Virginia Military Institute’s cadet-athletes have to juggle cadet life, heavy academic course loads, and their NCAA Division I sport. Committed to both academic and athletic pursuits, balancing their rigorous schedule in both sports and school requires a certain level of commitment and discipline. Behind the Balance is a series that focuses on those cadet-athletes and how they handle the hurdles of the day-to-day. 

LEXINGTON, Va. Oct. 14, 2024 — When Terrell Jackson ’25 got to Virginia Military Institute, he was assigned an academic advisor through cadet athletic development. With resources like the Miller Academic Center, Jackson said VMI provides opportunities for those who may fall behind on academic studies. 

“It really comes down to just using the resources that VMI provides,” he said. 

Academic advisors are standard in a college environment, Jackson said.  

"They help you arrange your schedule in the beginning of the semester. But also, after you arrange it, they help you stay on top of all the work that you have, keep track of your grades, let you know what you're slipping up or getting behind on, and what you need to do to get back to it,” he said.  

They even help you find tutors, which Jackson did for history. The psychology major said the extra guidance helped him with his VMI journey. 

Cadet-athletes at VMI not only have their responsibilities with their selected sport but cadet duties on top of that. Cadets are also required to take physical fitness classes twice a week, participate in ROTC all four years, prepare for room and uniform inspections, practice for parade, guard duty, and more. 

As a captain on the defensive line, his responsibilities go beyond the field. He’s one of seven captains for the 124-player team. He says it’s an honor to see his teammates hold him in a higher regard and have respect for him.  

Being captain also means meeting with several different organizations on post. From meeting with the regimental staff, the general committee comprised of a board of cadets, to meeting with Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, Jackson and the other captains are there to maintain a relationship between athletics and the Corps, while also providing support to rats on the team. 

His days start and end with football, while carrying a 15 and a half credit course load. Waking up between 6 or 6:45 a.m. each day, he goes through the motions of a cadet — rolling his hay, heading to morning practice, then onto breakfast before a full day of classes. By 3:50 p.m., it’s time for the team meeting to start where the head coach addresses the team.  

"The whole team gets together, and the head coach talks about what we're doing for the day: what we have planned for our game, how the other team looks, the game plan, and what each position or unit needs to do for us to win the game,” he said. 

Then they all break out into specific meetings where it’s dedicated to their positions on the field. That’s where they spend time watching game film to learn either their own strengths and weaknesses or that of the other team they are set to play. By 5:30 p.m. they’re out on the practice field.  

Everything is wrapped up after 7 p.m. after the players do cool downs, treatments, and showers. Jackson oversees accounting for everyone as they line up to head to Crozet Hall for dinner. He turns in a sheet of names to the commandant's office for accountability.  

There’s a lot of moving parts that Jackson must account for daily, so staying on top of everything takes dedication. 

“It's just about putting in effort. There's no special trick or secret magic to it,” he said. “You’ve got to not complain about it and just keep going. You were put here for a reason; you’ve got to embrace your role. Our biggest thing on the football team this year is just building a legacy. We might not win a playoff game or win a championship. If my class and the captains that we have now start building a legacy so we could come back in four years and we're on top of the SoCon, or win the national championships, I'll be happy to say, I started that. That came from our class.” 

The discipline and routine that VMI has instilled in Jackson is something he will carry throughout his life.  

“It'll force you to get some time management skills. Either you get them or you'll get left behind,” he said. “VMI is a tough place to be, especially to last. A lot of people could come here, but can you last?" 

Laura Peters Shapiro
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE