Michael Rentschler, father of basketball freshman Rachel Rentschler (Keller, Texas)
This is such a classy and top-notch university. I'm very impressed with how everyone has helped my daughter Rachel made such a smooth transition from high school student to college student. There is excellence and support all around you at UT, and this orientation reinforces that.

Women's Tennis freshman Maggie Mello (Laguna Niguel, Calif.)
I'm thrilled to be here. The support here is unbelievable, from the fans' support of the athletics department, to the academic support system in place for the student-athletes. Austin is a trendy town and everything is so nice. I visited UT early on in the recruiting process, and I knew this was where I wanted to be.

Julie Mello, mother of Women's Tennis freshman Maggie Mello
This university is fantastic! All of the academic programs here are so well-regarded, and there are so many choices...you just can't go wrong. We visited a few major schools on the West Coast, and not one of them discussed academics the way UT did. The support for the student-athlete here is tremendous.

Texas Ex and former major league baseball pitcher Bruce Ruffin, father of Baseball freshman Chance Ruffin (Austin, Texas)
My wife and I are both UT alums, and coming here today with our son knowing that he's fixing to become a UT student-athlete makes us proud as parents and a little nostalgic the way things have changed. It is outstanding to hear from so many of the key leaders in the University -- from the athletics directors to the people in student affairs. I think the kids are tired of listening to their parents tell them about all this stuff. It's nice to hear it from the leaders and coaches. It helps reaffirm what we've been saying. Today's speakers have dealt with incoming freshmen and they can help these young men and women take another step in their lives...to make it an easy transition. I think this is awesome.

Freshman Softball pitcher Brittany Barnhill (Justin, Texas)
Coming to college is a huge deal and is a little scary, so this orientation is helping us adjust and making it fun for all of us, including our families. It's going to be much easier for me to adjust to college life from my small hometown with this type of orientation. We all are more comfortable because of the support we feel. So many people are here to help us with our questions and to help us get ready.

Men's Tennis freshman Kellen Damico (Parker, Colo.)
My grandfather was a swimmer here, so he bred me into a Longhorn a long time ago. I've wanted to come to Texas since birth, and it's great to have the chance to be here.

Baseball freshman Runey Davis (Georgetown, Texas)
This athletics department is amazing. I walk in and see all the people who care so much about us doing well, not only on the field, but more importantly in the classroom, it just puts a smile on my face.

Baseball freshman Cole Green (Coppell, Texas)
I'm blown away by what I've heard and seen today. It's fun and it's cool and it's exciting. The academic staff will take care of us and make sure we have time set aside for studying and tutoring and all that. UT seems like it's the best place in the world. (Men's Athletics Director) DeLoss Dodds is a great guy and he's obviously a winner. He's one of the best athletics directors of all time and is really supportive of everything we do.

Men's Tennis freshman Ed Corrie (Harpendon, England)
I'm from England, but my brother lives here in Texas, so I've been here before. Austin is a great city and UT is an amazing place. The school gives us a lot of responsibility and will help us become leaders.