UConn’s student-athletes are often lauded for their on-field or on-court achievements, but there’s an equally important – often unseen – dimension to the student-athlete. UConn Today’s Student-Athlete Strong series highlights the academic prowess of selected high-achieving student-athletes and provides an inside look at their lives beyond their sport.
Chris Winkel ’20 (BUS)
Hometown and high school: Orange, Connecticut; Amity Regional High School
Sport: Baseball
Area of study: Pre-Business
Anticipated graduation: May 2020
What does being a pre-Business major mean?
Being a pre-Business major means that I am planning to major in Business, and I’m on a track for success. The UConn Business School is a very special and unique place, given all the opportunities they provide and resources that they make available, so being part of it makes me feel very optimistic about my future here at UConn and beyond.
How would you describe your strengths as a student?
I think my main strength as a student is my ability to surround myself with an awesome support system. I have incredible family, friends, teachers, and advisors who I can seek help from anytime and for anything. Having that is truly invaluable.
Could you tell us one area that you hope to improve upon?
I am a new member of the Business School so I would like to improve upon my presence in that sub community here at UConn. I’d like to meet and become familiar with more people there, students and staff, and become more of an integrated part of the Business School.
Aside from baseball, are you a member of any organizations or clubs at UConn?
In addition to being a member of our Baseball Team, I am also a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, called SAAC for short. The committee is comprised of members of each of our sports teams and acts as UConn’s student athletes’ voice and representation to the NCAA. In addition to that, we organize and participate in volunteer events throughout the UConn community.
Were you born to play baseball?
I’d like to hope so! It’s something I absolutely love to do and have dedicated a lot of time to, so I’d like to think I am meant to do it.
Some athletes put their college education on hold for the opportunity to play a professional sport. What are your thoughts on this?
I think if I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to play baseball professionally, I would definitely have to give it some consideration. Until then, I’m just going to focus on performing the best I can both in the classroom and on the field.
What does it mean to you to be a Husky?
To me, being a Husky is an attitude. It’s a mindset to embrace every obstacle ahead of you and overcome it by whatever means necessary. This work ethic has made UConn such a prominent institution and will continue to elevate it beyond others for years to come.
