Joey Karlesky is a chemistry major from Cook County who successfully balances his academic passion with a competitive drive in athletics, competing in both cross country and track at UIS. This fall, Joey earned the first all-conference honors of his career, finishing 15th in the GLVC Championship 8k, which was hosted at the UIS Cross Country Course.
What is your Major? I am majoring in chemistry.
What are your favorite aspects of sports and why? My favorite aspect of sports is the competitiveness it brings. From running my own races to cheering on a professional hockey team, I get very competitive when it comes to sports, and I live for the competitive atmosphere.
Who is your inspiration and why? My inspiration is my dad. He was a collegiate athlete for baseball and really pushed me to work my hardest in my sport and is the reason I am here today.
What is your favorite non-athletic memory at UIS? My favorite non-athletic memory at UIS is having cookouts with my friends. We all bring different things all the time and spend time with each other with great food from all of the different backgrounds we come from.
What is your favorite athletics memory at UIS? My favorite athletic memory at UIS was outdoor conference for track last year. We were there for three days and I enjoyed every second of it, from racing in the rain to having a stomach ache after eating pizza after the 10k.
Why did you choose UIS? I chose UIS because when I came on a visit here, I instantly clicked with the team and knew this was a place I would feel welcome.
Who is your favorite professor and why? My favorite professor is Dr. Bapat, my general chemistry professor. He was a great professor to have my first year and really helped me expand my liking for chemistry and solidify that this is what I want to do as a job in the future.
What do you want your lasting legacy to be as a student-athlete at UIS? I want to be remembered as a hard worker who always pushes to the limit in order to continue bettering myself, no matter the circumstances.