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Grand Canyon University Athletics

Grand Canyon University Athletics
Jenkins LV

Lopes View Chloe Jenkins

Jenkins: Welcome back, Lopes!

Lopes View provides GCU's student-athletes a platform to express their lives through stories within their sport, academic studies and community outreach.

GCU student-athlete Chloe Jenkins is a member of the women's volleyball team and serves as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) vice president. Following the 2016 Student-Athlete Welcome Back program on Sunday night, Jenkins shares some thoughts and welcomes back not only her fellow student-athletes, but all students at GCU as the Lopes kick off the 2016-17 school year.

CHLOE JENKINS / WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL


S eventeen preseason double (and some triple) day practices, 90 in-season practices, 30 gamedays, 74 days of required lifting, 22 flights, 100 training room visits, two full containers of Atomic Balm, and 65 ice baths--and this is just for one season.
 
Over the last five years, I've had the opportunity to see everything from the beginning. When I started at GCU, we were a Division II program and had less students on campus than the 2016 incoming freshman class. The Union was one story and Jazmin's was the coffee shop on campus. I moved into the nicest dorm at the time, Prescott, and parked where Papago, Encanto, and Saguaro now stand. So much has changed but every change has built up to this year. It's our final year of Division I transition, the last time we are withheld from NCAA postseason play.

It's also the final year of competition for many of us. We won't put on a collegiate jersey, step onto the court to compete, or visit the training room to numb the pain for a three-hour practice. Most importantly, we won't have the chance to stand by teammates we call brothers and sisters and create some of the best memories of our lives. This is a big year, so why not go out and give it our all every day, every hour, every practice?


The GCU Student-Athletes gathered to welcome in the new academic year.

To my fellow student- athletes:
We have a term for our women's volleyball team that we use - "empty the tank". This simply means put everything you've got into what you're doing. Don't hold back because you don't know if the next moment will be there or not, so always live for the moment you're in. This school thrives on athletics, so let's put on a show this year. Why not go out and be number one in the conference for multiple sports? Push ourselves to the limits to set the bar high for those coming in next year. Let's be all in, every day.

To the administration and coaches:
First of all, thank you. You have paved a way for us to be successful and given us opportunities beyond what we could have imagined four years ago. This school wouldn't be the same without your belief and faith in every one of our student- athletes. Because of you, we are making a name for GCU. Coaches, I've come to realize how much work it actually takes between film, food, practices, games, etc.… Your sacrifice and commitment every day for your programs will take us all to the next level.
 
To our cheer and dance squads, the Havocs, and the band:
You all make the atmosphere amazing and something athletes look forward to day-in and day-out. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, so thank you for keeping our spirits lifted and our games enjoyable. This year is big for GCU. We not only are in our final year of transition, but we are setting the tone for years to come. I am grateful we can always count on every one of you to keep our games energetic and our fans excited!
 
To the GCU student body:
As a student-athlete, I will never really know what it is like to sit through a five-set match of volleyball in the stands (at least not yet). As student-athletes, we owe you all a huge thank you for your constant support. You make the time to come watch us and say hi to us in passing. It may seem like we are always late for something, always sweaty, ice bags wrapped everywhere and maybe even too busy to say hi… but honestly, we probably are so focused on which shirt we are supposed to wear that day and what time we need to be somewhere, or calculating if we have time to grab food in between everything going on. Your smiles and good luck wishes put a smile on our face and give us that extra boost when we need it most. Our days may blur together at times, but your support brings us back to reality. I hope to meet many of you this year! Please continue to support the athletic teams because without you, our games wouldn't be as fun!
This year is big for GCU. We not only are in our final year of transition, but we are setting the tone for years to come.
 

Lastly, it's up to us to build the foundation for years to come. What we do now will forever impact each program--we are laying the bricks to start the tradition of success, on and off the court. As a senior, I've really learned to live in the moment. Take in every minute, soak it all up. We should do this every day.

A phrase we are using as an athletic body this year is "All In," and I think that can go for many things beyond sports. One last year before the Division I postseason competition unfolds. One last year to prepare for a successful future. One last year to solidify a foundation that will be remembered for years to come. We have to be all in, in everything we do.

Be on the lookout, because these Lopes are rising!

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