Nov. 24, 2009
Story Written By Melanie Cheatham, B-CU Sports Information Dept. -
Success Beyond the Courts and Classrooms of Bethune-Cookman
University
Talisha Black, a former volleyball player, and 2008 Bethune- Cookman University graduate, has proved that hard work and dedication on the court and in the classroom is the recipe for future success. Black now spends most of her days studying after being granted an academic scholarship to New York University in the medical post-graduate program. Black graduated from Bethune-Cookman University with a major in sociology. She is now a pre-medicine major and most of her time, is spent doing what she needs to do, to insure success in her future.
Talisha Black, a Dallas, Texas native, played for Bethune-Cookman under the guidance of volleyball Head Coach Vanessa Cogswell. Black's position while at Bethune-Cookman was Right Side Hitter and Middle Blocker. She played for BCU for two seasons after her transfer from Division II School, Albany State University. In the classroom Black proved herself as graduating with a 3.7 GPA She was the recipient of the Sociology Senior Award (which is given to the senior with the highest GPA in sociology), the Academic Scholar Athlete award, and several other academic accolades. It is without question that she is on her way to success.
“Her academic excellence is one thing that stands out about Talisha,” states Dr. Scott Sloan, Assistant Athletic Director for Academics. “She is a brilliant young woman and a model student-athlete; you would have a hard time getting an example closer than her. She is a tremendous volleyball player and even better in the classroom.”
While Talisha played for Bethune-Cookman University she not only excelled in the classroom, but also on the court. During her two years of play, Black assisted her team in breaking a school record; for the first time the LadyCats history, they defeated University of North Florida's volleyball team 3-1. At the end of her BCU career, Black registered 92 Kills, 27 Assist, 63 Solo Blocks, 118 Total Attacks, 41 Block Assist and 43 Digs.
“We are extremely proud of her; she was a great player and had an excellent attitude,” says Coach Cogswell. “One thing that really stuck out when she sent me her recruitment tape was she has a lot of personality and passion for the game. Her first year she had limited playing time, but that second year she just really turned it around. Whatever she wants, she goes after it and gets it. We are very proud of her and I know she will do very, very well in medical school and continue that in her career.”
Talisha Black attributes her focus to the experiences she had at the great Bethune-Cookman University. Black is continuing to work hard by managing to work a part-time job and a full-time student workload.
“Being a student-athlete prepared me for what I am facing right now,” says Talisha Black, “the key is knowing how to multi-task. I was able to get that experience at B-CU, with balancing a heavy work load and sports.”
