Stories

Although ACE members can be found all over campus, two students play particularly interesting roles as student-athletes.  Kat Uhl, a senior Marketing major, from Hillsborough, California, is an outside defender for the SCU Women’s Soccer Team and Matt Sipowicz, a junior Accounting major, from Portland, Oregon, is a midfielder for the SCU Men’s Soccer Team.  

Fall quarter is in full swing and both teams are in season.  Kat explains, “during fall quarter I juggle the demands of being in season while managing a heavy course load. We just began conference play, and have about two games a week until late November. We have practice three hours a day, and depending on the day could also have film review, a scouting report meeting, or a strength and conditioning session. In the times before and after practice we attend class and complete homework. Our season is already halfway over and it's been an absolute whirlwind, but because this is my senior year I'm enjoying each and every moment!”

With a similarly busy schedule, Matt describes a day in his life during fall quarter.  He explains, “For me, a typical day during fall quarter consists of an early morning wake-up, at around 6:45am, and then I head to the training room for treatment before practice. After practice, I usually grab a snack at Lucas before accounting classes. Depending on if I have a meeting after class, I head back to the Villas for a late lunch and a nap.  I always try to do something to take my mind off of school and soccer, whether that is watching The Office, playing video games, or listening to music and reading album reviews.”

With the limited free-time that Kat and Matt have year-round, they both recognize how ACE has helped them get ahead of the competition.  Kat affirms, “It has been a real privilege to be able to participate in the ACE program. Because I am a student-athlete, I have to focus so much of my time and attention year-round on soccer. Many student-athletes struggle with gaining professional experience and receiving mentoring when they devote nearly all their time to their sport, but thankfully as a member of the ACE program, I have been able to grow in those areas.”

Likewise, Matt reveals, “Without ACE I think I would be very behind in my professional development. Not only were the meetings very helpful in preparing me to meet with firms, but the constant reminder of knowing that I have a future in business ahead of me has kept me on top of the accounting recruitment process. I made sure to take advantage of my free time this past summer. Brenda and my accounting professor, Yongtae Kim, advised that I pursue the opportunity to meet with different firms. Thanks to their advice, I got an internship offer from KPMG San Francisco. I believe that without ACE and the guidance I received, I would not have the internship next summer, and I surely wouldn't be as prepared for it as I am now.”

We thank Kat and Matt for their dedication to the ACE program and wish them luck with the rest of their fall season.  Go Broncos!