Cross-country runner Matt Seidel is writing his English and French thesis on the letters of Samuel Beckett. Seidel won the Ivy title in the outdoor 10,000-meter, and will travel to France next year.

On the volleyball court, Mindy Jellin has been setting up her teammates since she was named Ivy League Rookie of the Year in 1999. Graduating with a degree in psychology, Jellin has no definite career plans yet. But wherever she goes, she’ll likely be a huge help—Jellin will graduate as second all-time in assists at Harvard.

Mike Lobach has been a linchpin for the Crimson soccer team for four years. As a sweeper, he has stifled opposing defenses and was named second team NCSAA All-New England for his efforts.

The grace under pressure that forward Beth Totman showed on the soccer field will come in handy should the social anthropology major became a foreign correspondent for CNN. Scoring goals in overtime wins over Yale, Hartford and Boston College, the second-team All Ivy selection has solidified her legacy as a clutch performer. Totman will pursue a masters in East Asian studies next year.

They don’t do it because they have to and certainly not because they receive tangible benefits for it. Harvard student-athletes sacrifice and compete because it’s something they truly care about. And for this passion alone they are an important part of our community.

-Staff writer Robert A. Cacace can be reached at cacace@fas.harvard.edu.