Entering into a new territory can be very intimidating. Being in a completely new surrounding, trying to make new friends, adjusting to school all well trying to compete for a starting position on the Men's basketball team can be very exhausting. Being a Bettendorf, Iowa native Michael Vandello may be experiencing all this at once, but he seems to be adjusting well to college life.
"It is a little bit different than high school," said Vandello. "It is a different atmosphere with so many more people around you. I really like having only two or three classes a day and it is nice to be away from home."
Not only has he been adjusting to the new surroundings that college life may entail, but he also is becoming more familiar with a different level of competition that college level basketball brings.
"Basketball is a lot more intense," said Vandello. "It is more competitive especially since four starters are gone this season and there are a lot of spots to fill. I am trying to compete for a spot along with others."
Even though this is Vandello's first season with the Redbirds he has many expectations for his team.
"I am looking to win conference this season," said Vandello. "Going into this we are not expected to be a top team, but we have been working really hard this year and I think that we are ready to do it.
Along with expectations for his team he has some for himself that he would like to achieve by the end of his first season.
"I want to improve myself physically and mentally so I can be better," said Vandello. "Being a freshman on the team I want to see how many minutes I can get a game and I want to be able to support my other teammates."
Vandello has had many outside influences to help him with his adjustments on the court and with university living. Vandello has two role models that have been consistent in his life God and Michael Jordan. He really looks to Michael Jordan for his determination and his second to none work ethic.
Another influence that mainly contributes to Vandello's performance on the court is his love for soccer. He played soccer in high school for three years while playing basketball. The quickness, agility, and spurts that are used in soccer are shared in common with basketball. The foot skills picked up in soccer have helped him be able to make better cuts on the court.
The last outside contributor to Vandello's success as a student and athlete is his family.
"My family is a strong support system," said Vandello. "We are pretty close. They will be here for every home game and most away games."
While attending Illinois State Vandello will be double majoring in Biology and Business. He aspires to someday become an orthodontist.
"Hopefully I am going to be an orthodontist," said Vandello. "Two of my Uncles are and some of things that they have had told me about it have interested me."
Vandello may be found during his spare time playing some video games with his teammates, playing golf or soccer for fun, or listening to country music.
"Oh yeah, I love country music," said Vandello. "I think my favorite two artists would have to be Toby Keith and Keith Urban."
Adjusting to a new atmosphere has been an easy transition for Vandello. His performance scholastically and on the court can only continue to get better as his time goes on at Illinois State.
