March 7, 2008
Just call them peas and carrots. They are Colgate seniors Caitlin Gillard and Shevorne Martin. Better known as Cait and Shevy, this duo at first glance is almost as opposite as you can get.
Shevy stands at 5-5 and Cait towers over her at 6-2. One hails from a small town in Central New York, while the other calls Brooklyn home. Cait is a neuroscience major, while Shevy is majoring in sociology and anthropology.
Dean of First-Year Students Beverly Low who spent hours working with the duo over the four years describes them this way.
"If these two were a songwriting team, Caitlin would write the lyrics and Shevy would handle the music," Low said. "Caitlin is a humble, dedicated, and self-directed student with a work ethic that is unmatched and a moral compass that never fails. She is a level-headed and skilled leader who motivates others by example."
"Shevy is a curious, ambitious, and self-challenged student whose vibrant, positive attitude is infectious. She is an enthusiastic and energetic role model."
That's where the differences end, as what lies within them is the same. Both are outstanding leaders on and off the court and both share an unbridled passion for Colgate. After all, it is where they survived grueling practices and shared all the laughs and tears. And they have been the constant for each other through it all.
"We just clicked right away," Cait said. "We both understood what each other were going through. We had some tough times but we knew that we were always going to be there for each other."
They created a special handshake that first year and became peas and carrots almost immediately. The bond grew stronger. And when opportunity knocked, they answered because for them it was not about building a basketball community. It was about developing a Colgate community.
Cait and Shevy joined Links, which is a collection of students who act as orientation advisors for freshmen. It was their time to demonstrate to others why Colgate holds a special place in their hearts.
"I love being able to give back and show to the incoming freshman how much Colgate has meant to me and how much it can change you and mold you," Cait said.
Shevy also became active in cultural groups and joined a dance group called We Funk of which she currently is the Vice President. "I kind of tried to bridge the gap between [athletics and other groups] in a lot of my activities," Shevy said.
They found out how powerful they can be this past fall when as members of the Leadership Institute they worked with others to build school spirit. An idea of a pep rally was born, and Shevy, with her endless energy, ran with it.
"Being a part of We Funk, I felt I had more of an opportunity and more power to control what we could do on campus," Shevy said. "Rather than just being a player, I felt like I could be a leader and with the support of administrators and core members of the group we created a successful event that now will be a tradition."
Their involvement on campus is so extensive, you almost forget they devote countless hours to basketball. They both know they are playing basketball on a team for the final time in their lives this season. While it's bittersweet to know that the end is near, they battle every day for all of those who have supported them.
"We've glowed for so long, now it's our time to shine," Shevy said. They have shined alright and they have left the path so much brighter for those who choose to follow their trail.
