Many students find that the lessons they learn on the athletic fields and courts enhance the education they receive in the classroom and help them Graduate READY for the challenges of professional life.

During her career, Amy Wilson ’93 has had the opportunity to work professionally in both athletics and academics, giving her unique insight into both worlds.

“The way I look at it is that athletics are a key component of the educational experience,” said Wilson. “I think that it encourages people to set goals and strive for them to reach their potential. It’s one of those really meaningful opportunities that round out an education beyond the classroom, which remains the priority.”

As a transfer student to IC, Wilson was an active student in both athletics and academics, playing basketball and volleyball, editing the school newspaper and becoming a member of the English honor society. She recalls a positive experience at IC, saying, “it felt like home.” After graduation she earned her master’s degree and in 1998 began teaching at MacMurray College. There her passion for sports led her to take on a role she wasn’t planning on — becoming a coach. As an educator and coach, Wilson realized that she could make an impact on the sports world and gender equity even beyond the local community, but only if she had the knowledge and tools needed.

She went to study at the University of Iowa, under Title IX expert Christine Grant, where she earned a Ph.D. in health and sport studies with a concentration in athletic administration. In 2008, Wilson was contacted by former coach and athletic director, Bill Merris, about returning to IC as a visiting professor in education. Merris, a pillar of the IC athletic community, has become one of Wilson’s closest friends, and, as he has for many alumni, has remained a constant source of support and encouragement throughout Wilson’s life.

During her time as a faculty member at IC, Wilson was again involved in athletics and academics. She taught courses in physical education, sociology and sports management and eventually became the faculty athletic representative. Wilson left her position at IC to become a director of inclusion at the NCAA in 2015.

Through her experiences, she has learned what it takes to thrive in competitive environments and remains dedicated to helping young people reach their potential. Wilson is happy to share her expertise and insight with her alma mater and today’s student athletes.

Most recently, she spoke on campus at Women Talk Wednesday, a monthly breakfast meeting organized by Meghan Roman, head softball coach and assistant athletics director, to introduce female student-athletes to a variety of successful women connected to the IC community. Wilson spoke as part of the 2018 National Girls and Women in Sports Day about the role that athletics has played in her life and how being a student-athlete continues to have impact on her life and has helped her grow professionally. Wilson’s advice to students hoping for a career trajectory like hers is to be thoughtful and aggressive about seeking opportunities.

“I think what’s really essential is that you dedicate yourself to the classroom. That has to be the priority, but especially in today’s environment, it is essential that you strive for internships and real-life experiences working with professionals in the environments you want to work in,” she said. “The world of athletics is ever-changing and the skill sets are evolving. It’s important to put yourself in positions where you can show the skills you have and the ones you are developing to prepare for that next step.”

Jeff Blum ’99, who is physical therapist and rehab director for the Kansas City Royals, also understands the impact of gaining practice in the field as a student based on his experiences. Before Blum was working as a physical therapist at the World Series, he was assisting longtime athletic trainer, Terry Geirnaeirt, on the Blueboys’ sideline.

“I worked with sports all four years, working with Terry to cover soccer, football and basketball, plus camps during the summer,” said Blum. “My liberal arts education from IC has helped me to be well rounded and my advice to today’s students is to volunteer wherever you can and try to learn as much as you can in and out of the classroom.”

Rob Brown ’15, also believes that hands-on experience is an invaluable part of preparing for a career in athletics. Brown is the corporate ticket sales manager at Pacers Sports & Entertainment for the Indiana Pacers.

Last semester he worked with John Drea ’80, professor of business administration, and his students to determine the effects of NFL games on NBA attendance when the seasons overlap. Brown is currently collaborating on a second semester-long project allowing students test drive a career working for the NBA organization.

“Knowing the impact experiences like this had on me, I wanted nothing more than to help. For students, it is a great opportunity to get hands-on, real life experience, which will help their résumés stand out in the application process. The information they find through their research is also helpful to our organization,” said Brown. The collaboration grew out of the connection between Drea and Brown, although Brown recalls he never took one of Drea’s classes.

“I wanted to pursue a career in sports and I knew Professor Drea’s background and expertise so I had to get to know him. While I was applying out to various positions, he taught me a great deal about the industry and helped with my application and résumé,” said Brown. “Looking back, it’s amazing to me that a professor who had zero interaction with a student went out of his way to develop a relationship, help springboard a career and now still keeps in contact.”

After graduating from IC, Gerald “Brock” Brockhouse ’64 spent his career ensuring future generations of students would be positively impacted by their involvement in athletics.

Now retired, Brockhouse was an athletic director in urban Chicago high schools and is well-respected for his many years in this profession. In 2016, he was inducted into the Illinois Athletic Directors Hall of Fame and recognized for the impact he had on transforming high school sports throughout the state of Illinois.