College is a place where passions intersect. Where academic goals meet personal interests. Where unexpected moments help shape future paths. That’s exactly the experience Julia Lawrence, junior marketing major in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, found at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Originally from Merrick, New York, Julia came to UTC to compete on the beach volleyball team, but she discovered just as much purpose in the classroom as she has on the sand.
Her journey began after meeting beach volleyball Head Coach Darin Van Horn. His enthusiasm for the program, combined with the welcoming environment she felt during her campus tour, made UTC stand out immediately. She joked that our dorms helped seal the deal, but it was the campus culture that truly made her feel at home. Still, athletics were only part of the equation. She knew her academic home mattered just as much.
Julia’s interest in marketing began in high school through DECA, where she discovered how much she enjoyed creative problem-solving and business strategy. When exploring UTC, she wanted to make sure the Rollins College of Business would be the right fit. She heard wonderful things about the college, and once she visited the college, her decision felt easy. “I knew this was where I wanted to be,” she said. That confidence has only grown since she arrived.
Julia emphasized just how supported she feels as a student-athlete within the RCOB. Her academic advisor works closely with her to create schedules that align with the demands of her training and travel, especially during the spring season. Her professors are understanding, flexible, and dedicated to helping her succeed in both areas of her life. She also credits the Success Seminar with helping her articulate the skills she’s gained from volleyball, leadership, communication, and resilience in a way that strengthens her résumé. Her academic and athletic lives don’t compete, they complement each other.
One of the most meaningful moments in her academic journey came from Ryan Russell’s class, when guest speaker Jesse Cole, the owner of the Savannah Bananas, shared his insights on branding and building a loyal fan base. Julia described this day as a turning point that connected her sport with her marketing studies. Hearing Jesse speak sparked new ideas about how to grow the beach volleyball audience at UTC. “We’re a small team,” she said, “but I think there’s a lot we can do to bring more people to matches. Maybe fun giveaways, beach towels, something that makes it feel like an event.” This class helped her view her sport through a new, creative lens.
When offering advice for future student-athletes planning to study business, Julia didn’t hesitate: take advantage of the resources available. “Use your resources at RCOB, they’re here for a reason,” she said. Whether it’s guidance from professors, support from advisors, or insight from seminars, she believes the college provides every tool students need to succeed.
Julia is excited about her future. Thanks to her experiences at RCOB, she sees herself pursuing a career in web design and sports marketing, ideally working with a team or organization she feels passionate about. Her goals reflect the blend of creativity, strategy, and teamwork she’s developed at UTC.
Every student brings their own story to college, and the Rollins College of Business offers a dynamic experience for each person. Students bring their unique strengths into the classroom, and the college helps shape those strengths into professional direction. Julia’s story is a testament to how an environment built on support, opportunity, and community can help students thrive. Whether they’re presenting in class, designing marketing plans, or competing on the sand.
Visit utc.edu/business to see where business can take you!
