Kevin Herrera, a graduate student on the UIS men's soccer team from Concon, Chile, transferred to UIS from Cardinal Stritch in 2023. Kevin sat out for the 2023 season, but has returned to play and has already made an impact on the team this season. He is pursuing a business degree while working as a graduate assistant with the UIS Office of Media Strategy, where he creates content for social media platforms and the university's website.
What is your major? I am pursuing a master’s degree in business administration with a marketing certificate.
What are your favorite aspects of sports and why?My favorite aspects of sports are being able to work with a team and rely on them to excel, enjoy the competition, and be free to be as creative as possible.
Who is your inspiration and why? Since I was a kid, my dad taught me how to play soccer, and his influence has been a big part of my journey to where I am today. My mom also played a huge role, sacrificing her time to take me to practice five times a week. I would say both of them inspire me to be the best version of myself, both on and off the field.
What is your favorite non-athletic memory at UIS? My favorite memory is my first days at UIS, meeting my roommates and other friends on campus. UIS brought some really nice people to my life, people I can rely on and plan to keep in touch with for the rest of my life.
What is your favorite athletics memory at UIS? Winning the GLVC regular season title at Lewis. Last year, I drove all the way to Chicago to support my team, who won 1-0. I remember feeling the joy, jumping and singing with my teammates was something I will never forget.
Why did you choose UIS? I chose UIS for the level of the men's soccer team and also the graduate opportunities to work such as GA/GPSI.
What is your campus job? I work as a graduate assistant in the Marketing and Media Strategy department. I create content for the social media platforms and the university website.
Who is your favorite UIS professor and why? I haven't had the opportunity to have a professor for more than 8 weeks because of the accelerated graduate class schedule, but I would say Shipra Gupta’s classes have been the ones I've enjoyed the most.
What do you want your lasting legacy to be as a student-athlete at UIS? I want to leave UIS having won something with me on the pitch this time. Last year, I had to sit out due to an injury, but this year, I’m determined to win something with my team and help bring more achievements to UIS.