Q+A with Coleson Messer ’24
What made you want to join Phi Psi?
I wanted to join Phi Psi because I wanted a way to get involved with campus activities outside of athletics. I originally saw it as a way to escape the basketball world and have something to do on weekends. I didn’t realize I would make lifelong friends or become part of something much bigger than a fraternity. When I started the New Member Education process in spring 2024, I didn’t know most of my pledge class, but that changed quickly. As the process went on and I grew closer not only with my pledge class but also with the entire Fraternity, I realized how grateful I was that I decided to join and meet such amazing guys.
What role have you taken in the chapter, and what have you learned?
I don’t have a specific role inside the chapter, but I do lead a Bible study with our Chaplain, Payne Daniel ’24, for guys in the Fraternity and it is easily one of my favorite parts of being in Phi Psi. It has been awesome to see so many dudes come together every Monday night and get in the Word. It has taught me that a lot of my Fraternity brothers wanted to talk about Christianity and their faith, but never saw an opportunity or an outlet. The Bible study has given the opportunity for us all to connect on a deeper level and discuss not only the Bible, but also ways we can strengthen our Fraternity and be leaders for the entire university.
What are you studying, and what are your career goals?
I am studying Human and Organizational Development (HOD) and pursuing a minor in Business at Vanderbilt. I am not entirely set on any specific career goals, but I am interning with McKinsey & Company this summer in Dallas and plan to continue in the consulting field after graduating. I am also considering doing a JD/MBA program at some point down the road. One thing I have learned from my Phi Psi brothers is that there many different paths we can take through life and it is important to be open to whatever comes next.
How has being in Phi Psi shaped your college experience so far?
My college experience would not be the same without my time in Phi Psi. Although athletics demands the bulk of my time, I am closer with my Fraternity brothers than any of my basketball teammates. Phi Psi provides a great escape from the busy basketball world and allows me to cherish true relationships. There is nothing better than ending a long practice and getting to go play golf with some Fraternity brothers or going to grab a big group dinner.
It allows me to rec-enter my mind on what is important and remember that there are so many blessings in my life outside of basketball. I love when the Fraternity comes to support Miles and I in our basketball game (even when they cheer obnoxiously loud right behind our bench), and then we can go to the house right after and hang out with everyone. Hearing cheers like “put 15 or 25 in” in the middle of a tight Southeastern Conference (SEC) game never fails to leave me thankful for our Fraternity.
Messer post-basketball game dinner with brothers for delicious food.
What has been your favorite Phi Psi memory so far?
Due to our busy basketball schedule, I miss out on a lot of memories with our Fraternity, such a travel trips for fall and spring break, so a lot of my favorite memories are just late nights at the house, spending quality time with everyone. If you ask anyone in my pledge class, they will say that my favorite thing is simply going out to eat. I will forever cherish bringing all of our friends into the athletic dining hall, or going to Sushi 88 together and taking everyone’s phones so we can all just have a great conversation.
How do you stay involved on campus outside of the Fraternity, particularly regarding your basketball experience?
Vanderbilt is a very unique place because even the athletes can stay highly involved on campus. Initially, I thought basketball would take up all my time, but I soon realized I could join a social fraternity and explore many other opportunities. While the Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball Team and Phi Psi are a big part of my Vanderbilt experience, I am also involved in a co-ed business fraternity called Phi Chi Theta with many other Phi Psi members, and I spend time with a campus ministry known as RUF (Reformed University Fellowship). Additionally, a Phi Psi brother, Jackson Heis ’24, and I started a business organization for college athletes interested in business called “Athletes In Business.” Though it might seem like I have a lot going on all the time, Vanderbilt does a great job of making it all possible, and my Phi Psi brothers do a great job of supporting each other through all of our extracurricular activities.
Where did you play basketball prior to Vanderbilt and what was your position?
Despite what most of the college basketball world believes, I have actually spent all my time at Vanderbilt and did not engage with the transfer portal. Prior to Vanderbilt, I played basketball at Highland Park High School in Dallas with Jackson Heis ’24 and Todd McPherson ’24. We also went to school with Brennan Storer ’25. I am very grateful for the development that Highland Park provided and for the opportunity to join Phi Psi with many of my friends from high school.
How has being part of the Fraternity shaped you as a leader or student?
Phi Psi has shaped me as a student because it gave me the opportunity to work with my friends and learn about different opportunities at school. For example, when one of us finds an easy class or really likes a professor, we tell each other, and all of us take the class together.
For instance, last year, Jackson Heis ’24, Todd McPherson ’24, Eron Chen ’24, Jack Bijur ’24, and I all took our business modules together. If it hadn’t been for Phi Psi, I wouldn’t have had many friends in the class and definitely wouldn’t have been as successful. Some of my favorite memories are the late nights studying, working on problem sets, or just messing around with everyone. Additionally, we supported each other in classes, so if any of us couldn’t make it or had a conflict, we sent each other notes to stay on track. We sent Jack Bijur ’24 a lot of notes.