Experience of Being a Student Athlete
Do you have what it takes to be a UIC student-athlete? It is every athlete’s dream to be recruited for a sports scholarship and represent their university. From recruitment to game night, here is some advice by a couple of UIC’s great athletes.
Bailey Lutes (Sophomore), Guard for the UIC Flames Women’s Basketball team
How do you balance student life and your athletic responsibilities here at UIC?
Every Sunday, I plan out my homework and overall week to ensure I can manage assignments, school, and extracurriculars. We also have a lot of resources available from the athletic department, such as tutoring and open study hall hours, to ensure our success.
What is your training regime like?
We are subjected to 8 hours a week for our preseason and summer training regime. So, we have practice five times a week (30-45 mins) and weights/conditioning (1hr) 4 times a week.
During our regular season, we are now subjected to 20 contact hours, so we practice six times a week (2-3 hrs) and weights/conditioning (1hr) 4 times a week. I get extra shots every morning before practice, so I wake up at 6:40-7:20 most days.
What is expected from you as a student-athlete (academically/time)?
We attend classes any time after noon because our practice block is from 8-12. As athletes, we must take a minimum of 15 credits (NCAA requires 12, but the 15 credits allow us to drop a class if needed). We are expected to try our best in each of our classes and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA to be eligible. There are many tutoring and study hall resources for athletes struggling in a course. Usually, I have time for a quick lunch and shower before class, and then I am done with the class some days by 3 and some days by 7:30, depending on the day. It is crucial to manage our free time for homework and self-care.
How do you cope with mental pressures faced during games/meets and in school?
I just try to remind myself that my performance does not define me as a person, and at the end of the day, it is a blessing to be able to play athletics at any level, so I should just enjoy every moment.
Sacrad Michelin (JR), UIC Flames Track and Field Team, Sprints
According to you, what is the most challenging aspect of being a student-athlete?
Taking note of your responsibilities is essential because I am not just a student or athlete but also a worker. The most challenging aspect is balancing everything. Making sure that you are caught up with schoolwork and making sure you are taking time for yourself can be difficult, but UIC athletics do a great job in facilitating this.
What is the best part of representing UIC and being an athlete?
The UIC athletic program creates a welcoming environment and motivating culture, making it my second family. The best part of representing UIC is training in the heart of the city and, overall, representing the city. They did it an honor to be part of the sport and inspired me to impact the program truly.
How does athletics make you a better student or worker?
Athletics reinforces discipline in my daily life. With daily practices at 6 am, I have built a sense of productivity and enjoy starting my early mornings. Athletics keep me very grounded, and it helps me crave the experience of reaching one’s personal goal.
What advice do you have for those thinking of becoming a student-athlete?
My most extensive advice is to be ready to work hard. You have an athletic program that supports you all the way because they expect great things from you. Make sure you are grateful to have this opportunity and treat this with respect by working hard and making sure you are accountable for your responsibilities. Trust the process and HAVE FUN!
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To be a UIC Flame and represent Chicago is an honor and a privilege. Our student-athletes are one of the hardest working individuals that make up the UIC hustle and bustle community. Listening to their daily grind is truly an inspiration.