For Emily Camlet (‘26), being a student-athlete isn’t just about competition—it’s about community, connection and finding balance across every part of campus life. A member of the Class of 2026, Camlet competes in both track and field and cross country while pursuing a double major in statistics and Italian. Her experience reflects the kind of dedication and multidimensional involvement that defines Drew athletics.
Ask Camlet about her most memorable moment as a Ranger, and her answer isn’t centered on personal accolades, it’s about her team.
“There are so many moments I cherish as a Ranger, but what really sticks out to me is anything involving my team celebrating each other,” she says. “I remember rewriting a conference record, where the best part wasn’t the new record, but the way my teammates swarmed me on the track. They celebrated as if it was their own record, and I think that really speaks to our culture as a team. Nothing could beat this.”
That sense of shared success is something Camlet carries with her beyond competition. On campus, she serves as President of the Cultural Italian American Organization, helping foster community and cultural awareness. Her academic achievements are equally impressive—she has been accepted into multiple honor societies, including Chi Sigma Alpha (athletics), Gamma Kappa Alpha (Italian) and Pi Mu Epsilon (mathematics), as well as the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa.
Outside of academics and athletics, Camlet is also a company dancer with the Bridget Ryan Dance Company, performing throughout the tri-state area. She also gives back to her community as a substitute teacher in her hometown school district, demonstrating a commitment to leadership both on and off campus.
In the classroom, Camlet has found courses that challenge and inspire her in equal measure. Among her favorites is Statistical Computing in R with Professor Yi Lu.
“I liked learning from and building connections with my favorite professor while having the opportunity to analyze data that mattered to me and write about it in a comprehensive way for others to better understand,” she said.
She also highlights Mafia Myths and Realities with Professor Sisler as another standout experience, noting how the course challenged misconceptions and encouraged deep analysis of media portrayals and historical context.
Balancing such a wide range of commitments is no easy feat, but Camlet credits athletics with helping her stay grounded and organized.
“Athletics have really helped me with time management,” she says. “It has kept me on my toes and helped me consistently plan out when to get work done throughout the semester, not just at the beginning. It encourages making appropriate time for studying and also practice or meets.”
More than that, running provides a necessary mental reset.
“Being a collegiate athlete has also given me an outlet to escape academic stress even for a short time, allowing me to return to class responsibilities a little bit more refreshed after I’ve worked at something I truly love.”
Whether she’s racing on the track, leading on campus or excelling in the classroom, Camlet exemplifies what it means to be a Ranger: driven, balanced and deeply connected to the people around her. Her name will be forever embedded into the legacy of Drew Athletics.
Gillian Sampson is a graduate student in the Masters of Education program.
