SIUE’s Ilcewicz Stands Out in Tennis and School of Pharmacy
SIUE women’s tennis standout Haley Ilcewicz became the first Cougar student-athlete to complete her athletic eligibility while enrolled in the SIUE School of Pharmacy.
Head Coach Amanda Pratzel, who assisted in recruiting Ilcewicz, knew this wouldn’t be an easy task for the Lockport native, but was impressed at how she balanced school and tennis.
“Haley never once let the two affect each other,” said Pratzel. “She excelled in the classroom and on the court.”
Haley’s professors tended to agree with Pratzel, noting how well she communicated with them when there was a conflict between class and tennis competitions.
“She’s extremely hard working and a real professional,” said McKenzie Ferguson, assistant professor for Pharmacy Practice. “She’s dedicated to performing well. She exhibits all the traits you want to have in a student.”
Not only has Ilcewicz managed to stay in the School of Pharmacy while playing inter collegiate tennis, she has thrived. She recently was inducted into Rho Chi, the national academic honor society in pharmacy.
Rho Chi is an extremely selective group, choosing the top 20 percent of students within a program. The society promotes leadership, scholarship and is a true academic honor society. At SIUE, 16 students were inducted this year. Students must also be approved by their dean in order to be accepted.
“Haley’s accomplishments speak volumes for the School and for the Department of Athletics,” said Bill Wuller, Rho Chi faculty advisor. “It really says something that we can have athletes competing at such a high level and yet make it into a prestigious honor society.”
The SIUE School of Pharmacy just completed a rigorous accreditation process, receiving full accreditation until 2023, making it one of the most viable options for pursuing pharmacy in Illinois south of Chicago.
“We’ve been nationally recognized, and our student organizations continue to receive recognition,” noted Ferguson.
“We have a great program at SIUE,” added Wuller.
Ilcewicz has amassed 46 singles victories during four years at SIUE, including 16 victories during Ohio Valley Conference play.
“Without question, Haley will be missed on the court,” said Pratzel. “I know the mark she has left will continue to make an impact on our success. She is the definition of a true student-athlete.”
