For third year swimmer Luke Georgiadis, the opportunity to be a student-athlete at Virginia has given him an appreciation of what is important both in sports and in life. A freestyler from Jacksonville, Florida, Luke chose to come to UVA due to the ideal combination of high-caliber athletics and a world-class education. For Luke, “It had always been a dream of mine to compete in college, and it has been a blessing to have a great education at the same time.”
Outside of the pool, Luke studies Finance at the McIntire School of Commerce where he most recently enjoyed a Commercial Law course with Professor Sherri Moore. A typically day for the swimmer begins with a 6 a.m. practice at the Aquatics and Fitness Center followed by a day of class, usually wrapping up around 3:15 p.m. After class, the Athletics Honor Roll and All-ACC Academic team member heads back to the pool or weight room for another session followed by dinner and homework with his teammates at the John Paul Jones Arena.
When he is not studying or swimming, Luke finds time to give back to the Charlottesville community by volunteering with Athletes Committed to Education. Regarding his involvement with ACE, Luke said, “I really enjoy interacting with younger people and facilitating their learning process. It is always nice to take a break from the (occasionally) stressful environment of college life to help make a difference in the community.”
In reflecting on what the Virginia student-athlete experience means to him, Luke explained how his participation in athletics has drastically changed his life path and who he is as a person. Not only has athletics given Luke a stronger work ethic but it has also given him a greater appreciation for his friends, family, and all those who support him. Luke said, “It was not until I got to UVA that I realized how important friends and family are to my successes, and I really do appreciate having a close group by my side every step of the way.”
Luke was honored at the 2016 All-Sports Banquet as the Recipient of the 2016-2017 Gus and Becky Ramirez Swimming and Diving Scholarship. When given the chance to thank the VAF and donors, Luke said, “Thank you for your continued support of Virginia Athletics. My peers and I would not be able to compete and succeed at such a high level if it were not for those who support the VAF every year.”
Donor contributions to the VAF Annual Fund support student-athletes such as Luke in many ways including scholarships, the Athletics Academic Affairs program and sport-specific operational budgets.