Honors student Viv Cavataio is one of six Guilford student-athletes named to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference's Fall Sportmanship teams.
A first-year volleyball student athlete, Viv loves the academic and athletic challenges she faces every day at Guilford.
“(Guilford's Honors Program) is an escape to have that outlet of people who want to achieve the way you want to, too. It’s been a great part of Guilford for me.”
Viv Cavataio ’28 was sitting in her persuasive writing English class earlier this month when, unbeknownst to her, the first text showed up in her phone. Then another. And another.
It wasn’t until after class, when she checked her messages, that she learned what seemingly everyone else – classmates, faculty – even her parents back in Mechanicsburg, Pa. – already knew: Viv, a first-year volleyball player, was one of six Guilford student-athletes named to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference’s Fall Sportsmanship teams.
The announcement came as a surprise, albeit a pleasant one, to Viv. “I was just overwhelmed with joy because that kind of award means a lot to me,” says Viv. “I mean, obviously I play because I like to win, but a big reason I play is to be recognized for sportsmanship. The way I act on the court, how I treat my teammates – that’s a big deal for me.”
The sportsmanship award is only the latest accomplishment for Viv, a Creative Writing major, in her short time at Guilford. Last summer she applied and was accepted into the College’s Honors Program. She joined The Guilfordian, the College’s independent student newspaper, where she now serves as the Arts & Culture Editor.
“It’s been a year of opportunities that’s for sure,” says Viv. It’s not just the opportunities that have come her way that Viv relishes. She loves the community vibes of Guilford, the fact that everyone seems to know everyone.
“I love to see people and know a little about them,” she says. “Everyone says hello and wants to know what’s going on with you. That’s an atmosphere a bigger school lacks.”
That community Viv and other students enjoy is on display every day in the College’s Honors Program. And to think she was initially hesitant to be a part of the program last summer.
“My first year of college and being a student-athlete, I thought I might be taking on too much,” she says.
Just the opposite. Viv and the 22 other first-year Honors Program students have thrived as a group. “(Honors) is more of an opportunity than a stresser,” Viv says. “It’s an escape to have that outlet of people who want to achieve the way you want to, too. It’s been a great part of Guilford for me.”
If you are a highly motivated, high-achieving student like Viv and want to learn more about Guilford’s Honors Program, contact Jill Peterfeso.