Name: Thomas Vollaro
Sport: Baseball
Hometown: Herndon, Va.
High School: Herndon
Activities/Clubs/Committees: Haverford Stock Market Challenge Club, Science Library Employee
Why did you choose Haverford?
I chose Haverford for a different reason than I think most students. I decided to attend Haverford very late in the admissions process and while many come to Haverford purely for the reputation and academic standard, I made my decision because of the team and the coaching staff with the previous factors as added bonuses. After visiting Haverford a few times including an overnight stay with one of our former players, Casey Fox, I felt that I could really fit in with the atmosphere of the team. I felt very comfortable with the coaches I met with, Coach Beccaria and Coach Ballenberg, and after spending time with both of them and with most of the team, I knew Haverford could be a great fit for me.
What is your favorite team experience?
My favorite team experience was winning the conference championship my freshman year. We had an incredible run in the playoffs just to make it to the championship game and to win the game on a walk-off in extra innings just amplified the experience. Celebrating the win on the field in the dog pile and on the bus ride home was something that I'll never forget.
Why did you choose to play a sport in college?
I chose to play a sport in college for a couple of reasons. First, I love baseball and I love playing baseball so when the opportunity presented itself for me to play baseball in college, it was a no-brainer. Second, being on a team and being with a group of similar-minded guys on and off the field is a quick, easy way to make friends and build relationships, especially when coming into college where you might not know anyone. For me, those were the two main factors in deciding to play baseball in college.
What makes Haverford unique?
Haverford is unique for a variety of reasons but one reason in particular that is especially significant to me is the student-athlete culture at Haverford. Unlike many schools, student-athletes at Haverford are truly given the opportunity to be both students and athletes. We're not forced to attend mandatory study hours or tutoring sessions to ensure our work is getting done, instead we're allowed the freedom to work and study in whatever manner we see fit. From 4-6 p.m., there are no classes so that sports teams can practice knowing that athletes won't have to miss any lecture just to make it to practice. These customs, along with the Honor Code, help to establish a thriving student-athlete culture both on and off the field.
What are your thoughts on the honor code?
Personally, I love the Honor Code. The unity that it brings to campus socially and academically is both comforting and refreshing. Coming in as a freshman, the Honor Code is something that you don't really believe is actually practiced until you really experience it when you come on campus. The trust that the Code creates between students, faculty and administration is what enables Haverford to excel as an academic institution and to continue to move forward with new ideas and innovation. People really live and breathe the Code and that's what makes it work.