May 28, 2008
Papers. Practice. Tests. Games.
That's the routine student-athletes go through, week in and week out.
For UCF softball's Cat Snapp, it's no different. During her time in Orlando, Snapp managed to balance her studies with her athletic requirements.
Even with her numerous athletic accomplishments, Snapp's academic awards during her four years at UCF are more than what some achieve in their academic lifetime.
A four-time member of the Dean's List and twice a member of the UCF President's Honor Roll, Snapp has also garnered numerous conference honors during her undergraduate career. In 2005, the catcher was named to the Atlantic Sun All-Academic Team. In 2006 and 2007, she earned spots on the Conference USA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll, while also being a recipient of the C-USA Commissioner's Academic Medal each year.
As the UCF softball team worked its way to one of the best season's in program history in 2008, Snapp worked her way to one of her best years in the classroom. In May, Snapp was selected to ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District 3 Second Team for her 3.81 cumulative grade-point average. For the third-consecutive year, she was also named to the league's academic honor roll and was a C-USA Commissioner's Academic Medal recipient. Snapp was also named to the conference's all-academic team.
On the field, Snapp served as one UCF's leaders. Along with six other seniors, she helped guide the Knights to one of the finest campaigns in program history.
The Knights registered 43 regular-season wins in 2008, good enough for second best all-time and just one victory short of a school-best, recorded in 2002.
At the conference championship in Houston, UCF went undefeated and knocked off No. 9 Houston, 4-2, in the title game to earn the league's automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.
Snapp finished the season holding the best fielding percentage on the team and ranks among the top-10 all-time in the UCF annals. She also ranks in UCF's top 10 all-time in at-bats, sacrifice flies, putouts and games played and started. However, knowing that her achievements on the field and in the classroom were not always noticed, Snapp realized she needed to be at the top of her game, regardless of the realm she is in.
"As an art major, you don't get graded on papers or on tests; you are constantly judged on the work you produce day in and out so you have to have that consistency everyday," said Snapp. "You can't just show up one day and do well on a test. Everyday you have to be consistent just like you have to be on the field. It can be really hard because some days and some weeks it's hard both in the classroom and on the field. Over the years, that has been the toughest thing, doing well in both areas and being proud of the work that I am doing."
But she was certainly proud of the work she had accomplished, in the classroom. In order for a student to graduate with a bachelor's of fine arts degree, he or she must display their work in an art show. On April 28, Snapp showcased what she has worked on since beginning college in front of the public in the visual arts building.
"I was so excited for my teammates, my family and friends to see it. That is my greatest accomplishment. I know my work wouldn't be where it is today if it weren't for softball."
Even though Snapp's softball career has ended, she will continue her routine, a routine of success.
- Ira Green
This story appears in the May edition of KnightVision. Produced 10 times per year, KnightVision is the official publication of UCF Athletics. Each issue includes stories about UCF teams, student-athletes and coaches. To order 10 exciting issues from August through June, call 1-888-877-4373 (ext. 121) or 336-768-3400 (ext. 121).