Catching up with . Sara Baughman
The Baughman file
While at VCU
Name: Sara Gatewood
(now married)
Sport: Volleyball
Position: Middle blocker
Graduated: 1999
Major: Criminal justice
Now: Police Lieutenant
for the Department of the
Navy
Husband: Russ, married
since 2005
On her experience on the VCU volleyball team: “Playing for VCU was a great
experience. Even though there were many low points, the ability to play with such great
women, who have turned out to be wonderful . long-lasting friends are something I
won’t ever trade in. During the years I was there, we may not have been the best in the
conference, but we were the best of friends.”
On how being apart of VCU shaped her today: “My time at VCU was a real eyeopener.
Like many freshmen, away from the parental influence for the first time, I
allowed my grades to slip and paid for it for the following two years. My high point at
VCU was being able to pull myself back academically by making the 3.0 club my junior
and senior years.”
What does she do now?: “I’m a police lieutenant for the Department of the Navy,
and being a college graduate helped me excel as fast as I have (been with the police
department for six years). Playing on the volleyball team helped me develop the mental
toughness that is required to get through the day as a police officer. There are many
times I’ve wanted to ‘throw in the towel’ and say ‘I’m done,’ but being conditioned in
volleyball to never quit and give up, which would consequently let my teammates down.
That has helped me become the police officer I am today, and not let my fellow officers
and the public down.”
Advice for VCU athletes: “Don’t lose sight of why you are there. You are there to
play the sport you love to play!”