For Sarah Marvin, family bonding time with her parents and five siblings has often included heaving a ball made of solid iron in the backyard of their rural Michigan home. Today, Marvin's fierce tenacity in the throwing ring for the Commodores track and field team is balanced, like the best shot put spin, with her ability to create sincere connection among fellow students.
"To me belonging is about building community, and I have definitely found that within Vanderbilt Athletics and in other parts of campus," said Marvin, a medicine, health and society major.
Soon after transferring to Vanderbilt, she created a special group to build connection and understanding.
"I founded an Athlete Ally chapter here at Vanderbilt in 2022, and it's near and dear to my heart," Marvin said. "Our campus mission for Vanderbilt Athlete Ally is to increase support for all student-athletes, no matter who they are or how they identify, and come together to educate, uplift and really create a safe and welcoming space for all athletes."
Helping encourage healthy mindsets for fellow students to support each other also led Marvin to co-chair the mental health and social impact committees within the Vanderbilt Student-Athlete Advisory Council.
LEADERSHIP REDEFINED
Marvin's first visit to Vanderbilt set the stage for authentic connections thanks to the athletics leadership team.
"It was my dream of an athletic department to see so many strong women representing Vanderbilt athletics. The little kid in me lit up," Marvin said, laughing. "To see Dr. Lee so dedicated to all of her athletes, no matter what sport they do, and then how she builds personal connection. I think this is absolutely one of a kind."
CAREER OF CARING
The athletics staff also helped Marvin craft an academic game plan to advance her dream of being a doctor. Marvin recently earned a spot in the biomedical sciences program and will work toward a master's degree, then apply to medical school.
She believes medicine is an avenue to extend her compassion for others.
"I am somebody who aspires to provide care by leading with empathy and trying to put myself in my patients' shoes, and so many of my medicine, health and society classes help prepare me to be the type of doctor I want to be," she said.
Marvin embodies this attitude of active compassion in everything she does, and her teammates and coaches have recognized it since day one.
"Sarah is someone who is not only well-rounded and heavily invested in her growth, but most importantly the growth of people around her," Thomas said. "Sarah represents the Vanderbilt vision of Crescere aude well. She dares to grow every day, and her spirit is contagious among the team.
"When Sarah leads, our team follows. She is a true student-athlete and a true representation of Vanderbilt."
- Look for more stories in the Class of 2025 storytelling series.
- Meet members of the Class of 2025 building community in meaningful ways.
- Meet four members of the Class of 2025 who are transforming lives by collaborating in engineering, medicine, mentorship and education.
