Claire Eaton, a former Cross Country and Track & Field athlete for the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), is now a successful Project Manager at McKinstry, a national construction and energy services company.

Eaton's journey from student-athlete to professional underscores the profound impact her athletic experiences had on her career. As a student-athlete at UIS, Eaton learned to balance academics and athletics, which helped her develop essential organizational and time management skills.

Eaton's time as a student-athlete at UIS played a pivotal role in shaping her career. Juggling her academics with rigorous practice and competition schedules taught her the importance of prioritization and working toward multiple goals simultaneously. It also emphasized the significance of relationship-building and self-advocacy, which have been invaluable in her professional journey.

Eaton continues to carry the values she learned as a student-athlete into her professional life. One of the most significant lessons she took away from her athletic career is the understanding that challenges and setbacks are temporary. As an athlete, she learned to overcome painful losses and subpar performances, a mindset that now helps her navigate mistakes and obstacles in her career.

Reflecting on her time at UIS, Eaton fondly recalls the moments spent with her teammates during early morning practices. The camaraderie and shared experiences during those 6:00 a.m. runs around campus left a lasting impression on her college experience. These memories, filled with conversations and laughter, were a cherished part of her time at UIS.

Eaton's journey from student-athlete to Project Manager exemplifies the profound impact athletics can have on personal and professional development. The values and skills she honed during her time at UIS continue to guide her in her career, reminding her that challenges are temporary and the power of teamwork is immeasurable.

Claire's story is a powerful example of how UIS Athletics prepares student-athletes for life beyond competition. 

Have a story to share? UIS Athletics invites all alumni to highlight their journey from student-athlete to professional and beyond. Submit Your Story