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CHARLESTON, SC – The average cadet student-athlete at The Citadel is anything but average. They're members of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. They go to class. They compete against the best the Southern Conference has to offer.

And for some, that's not enough. Many cadet student-athletes take an even less traveled path by majoring in unique or tough fields of study. Some come from unique backgrounds that make the already difficult even more so. And still others contract into the armed forces and have to prepare for their careers in the military after college.

The Citadel Department of Athletics wants to recognize some of those cadet student-athletes who are not just succeeding in competition, but are doing so at a high level while overcoming some of the toughest obstacles.

The Citadel Department of Athletics wants to recognize some of those cadet student-athletes who are not just succeeding in competition, but are doing so at a high level while overcoming some of the toughest obstacles.

Derek Webster, Jr. (Jr., Tampa, Fla.)
Sport: Basketball
Major: Biology (3.82 GPA)

What is your major and why did you choose to study this?
DW – "When I was a child, instead of your typical bedtime story, my mom would give me a bone or muscle to remember each night. Between growing up in a medical home and having aspirations of going to med school are the reasons I chose to study biology."

What do you hope to do after graduation from undergrad? What would you like to do once you have exhausted your eligibility?
DW – "I hope to pursue my goal of becoming a pediatrician, which would entail four years of med school and three-to-five years (depending on specialty) of residency."

What are you doing to prepare for your career outside of your studies?
DW – "Preparing for med school has my main focus. I shadowed my old pediatrician last summer to get a feel for that field of study, which actually confirmed that pediatrics was my calling. Although COVID-19 has been an obstacle to say the least, I hope to find time to get some hours in this summer with my doctors back home. I also plan on interning with my aunt and uncle in Chicago, who both own their own practice as a gynecologist and primary care doctor, respectively."

Do you hold rank in the Corps, and what are those responsibilities like on a daily basis?
DW – "I was recently chosen to take on the Academic Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) position for my company next year. Responsibilities include keeping track of grades, making sure everyone is focused and keeping good grades, and ultimately producing the company with the highest GPA."

Talk a little about juggling your life in the Corps, as a cadet student-athlete and within your major.
DW – "A normal day consists of classes from 8 a.m. until noon, with some days extended to 4 – 5 p.m. due to labs. Some days, we have weights at 5:45 a.m., but we normally have practice and weights after classes. I then eat dinner and head to my room to hit the books. Because basketball is year-round though, I often find myself having to accommodate by studying and doing homework on the bus and in hotel rooms. Nothing is worse though than having an away game, getting back to school at 3 – 4 a.m., and having to wake up to start my 'normal' day."

You saw your role on the team expand and change this year. Talk about how you had to prepare differently because of this.
DW – "I wouldn't say my role really changed this year, but rather finally got noticed. I may not be the top scorer or most talented player, but no matter the score or situation, I am always going to go 110% and give all I have, whether that is diving on the floor for a loose ball, grabbing every rebound I can, or defending any position. I am continuing to work on the areas of my game that need improvement in preparation for next year."

What would you say has been the most difficult part of being a cadet student-athlete in your major?
DW – "I feel as if the most difficult part about being a cadet student-athlete and a biology major is balancing the workload. Biology alone is easily one of the most demanding majors, requiring hours of time for homework and studying, along with a countless amount of labs. Adding on basketball obligations is very challenging, as one may imagine, but when military duties and responsibilities are tacked on, things can get even more stressful."

What is something that you will always look back fondly on here at The Citadel?
DW – "The Citadel has allowed me to make friendships with guys that I can honestly say will last a lifetime. I will always remember the amount of blood, sweat, tears, and laughs I have shared with them. I can't even put into words how much they mean to me. There is definitely something about going through hardships together that make bonds stronger."

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