After taking on two new sports her senior year, Lacey Updike saw great success in just a short amount of time. Updike recently made the exciting announcement of her commitment to the NCAA Division 2 University of Illinois Springfield for cross country and track and field.
Balancing academics with athletics is not easy, but Updike’s commitment to both shows her strong work ethic and dedication. Taking on cross country and track and field in her final year of high school is a testament to her resilience and passion for running and new challenges.
When asked about what these two sports mean to her, Updike stated, “It has really impacted me as someone who has never done these activities before but shaped and prepared me mentally and physically so that I could run at the next level in college.”
Updike’s long hours of hard work and dedication to both of these sports have really paid off. She states she is excited for the future to continue growing while still admiring the work she is ultimately proud of herself.
Her decision ultimately came down to the precise location of the institution and offering strong academics in what she plans to major in, exercise science.
Updike’s goal is to pursue a career in the athletic field after completing her four years at UIS. This career path will allow her to combine her love of sports with a desire to help others, maintain their health, and recover from injuries.
Being surrounded by a strong support system, Updike credits those who have gotten her to where she is today. She said, “The people I’ve surrounded myself with throughout these years have been a big help keeping me up to a positive attitude when I was hard on myself.”
Her commitment to the University of Illinois Springfield is a clear indication of her ambition and readiness to take the next step in her life after high school. University of Illinois Springfield is fortunate to gain such a positive, ambitious, and dedicated student-athlete.
