To learn more about the I FUND or to donate today, visit IAMTHEIFUND.com.

Josh Lane was a member of the Fighting Illini baseball team from 2001-2002 as a student-athlete. In 2003 he assumed the role as volunteer baseball coach for the Fighting Illini as he finished his degree. Josh is currently a school principal, and will be taking a job in the district office of Belleville High School District this coming year.  

Why did you choose to attend the University of Illinois?
Illinois offered the best combination of top flight academics and athletics of all the schools I considered.

What is your most memorable moment as a Fighting Illini student-athlete?
I would not pin down one moment, but rather the opportunities I had to travel and see the country while playing a game that I loved. Members of the team become closer than family and sharing those experiences is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

What does being a Fighting Illini mean to you?
It means having pride in the fact that you went to the best University in the Midwest and appreciating the opportunities afforded because of it.

Why is it important to you to stay connected with the University of Illinois?
Honestly I am just reconnecting now. I have always followed baseball under Coach Hartleb because of the respect I have for him and the help he provided me at Illinois. The obstacles and challenges athletics faces right now are plentiful but I am hoping people pull together to help the university in a time of need.

How did your time as a student-athlete at Illinois impact your life?
I made life-long friends and I learned responsibilities that impact me every day in my life. Most importantly, a degree from Illinois gets your foot in the door everywhere you want to go.

What made you decide to start supporting the education of current Fighting Illini student-athletes through the I FUND?
The negative publicity the university is facing right now through athletics actually encouraged me to do something positive. I was the definition of an average player while at Illinois, but the degree I earned is what really counts and I want to help others have that opportunity.

What advice would you give to others in Illini Nation who are wondering what they can do to help Illinois Athletics?
Get involved, use the phone or email or whatever you want but communicate with someone in the DIA. Spend ten minutes talking to an actual person and see what you can do to help.