Marie unites athletics, academics through sports psychology

From the basketball court to the classroom, Camille Marie ’13 was a dominating presence. She capped her extraordinary four years by being inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and being named the women’s basketball program’s first all-American.

She came to Cornell knowing that she wanted to be a psychology major, after taking an Advanced Placement psychology course in high school. But once on campus she added a minor in kinesiology, which tied her academic interests to her athletic prowess.

The intersection of basketball and academics for Marie was, appropriately enough, Exercise Psychology and The Psychology of Sport, two courses in the kinesiology department taught by Professor Steve DeVries. Those courses, along with Social Psychology, taught by Professor Bill Dragon, were among the most influential during her time at Cornell. She was also part of psychology Professor Melinda Green’s Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorder research team.

After Cornell Marie plans to apply to doctoral programs in sports psychology. Figuring out which path to follow wasn’t an easy decision for her, though.

“I was debating between sports psychology and social psychology,” she said. “However, I believe that sports psychology is what I am meant to do, as it combines the two things I’m truly passionate about.”

Marie shined on the basketball court. In addition to her selection as an All-American, Marie set school records for total career points, blocked shots, field goals, and free throws. Her performance, plus her 3.93 GPA, earned her a spot as an Academic All-American, and she was the Midwest Conference women’s basketball player of the year.

Playing on the team was a formative experience for her, giving her support and encouragement throughout her four years.

“My teammates are my family,” she said. “It’s been incredible to have a constant support system from my teammates and to have made such wonderful, lifelong friendships through athletics.”

Camille Marie’s highlights:

• Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorder research team under Professor Melinda Green
• Phi Beta Kappa
• Psi Chi ( psychology national honor society)
• Mortar Board
• All-American women’s basketball player, with five school records
• Academic All-American with a 3.93 GPA