It was a great experience, something that happens once in a lifetime and I'm happy I could enjoy it with my team. It truly was surreal, and I enjoyed every second of it. Being recognized by the White House is an honor and sets a precedent for the future of CMU men's golf and I hope we can make more history throughout my career at CMU!"
Thoughts from graduate student Henry Scavone
"It was spectacular; it was a pretty surreal experience. Being recognized by Vice President Harris was incredible and I could never have dream of this. It was super special."
Thoughts from junior Brian Xu
"The experience was absolutely amazing and unforgettable. It is the experience of a lifetime. I cannot believe that all the hard work we have put into it has finally paid off. It is really nice to see it come to fruition."
Thoughts from senior Joshua Braverman
"This trip was the perfect ending to a special season for CMU golf. To be in such a renowned place with my teammates and other NCAA champions really showed the true magnitude of our team's accomplishments. This is without a doubt a day that I will never forget!"