What they’re saying about COA

Patrick Vahe, UT senior offensive lineman:

“I’ve got a really big family, and it makes their lives a lot easier knowing that they don’t have to pay for me to get a great education and that we also receive a stipend to cover a lot of other expenses. The stipend is extremely beneficial and is something that really helps since so much of my time is spent in school and playing football.

“I also know it’s something I worked for and I have this opportunity because my parents taught me the importance of hard work and dedication. It had paid off and my family not paying a dime toward my education has been the greatest gift that I have given them. To let them know that everything they’ve done for me wasn’t taken for granted and now I can take full advantage of all the opportunities here at UT because of my scholarship and all of its benefits.”

Tori Vidales, former Texas A&M softball player:

“Personally, I think it should be contingent on circumstance. But I know that’s really hard to do. But it is a good step for sure. And if it can progress, it definitely should. Because then, it is not only helping you in school.

“It is helping me postschool, and I think that is even more important. You would be graduating as a broke college student in the real world having to pay for all these things.”

Courtney Clayton, former UTEP softball player: “It

was just super helpful being able to have that for gas and for food. Personally, I come from a singleparent household, so just having that extra little cost of attendance, it really, really helped me. I just didn’t have the option of having extra funds coming from home.”

“It is kind of impossible to eat Ramen every day and be able to survive workouts and everything that you need.” Dominique James, UNT junior soccer player:

“I think it is enough. Well, I think if you are financially smart, then it would be enough — if you know how to deal with your money and pay for all these things. But yeah, I think it is a great step. Because as an athlete, you already have enough stress. And worrying about money, that is just horrible. So having a stipend, that is one less thing to worry about.”

“You don’t have to worry about where your next meal is coming from.”