Corey Pelot Finds a Perfect Fit at UT

When Corey Pelot was figuring out where to attend college, he knew what he was looking for. He wanted a school where the class sizes weren't too big, a school where he could play basketball, and a school where he didn't have to shovel two feet of snow on a daily basis.

That's when Pelot looked no further than he father's alma mater, the University of Tampa. "I wanted a school where I could see my friends all the time and where I could learn in a classroom of 20 students, not 200. It's also attractive that I can wake up and put on shorts and a tee shirt and go to class. I don't have to worry about bundling up before I go outside."

As a freshman, Pelot knew he wanted to play basketball. He walked on to the team and has now played all four years. "I love the camaraderie of being on a team. You spend the most amount of time with these guys you can't help but get close with a lot of them. Overall I've had a great experience playing basketball. I love the whole basketball life and being on a team."

Pelot believes being a normal college student would get boring and is thankful that he played all four years. He enjoys being active and working out with the team.

Additionally, the weather was also a huge factor when deciding schools. "The whole atmosphere in Tampa is completely different than western New York. When I came here I didn't know anyone, but now I have a great group of friends here at UT. "

When Pelot has time off from school and basketball he takes advantage of his time. "I love going to the beach or Busch Gardens with my friends. There's a lot to do here in Tampa." Back home in western New York he would often go fishing or hunting in his free time."

Pelot plans to stay in Tampa after he graduates. "I would love to be a facilities manager for the Buccaneers or any NFL or NBA team. That would be an ideal job for me." Also, he enjoys watching college basketball more than the NBA, and being from western New York he roots for Syracuse.

Corey Pelot always makes time for family. He frequently keeps in touch with his older sister Chantal, and his parents. He was glad that his parents came down for Thanksgiving this year and had a traditional dinner rather than going out to eat at a restaurant. His mom's twin sister also lives in Florida, in Daytona Beach and he is able to see her often.

The senior forward on the basketball team looks to enjoy the rest of his college career to the fullest. He will enjoy this next year in being a college student, being around his friends and playing basketball.

Written by Alexa Della Rocco