Mary Washington junior Tad Dickman has been playing hoops all his life, and he’s been a leader for the Eagles, who are second in the CAC.  The second-year starter is among the team and conference leaders in scoring and rebounding and participated as this week’s CAC INTRODUCING … featured student-athlete.

What is your background in the sport you play?  It all started on a Fisher Price hoop when I was 4 years old.  My parents encouraged me to try out different sports, and basketball and soccer immediately stuck out as favorites.  It wasn’t until my junior year of high school when I made the decision to focus solely on one of the two, and I have never regretted it.

What is your favorite spot on campus?   “The Nest” - our school’s alternative to the cafeteria.  It’s more of a relaxed place to eat and hang out with friends.  However, the real reason why I love it is because of strawberry-banana smoothies and the 50” flat screens showing ESPN

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?  I am the basketball representative for the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), and I also participate in the Marketing Club here at UMW.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.  Our team trip to Puerto Rico this winter was one of the best traveling experiences I’ve ever taken.  I think it’s incredibly important for team chemistry to take trips together, and I believe it really brought us together.  It was a lot of fun getting to see the culture and history of San Juan, especially with my teammate Rocky (Ullah) having family there, we got to fully experience Puerto Rico.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  The most important issue is probably the job market after graduation.  Our economy is struggling right now, which is forcing experienced professionals to take lower paying jobs, thus competing against graduating seniors.  I know our government is striving to create jobs to help get things rolling, but 1 million job openings won’t help the 9 million people out of work.  After graduation, college grads are being forced to take paths that they hadn’t planned on, so I guess that’s the biggest problem right now.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?  For our school, I wish we had a football team.  For myself, I wish I enjoyed science more.  For the NBA, I wish there was no salary cap, so we could see the N.Y. Yankees of basketball.  Lastly, for the world, I wish they could find a cure for cancer, and I am proud to say my mother is a survivor!

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?    I am a Business Administration major, with a concentration in Marketing.  The most important aspect of Marketing that I have learned in college is that  people, businesses, and technology are very dynamic, which forces us to constantly seek new opportunities to reach consumers.  I am blessed to have the opportunity this summer to work an internship in Sydney, Australia from May-August with Basketball Australia, and work with the marketing team for their highest professional basketball league (NBL). 

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  The most influential person in my life is GOD.  Religion has been important to me forever, and always will be.  He has helped me through difficult times, and I am grateful for that.  I have met a lot of great people through my church in Springfield, Va., and Grace Presbyterian Church plays a large role in my life.  God bless. 

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?  Follow your dreams.  Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.  If you have the perseverance and desire, nothing is impossible.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?   My favorite form of entertainment is music - hands down.  I love listening to music, and the power it possesses.  The one aspect of music that makes it special is that you can listen to different kinds of music based on your mood and attitude.  Favorite 3 artists are Wiz Khalifa, J. Cole, and Wale.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  My favorite football team is the Philadelphia Eagles.  When I was in elementary school, my father had the opportunity to meet Donovan McNabb, and got me an autographed jersey.  I’ve been a huge fan ever since.  Other than that, I am mainly a local fan.  I’ve been following the Capitals more this season, and hopefully the Nationals and Wizards can start picking it up and giving us someone to cheer for without being embarrassed.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?    1.  Michael Jordan - legend of the game.  2.  Steve Jobs - innovative genius.  3.  Jesus Christ - our savior.