A common analogy used to describe athletics departments at colleges and universities is that they are the “front porch to the college.” Many people’s first encounter with an institution of higher education is through something that has to do with sports.
It is true that many people in District 516 will experience their first interaction with Waubonsee Community College through athletics. Many of our student-athletes can be seen performing service projects in various communities throughout the Fox Valley. They are seen being role models in local elementary schools. Their successes on the fields and courts are viewed on televisions around the area and online through Waubonsee’s Educational Television.
However, serving only as a “front porch” does not begin to scratch the surface of what Waubonsee Athletics brings to our campus. At Waubonsee, sports are used to transform lives into the future leaders of our region and our world. The men and women wearing Chiefs’ uniforms today are future college presidents, law enforcement officers and executives of highly successful businesses among other things. The development of Waubonsee student-athletes, on and off the field, translates to a lifetime of achievement and success and the impact will be felt by all of us.
Athletics also serves as a way of connecting people from across our four campuses and the communities we serve. We cheer for our Chiefs together. A Tuesday night volleyball match becomes much more than simply a sporting event. It serves as an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and community members to come together.
Last year our student-athletes experienced unparalleled success. The Chiefs won conference championships in six sports and sent teams in five sports to national tournaments. The Dave Rowland All-Sports Award, which is awarded to the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (ISCC) institution with the most on-field success across their department, currently resides at Waubonsee. More than 70 Waubonsee student-athletes were recognized by the ISCC for their academic achievements. Women’s soccer player Emily Grams was a winner of the prestigious Dick Durrant Award, given to the student-athletes in the ISCC with the highest cumulative grade point average.
It is easy to see that athletics at Waubonsee is a part of a vibrant college experience that develops our young people in all areas. We hope that you will join us as we embark upon another exciting year of Waubonsee Athletics. Whether you are a long-time fan or somebody experiencing Waubonsee for the very first time, I think you will enjoy all that the Chiefs bring to our community.
