"There are over 380,000 student-athletes, and most of us go pro in something other than sports." -- NCAA
It's true.
Student-athletes at the University of Illinois are no exception. Fans may cheer them on the court or field, but rarely see them in the classroom. Yet, the academic student-athlete experience is just as valuable. At Illinois, student-athletes choose the University because they were recruited and want to play at one of the highest levels of college sports. They often also choose Illinois because they have an opportunity for a world-class education.
Brand Recognition of a Top 15 Public Institution
The Irwin Academic Services Center sits in the heart of campus and serves to provide student-athletes with programming for a holistic approach to academic, personal and career development. Currently lead by Dr. Brian Russell, Associate Athletic Director, Academic Services and Student-Athlete Development, the center is the hub of a student athlete's academic life.
Becoming a student-athlete at Illinois takes more than just being exceptional at their sport.
"Illinois has a competitive admissions process, and it takes someone who has a truly unique talent to be able to balance and excel in both academics and their sport, to be able to do the combination at this level and be accepted," Russell said. "On the one hand, it's a privilege to attend Illinois, and on the other hand, is a great responsibility, because when you wear the Block I, it has the brand recognition of a top 15 public institution."
Illinois student-athletes begin their academic career with a program called Transitions to College for Student-Athletes. Student-athletes learn about the culture and expectations.
Russell said, "They learn when being recruited, 'We're going to make you better. We're going to get you bigger, stronger, faster and we're going to be building you to the next level.' Then it's up to them, as a student, to understand the opportunity at this world-class institution."
The First Thing I saw was the Reputation of the School
Fighting Illini men's basketball senior Andres Feliz
Nearly 20 percent of the University of Illinois student enrollment is a first-generation college student. In Athletics, this fact isn't lost and is used as a way to challenge student-athletes in that position.
"We challenge our student-athletes that as a first-generation college student, you have the ability to impact and change the trajectory of your entire family's future," Russell said. "It's the opportunity to leave here with an Illinois degree, which has the ability to propel you into the future, into an incredible career and change the entire lineage of your family."
Student-athletes understand the academic ranking of the University of Illinois and the value of their degree.
"When I first got recruited by the University of Illinois, I looked it up on the internet," said Illinois basketball guard Andres Feliz. "The first thing I saw was the reputation of the school, and how good it is to get a degree from the University of Illinois. And when I saw the reputation that the University had, I loved it, I loved it since day one. When I got the offer, I was telling my parents, 'I'm going there.' I told my girlfriend, 'I'm going to that school.'"
A Lot of Pride in Having Represented Illinois
With the goal of creating well-rounded student-athletes -- who compete at the highest level in their sport as well as in the classroom – they are exposed to programming designed to provide personal and career development. They leave the University of Illinois ready for their future with a network of resources. Dr. Russell and his talented staff support student-athletes in nearly all areas of college life, as well as after.
Kathy Kaler, Assistant Director of Academic Services, Student Development, works with the student-athletes in that development.
"I think there's a lot of pride in having represented Illinois, and the education they've received," said Kaler. "We have several career development programs, where we involve alums and a lot of times, what we hear from them is, they didn't really understand at the time or appreciate, but once they leave, they have a greater appreciation for the programming and how we help them prepare for their future."
Working Together
The University of Illinois is one of the premier institutions in the country and the combination of world-class academics and Division I athletics contributes to that standing. There is a commitment to not only producing winning programs but also winning student-athletes who go on to be leaders in their respective fields. By supporting Illinois Athletics today, you can be assured the University of Illinois continues to be at the forefront of both academic and athletic success.
