Dear Phoenix Club Member,
Thank you for your continued support of Elon athletics! We athletes thank you for allowing us to thrive on the field, on the court, and in the classroom. My name is Kailee Follette, and I am a senior captain on the Women’s Lacrosse Team studying Accounting and Finance with a minor in Statistics. Outside of lacrosse I have participated in the founding of the Morgan’s Message chapter at Elon, served on the university’s mental health panel, and worked as an academic tutor for accounting and finance. Throughout my four years at Elon, I have had the opportunity to make lasting memories with incredible teammates, friends, and professors that I would never have been able to accomplish without the support of Elon donors such as yourself!
When I was going through the recruiting process, I was searching for a home away from home, an environment that promotes growth, and a positive culture. Instantly, I found all of what I was craving at Elon. The feeling of belonging is synonymous with the school. Being from California, it was always a worry that I would feel out of place. I was met with open arms the moment I stepped on campus, and from that point on, I found my second home.
Speaking of home, I have found my extended family with the lacrosse team. The women I am surrounded by continue to push me on and off the field. They are my biggest support system and have especially supported me in my Morgan’s Message commitment. I founded the chapter my sophomore year and have been joined by a fellow teammate to continue the discussion around mental health in athletics. We have worked to make our presence on campus known and put on dedication games and activities throughout the school year to normalize mental health conversations with Elon student-athletes.
Being a student-athlete, I know firsthand that it is all about balance. I have made the Dean’s and President’s List consistently in my academic career; this would never have happened without the support of the academic staff. Elon has made it their mission to integrate learning across all academic disciplines to foster informed leaders upon graduation. In my academic career, I have had the privilege to learn under accomplished professors who have given me the tools to confidently work and network. With the help Elon’s resources, I secured an internship during my sophomore year which has led me to a permanent position at Ernst and Young in the Financial Services sector of the Chicago office upon graduation! Without the support of Elon donors, I would not be as equipped to conquer the real-world experiences I am about to dive into.
I want to thank you for your support of Elon student-athletes like myself. You have allowed me to live out my dream of competing at the highest level for lacrosse while thriving in the classroom. With your gift to Elon Athletics, you are directly providing us with the resources to succeed in our sport and academic careers. I would not be who I am nor where I am today without your generosity and belief in Elon student-athletes. Thank you for everything!
Go Phoenix!
Kailee Follette