Welcome to Behind the G! This is a Georgia Way platform that shares student-athlete stories, hobbies, and what is important to them. To the world, student-athletes are viewed by their outcomes in their sports, but they are so much more than that. Our goal is to share with the world in their own words who they are as people, and the numerous ways they represent the G on and off the field.
Dear Georgia,
From the day I saw the acceptance “fireworks” on my computer, I have been proud to be a Dawg. I bleed red and black and have from a young age, spending many Saturdays cheering on the Dawgs with my family in Sanford Stadium. Since then, you have impacted my life in more ways than I can count.
Thank you for shaping me into the person that I am today. You have surrounded me with the most amazing people that love me and push me to be the best version of myself. At UGA, I have developed friendships that will last a lifetime. You taught me to be patient with myself and others. Through adversity on and off the field, you have revealed how resilient I can be. Most importantly, you allowed me to grow into a leader in the classroom, community and on the field.
Thank you for pushing me outside of my comfort zone. From post-game media and playing on a big stage, to giving tours of the Terry College of Business and pursuing my master’s degree, you have challenged me in the best of ways. I have been blessed to be mentored by so many incredible professors, coaches, administrators, friends, and community leaders who have guided me and made getting outside of my comfort zone a little bit easier.
Thank you for providing everything I needed in a college experience and more. Thank you for all the late night studying, early morning workouts, and amazing celebrations. Thank you for allowing a girl from small town Macon, Ga., to live out her dreams in so many ways. Your tradition of “unbridled excellence” will always be a part of who I am and who I strive to be.
Always a Dawg,
Mary Wilson Avant – UGA Softball #5
