Bradford Vieira President, ServisFirst Bank Nashville // Baseball // 1993–1997

What is your favorite memory from Belmont?

Outside of baseball, i think the most exciting times for me at Belmont were the Belmont-Lipscomb basketball games. Back then, they were the best games in town, played in smaller, more intimate venues and meant everything to us. The NCAA era at Belmont has been equally as exciting, but I sure do miss those games back in the day.

How did being a student-athlete at Belmont prepare you for life after athletics?

I think most of all, Belmont taught me to always maintain the highest level of ethical standards while juggling many responsibilities at one time. I did not know it then, but as adults, we are challenged to maintain this balance every single day.

Who was the most influential person for you during your career at Belmont?

I would not be where I am today if not for Coach Dave Whitten. Coach took a chance on me and had a huge impact on my life.

What was your biggest challenge transitioning after graduation?

I played baseball every summer from age five to until graduation. The “suddenness” of my life changing in a major way after Belmont was a challenge. A very small percentage of athletes go on to play after college. I had to transition from being a scholar-athlete to the “real world” of business, basically overnight.

What advice would you give to current Belmont student-athletes?

Enjoy every second of being a student-athlete to the fullest.
Prepare yourself for after college. Don’t let it sneak up on you. It arrives much quicker than expected.

What defines being a student-athlete at Belmont?

At Belmont, being a student-athlete is challenging because you must juggle practice schedules, game travel and classes. Many of the student-athletes have scholarship responsibilities in addition to their athletic responsibilities. Our student-athletes are asked to be outstanding talented athletes, Academic All-American and young men and women holding the highest ethical standards of conduct.