Behind the Balance: Cadet-Athlete Features - Cadet Life - Virginia Military Institute
MyVMI
Offices A-Z
Calendar
Give
Daily Life
Cadet Leadership and Development
Events and Traditions
Clubs and Activities
Sports
Distinguished Coaching Award
Behind the Balance
Regimental Band
Glee Club
Publications
VMI Theatre
Coast Guard AUP
In the News
Civic Engagement
Health Wellness Safety
Behind the Balance: Cadet-Athlete Features
The Three-Legged Stool in Action
Virginia Military Institute’s cadet-athletes have to juggle cadet life, heavy academic course loads, and their
NCAA Division I sport
. Committed to both academic and athletic pursuits, along with their military training, balancing their rigorous schedule in both sports and school requires a certain level of commitment and discipline.
Behind the Balance
is a series that focuses on those cadet-athletes and how they handle the hurdles of the day-to-day as part of the unique undergraduate experience found at this historic military college.
Behind the Balance: Anthony Wilkerson ’28 — Keydet Track and Field
March 31, 2026
Anthony Wilkerson ’28 was looking for connection when he came to Virginia Military Institute. Initially, it was a mix of track and field and a scholarship through the U.S. Army that got him through the door, but it was the bonds he formed with his brother rats that made him want to stay.
Behind the Balance: Isabelle Haer ’28 — Keydet Swim and Dive
March 24, 2026
Balancing 20 credit hours, Division I athletics, and the demands of ROTC is no small task, but for Isabelle Haer ’28, that challenge is exactly the point. Haer was drawn to VMI for its framework, closeknit environment, along with the opportunity to pursue both athletics and a potential commission.
Behind the Balance: Ray Cmil ’26 — Keydet Wrestling
March 13, 2026
Wrestling brought Ray Cmil ’26 to Virginia Military Institute, but it was the people that made him stay. He was drawn to the community and the relationships he started building at VMI and what that would mean for him later in life.
Behind the Balance: Tazewell Rae ’28 — Keydet Track and Field
March 10, 2026
What started as a visit to Post turned into a transformative decision for Tazewell Rae ’28. Now balancing civil engineering studies, cadet duties, and shot put training, he’s discovered a community that pushes him to be better every day. At VMI, he’s found both structure and a place to belong.
Behind the Balance: Pedro Robertson ’27 — Keydet Swim and Dive
March 3, 2026
Pedro Robertson ’27 came to VMI unsure of what to expect, but the challenge and “don’t do ordinary” mindset quickly drew him in. Now a civil engineering major, platoon sergeant, and swimmer on track to commission into the Air Force, he’s thriving in the competitive environment he sought.
Behind the Balance: Evelyn Anderson ’27 — Keydet Track and Field
February 24, 2026
With a full academic load, leadership responsibilities, and a Division I sport, Evelyn Anderson ’27 manages one of the busiest schedules in the Corps — and she’s still pushing herself to grow.
Behind the Balance: Miller Tatum ’28 — Keydet Lacrosse
February 17, 2026
Miller Tatum ’28 chose the harder path at VMI — and hasn’t looked back. Between early mornings, packed schedules, and competing at the highest level, he’s learning how discipline and time management can shape far more than four years.
Behind the Balance: TJ Johnson ’28 — Keydet Basketball
February 10, 2026
From transferring into VMI to taking on the Rat Line, TJ Johnson ’28 has faced adversity head-on. Balancing basketball, academics, and the responsibilities of a cadet has taught him calm under pressure and confidence in his ability to adapt.
Behind the Balance: Sydney Smith ’26 — Keydet Water Polo
February 3, 2026
From long hours in the pool to the demands of the Corps, Sydney Smith ’26 has built a second family, taken on leadership roles, and pushed herself to grow in every arena.
Behind the Balance: Colin Crenshaw ’27 — Keydet Cross Country
October 27, 2025
Uncertainty after high school is normal and something Colin Crenshaw ’27 faced upon graduation. It’s one of the reasons he decided to attend Virginia Military Institute.
>>
Related Links
Game Day Info
Yearbook
Scholarly Journal
Parking Appeals Form
Parking Map
Contact
Amanda Hostetter
Commandant Office Manager
P: 540-464-7313
F: 540-464-7748
hostetterah@vmi.edu
Commandant's Office
Old Barracks
Mailing Address:
For USPS:
NAME (If to an individual)
Commandant's Office
510 Burma Road
P.O. Box 1839
Lexington, VA, 24450
For Other Carriers:
NAME (If to an individual)
Commandant's Office
510 Burma Road
Virginia Military Institute
Lexington, VA, 24450
VMI: Forging 21st Century Leaders