Sydney Bishop just wanted to make the most out of an opportunity and ran with it.  Given the chance to finally attend Marine Boot Camp this summer, Bishop was awarded with the India Company Commandant Trophy for her platoon.  The trophy was awarded to her after posting the highest average scores in academics, leadership and physical fitness for her 135-person platoon. 
 
"You are evaluated the entire time you're at camp," said Bishop.  "The Marines are focused on being the best that they can be in every facet. You get a grade for everything that you do.  It comes down to the finest details."
 
Bishop wasn't sure she'd get into the program and went into camp with no prior military experience.  She was given the chance by an officer she had never met who believed in her and didn't want to disappoint. 
 
"I didn't know what to expect going in and just went at it with an attitude of doing everything I do at 100 percent," said Bishop.  "I wanted to show my respect for being given the opportunity by giving it my best in return.  People there just tried to make it to the next day or to the next meal.  That's not the right attitude to have.  Our goal in everything we do shouldn't be just to survive, but to excel and grow and develop."
 
With the seven-week camp over, Bishop now will turn her attention to her junior year at UTPB and prepare for softball in the spring, where she is a career .279 hitter in 33 games for the Falcons.  Known for her hard work, Bishop is also a two-time member of the Lone Star Conference Performance Team for her effort in the weight room.
 
"I am absolutely ecstatic she won the award," said UTPB Head Softball Coach Tiala Tagaloa. "Her work ethic, determination, and overall persona left no doubt in my mind she would receive that kind of accolade. She has been on a relentless path to get everything done during the fall semester to get into boot camp for the summer. We are all super proud of her. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that she wouldn't do well while she was in boot camp."
 
Next summer Bishop will have the opportunity to attend camp once again where upon completion she will have the opportunity to enter the Marine Corps.  She plans to spend the remainder of this summer training for softball, her academics, and getting ready for camp next year. 
 
"The Marine Corps is so deeply rooted in tradition," she said.  "They emphasize being the best of the best and strive to put themselves at the top.  One of the most difficult things is when you get there is there is no me or I, only we.  You're a part of something bigger than yourself and it enforces that it's not about you but the Marine Corps.  They do what they can to make you the best version of yourself while playing your role for the greater good."
 
The India Company Commandant Trophy was started in 1957 to recognize members of the platoon leader's class who have distinguished themselves during camp.  For all the updates on your favorite Falcon teams download the UTPB Athletics App today.