Student Story

When asked why he choose Catawba:

The people. I fell in love with the people and with the environment.”

Chandon Smith is a senior here at Catawba. He is a Sports Management major and a Business Administration minor. He is also on the Men’s Track and Field team. Chandon was part of the 2020 Conference Champion Track and Field team in the 4x4 relay, part of the 2022 Indoor and Outdoor school record holder in the 4x4 relay, part of 2022 Outdoor school record holder in the 4x1 relay, and a 2022 National qualifier for the 4x1. He has also partnered with several different companies such as Postgame, Stadium Merch, Boosted Biz, and others for his own merchandise and branding campaigns.

When asked how he learned about Catawba, Chandon said, “I was getting ready for states in high school. My coach got a phone call. He hands me the phone and it was Catawba College. It was Coach Max. He wished me good luck at states and asked about visiting campus. When I did visit Catawba, it was at a time no one was here, but it still felt like it was a home.”

Chandon said he likes Catawba because, “There’s a lot of athletes on campus so it feels like everyone has the same mindset or hustle. They know they are students first and athletes second and everyone is focused on getting it done.” He also said, “My professors are the best. They have the opportunity to have one-on-one time with me. They can tell when I need help and they help me. They’re phenomenal.”

He stated that Catawba has helped him in many ways. “It starts with the people around you. You can meet a bunch of people to help you expand your options. That’s what Catawba has done for me,” he said.

"Catawba has made Chandon, Chandon Smith. Catawba helped make me who I am. “

When talking about track and field and what it means to him, Chandon said, “It's very special to me. A lot of us have been here since freshman year. We have gotten to see each other grow and develop.” He added, “track has helped me get to know myself better. It’s helped me mature. It’s humbled me by knowing I have to work to get better every day because there is always someone else. I thank God for each and every opportunity I’ve been given.”