SENIOR PROFILE: Greg Cass

Sixty-eight soccer games, $7,500 in an NCAA scholarship, a 4.1 GPA, and a bachelor's of science later, Greg Cass, SEAS '07, has shattered all of the stereotypes of recruited athletes on campus.

And he's done it without pulling a single all-nighter in four years.

"I set levels for myself and live up to my expectations," the chemical engineering major said. "Once you're motivated, it's hard to stop."

The senior defender credited soccer with coloring his experiences on campus, from his rigorous schedule to his tight group of teammates that shared an EC suite this year.

"I'm glad that it's [playing soccer is] something that I've chosen to do," said Cass, who has also been captain of the team twice. Along with the 6 a.m. practices, Cass has also tutored other athletes.

"It's definitely true that mostly athletes are expected to live up to a certain level academically and not much more than that," he conceded. "It was a motivation in a way." He later added that "it's frustrating to hear people to talk down on athletes."

Though he is the athlete graduating with the highest GPA and this year's recipient of the SEAS Scholar-Athlete Award, Cass swears he isn't a perfectionist.

"I go to class, I do my work, and I am kind of motivated to do my best but not motivated by grades," he claimed. "If my best is 'B' work, then that's fine."

Cass expressed understanding about the lack of student support at games.

"You hear a lot of people say that the student body is not into athletics, but having all the stadiums at 218th Street makes it nearly impossible," he said.

The Philadelphia native is one of 58 students to receive an NCAA postgraduate scholarship of $7500, which can be applied toward graduate school. He said he hasn't decided exactly where he wants to go.

Cass enjoyed running in Central Park and the nightlife around campus, but said he wishes he explored more during his time as a student. Lucky for him, Cass won't be leaving the city-after graduation, he'll be living in an Upper West Side apartment and starting work at Lehman Brothers.