Student: Rachel Renfrow
Rachel Renfrow is a senior business management major from Wilson, a midfielder and center back for the ECU women’s soccer team, and a standout student in the College of Business. After graduation, she plans to earn a graduate degree in physical therapy and eventually own her own physical therapy business.
To Renfrow, any given day could bring a win on the field, a triumph in the classroom or an activity in support of one of her volunteer passions, which include Riley’s Army, the Boys and Girls Club, and Aces for Autism.
“It all comes down to time management and priorities,” Renfrow says. “I’ve realized in the long term how beneficial all of this is going to be for me. Each day has its challenges, and I have to choose each day to rise up and meet them.”
Academically, she says, her major and her college are preparing her for a fruitful career.
“ECU has greatly shaped my professional presence,” she says. “The business school does a phenomenal job at preparing you for real life after college. They have reinforced how important it is to speak to others and to be genuine.”
Her soccer teammates have been Renfrow’s teachers as well, even though she’s considered a team leader herself. She says she will always treasure the moments on the field where she has shared pure joy with them — like when the team beat the University of Dayton last season in overtime. Those same teammates have taught her to bounce back from trials.
“My teammates have taught me that everyone makes mistakes and to not let those mistakes get in your head,” Renfrow says. “Learn from them and move on.”
The moments as a Pirate student-athlete will also stick with Renfrow.
“Athletically, ECU has shaped me into a leader,” she says. “I’ve learned endurance, determination, a strong work ethic and any other characteristic that deals with strengthening the physical, mental and emotional aspect of an individual.”
Renfrow says she would encourage new ECU students and athletes to approach the college experience with an open mind that’s ready to absorb every experience from sports to academics to student organizations and volunteerism. She would also share her never-give-up attitude.
“I would tell them to keep going when they want to quit, to make the most of each and every opportunity, to keep themselves and their teammates accountable, to keep their priorities in check and, lastly, to play for those who can’t.”
What advice do you have for other students? Embrace this time that you’re in. Meet people. Get out of your comfort zone. Find yourself, so you can help others find themselves. Grow in your faith. Basically, love Jesus. Love people.
What is something cool about ECU that you wish you knew during your first year? Literally all the amenities we get as students. I know I didn’t use all the resources that I could have used.
STATISTICS
College: College of Business
Major: Business management
Age: 21
Classification/Year: Senior
Hometown: Wilson
Hobbies/interests: Soccer
Clubs and Organizations: ECU Varsity Soccer
FAVORITES
Favorite hangout: Coastal Fog
Favorite place on campus: Chick-fil-A
Favorite place to eat: Chick-fil-A
Favorite class: Negotiations with Dr. Chullen
Professor who influenced you the most: Tim Hackett
Favorite TV show: Parenthood
Favorite band/musician: Keith Urban
Favorite movie: A Walk to Remember
Favorite website: YouTube
MOTIVATIONS
Dream job: Become a CEO for a company that helps the world become a better place
The one thing you cannot live without: Birkenstocks
Role model: Brittany Hoyt
Your words to live by: Don’t lose sight of the little things.