On the dawn of what promises to be a tremendous year for the UIC Flames, the entire athletic department will incorporate a new mantra  during the 2016-17 academic year. The new motto for the year, as initiated by Director of Athletics, Jim Schmidt is: Together As One.
 
All aspects of UIC's 20 athletic programs must work Together As One in order to achieve common goals. As the athletic department is tasked with providing a world-class experience for our student-athletes in the classroom, in the community, and in competition, it is mindful that no one coach, nor team, can reach the highest levels of success without assistance. Baseball is not independent of softball; women's gymnastics is not independent of men's cross country; men's basketball is not independent of volleyball. There is no separation by sport, or department, because everyone competes and exists under the same flag as UIC Flames, Together As One!
 
"Something stuck with me last spring at the UIC Forum during our annual Night to Ignite celebration," said Schmidt. "One of our men's tennis student-athletes said something simple and impactful when accepting the Sportsmanship Award on behalf of his teammates. Carl Hedstrom talked about how much the support from other teams meant to the men's tennis team as they competed at their home events. Why did other programs go out of their way to cheer for that team? Because men's tennis did the same for them when they were in action on the fields and courts. The teams worked together to boost each other and unite for the greater one, UIC."
 
The phrase Together As One will not only unite UIC's 20 intercollegiate programs, but it will also be used to bring the campus, and the surrounding Chicago neighborhoods closer together. It is intended to foster a great sense of community among everyone who touches the UIC Flames, both near and far.

Fans are encouraged to follow the Flames and join the conversation on social media this year by using the hashtag #TogetherAsOne.