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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Natalia Dias ’28 wanted to be set up success, and that meant finding a way to pay for college or leave her with minimal debt. She had three clear goals in school: an engineering program, U.S. Army ROTC, and cross country and track.
A sense of discipline is what drew Amari Benjamin ’27 to Virginia Military Institute. Benjamin, an economics and business major, plans on commissioning into the U.S. Army.