July 9, 2009

This is the seventh in a series of 13 features about Miami University's brightest student-athletes. Their exceptional academic performance during the recently completed spring semester earned them a spot on the roster of the RedHawks' exclusive Straight A Team. In addition to their rigorous schedules on the athletic fields, each of these individuals earned a perfect 4.0 grade-point average this past semester.

OXFORD, Ohio – Miami University is one of the more academically challenging institutions in the state of Ohio. When you throw in transferring in after your sophomore year, as well as playing a varsity sport, you have to be a special student to pull that off. Senior volleyball player Catherine Wolfe not only did just that but concluded her academic career with a perfect 4.0 GPA during the spring semester.

“In playing a Division I sport you have to have a surplus of dedication in all that you do,” said Wolfe.

The early childhood education major’s dedication was evident during her entire college career as she boasted a collective overall GPA of 3.98 between her time at Akron and Miami. Wolfe graduated in four years despite the challenges that transferring schools often brings.

“I enjoyed working hard to achieve (success) on and off the court, and, luckily, I truly loved what I was studying. Learning how to balance and dedicate my efforts was really a result of being able to manage my time as well. I learned to use short breaks to increase productivity, and the long bus rides always helped me manage my school work.”

Wolfe overcame injuries to become the top reserve on the volleyball team in 2008. She participated in all 31 matches, starting four, and was fifth on the team with 103 digs. The main reason she feels she was able to have success both on the court and in the classroom was the result of her biggest fans—her parents.

“My parents have been my greatest support throughout my collegiate career. Amazingly, I have always had a parent at one of my games. Their support for my athletics has been very reassuring for me, and I know that I have all their support academically as well. My parents have been with me throughout all my success, and, truly, they are the reason for where I am today. I could have never done it without their encouragement.”

If playing volleyball and going to classes at two different schools was not enough, Wolfe has been a longtime volunteer at the South Avondale Elementary School in Cincinnati. She will be putting her degree to use right away, as the school has hired to be a first grade teacher in the fall.

“I am beyond excited to finally be a teacher,” Wolfe said. “I have been volunteering at South Avondale since I was a senior in high school, and my experiences there are the reason for my dedication to my major. There is something truly special about that school and community.”

Wolfe leaves Miami as an example of how hard work and overcoming obstacles can lead to great success. She is sure to continue that dedication as she embarks upon her career, and the students of South Avondale will be better for that.

STRAIGHT-A TEAM

Name: Catherine Wolfe

Hometown/HS: Cincinnati, Ohio/Ursuline Academy

Year: Graduated

Major: Early Childhood Education

Spring Semester GPA: 4.00

Overall GPA: 3.98

Notables: Transferred to Miami from Akron after her sophomore year ... missed most of junior year with an injury but returned to appear in all 31 games as a senior ... finished fifth on the team with 103 digs.

Most Difficult Class at Miami: "I did not have a particular class that was very difficult, but my most challenging group of classes was ‘Lit Block’. On top of taking five classes, I also tutored at Kramer Elementary. The classes were very demanding and required extensive work outside the classroom.”

Favorite Class at Miami: "Creative Experiences with Young Childen with Sheri Leafgren. Sheri is one of the best professors I have had throughout my academic career and continues to be a major influence in my life.”

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