Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
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FROM THE DESK OF THE VAF DEVELOPMENT INTERN It isn't very often that we get to see what goes on "backstage" or "behind the scenes" of an event or new product. Usually, when attending a concert or a play, we luxuriate in the performance on stage and then head home giving little thought to the planning, communi- cations and coordination that occurred before we arrived. When we purchase the latest piece of technology, we often don't think about the extensive process it took to get the product on the market. And when we play a sport at the University of Virginia, well, we don't have to think about it. We have the Virginia Athletics Foundation (VAF). As a recent graduate of the University of Virginia and a four-year member of the wom- en's basketball team, I was affected daily by this Foundation. As a recipient of a scholar- ship, I got to experience the generosity of committed donors who allowed me to step on the court every day, and on game day, I would wake up excited knowing that I got to play in one of the best arenas in the country. The week before a big test, I didn't have to think about where I would study or where I could get help; there were academic coordinators and tutors to assist me. I had the best staff, the newest facilities to play in and the Virginia Athletics Foundation supported it all. From tutoring to summer school, efficient team travel to 24- hour access into the John Paul Jones Arena, a state-of-the-art training room and more, the opportunities were endless. With a faithful donor base that expands across the country, Virginia athletics has a much bigger "backstage" than any concert held at JPJ. And now, I have the opportunity to be a part of the other side of athletics as the Virginia Athletics Foundation development intern. From the basketball court to the office, not only am I learning the ins and outs of what it takes to make an athletics program run, but I get to see more and more every day the com- mitment, joy and dedication that donors have each time they support the athletics program and for that I am truly thankful. Stay tuned Cavalier fans, Chelsea Shine HELP YOUR SPORT THROUGH A "FRIENDS OF" GIFT The Virginia Athletics Foundation's "Friends of" program allows donors to designate their annual gift directly to the Olympic sport of their choice. "Friends of" is a part of the Annual Campaign, and specifically supports scholarships and operational costs for individual Olympic sports programs. Donations to "Friends of" programs allow VAF to provide student-athletes the resources to compete against the nation's top ath- letics programs while achieving the high academic standards required by the university. Such resources include recruiting expenses, team travel, summer school, equipment, uniforms, and team meals. CAVALIER CORNER ◆ OCTOBER 2012 ◆ 9