Rodney Vilsaint, a sports management major from Palm Beach, Florida, is the recipient of the Catamounts Climb Higher Award for January 2025, at West Virginia University Potomac State College.
Vilsaint serves as a resident assistant (RA) for University Place at the College and coordinates many activities and events for students to enjoy. He is also an active member of the men’s basketball team, playing the position of guard.
Climb Higher recipients are recognized for their ability to bounce back despite encountering obstacles, for overcoming challenges, and for staying the course. Recipients are also recognized for their outstanding work ethic, kindness, and positive attitude. Although this award is not based on GPA, recipients must be in good academic standing.
Vilsaint stated that an initial challenge he faced every day was being so far from home, which is 16 hours away. However, during the first home game of the fall 2024 season, Vilsaint was injured with what turned out to be a ruptured Achilles.
Within a two-week timeframe, Vilsaint made plans to fly home to Florida for full reconstructive surgery. He originally planned to return after Thanksgiving break, but the surgery ended up being more extensive than initially communicated. Vilsaint had to stay in Florida until January to ensure he was on the correct road to recovery.
According to Kara Hotchkiss, director of Residence Life, “During his time at home, Rodney maintained his optimism, consistently staying in contact with me regarding his courses, his RA responsibilities, and his overall well-being. Since returning for the spring semester, Rodney has jumped back into things like he never left. He consistently maintains a positive attitude and contributes to the team, both as an athlete and an RA.”
Vilsaint stated that men’s basketball coach and residence hall coordinator, Ryan Streets, has been a mentor to him during his time at PSC. Streets has helped him in times of need and helped him navigate through life with his current injury.
Vilsaint shared a saying that has stayed with him since his high school days, “…be where your feet are.”
“In moments of overthinking or self-doubt, being where your feet are means to live in the moment, not take anything for granted, and be grateful for what you have,” Vilsant said.
After graduating from Potomac State College, Vilsaint plans to further his education while continuing to play collegiate basketball.
Written by Meredith Burns, a WVU Potomac State College student majoring in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship.