During a fall season without competition, the UICFlames.com editorial staff contacted over a dozen former student-athletes to discuss their memories of UIC, where life has taken them, and their advice for the next generation. Every Monday, a new interview will debut. Today, we catch up with Andrea Milner, who was on both the women's basketball and softball teams during her time at UIC.
UICFlames.com: When did you compete at UIC?
Milner: 2002/2003 - 2003/2004 seasons, both basketball & softball. Transferred in from Iowa Western CC.
When did you graduate and what was your degree/major?
Bachelors of Arts in Architectural Studies, 2006.
Where do you currently live?
Chicago
Can you tell me a little bit about your family life? Are you married, do you have kids, etc.?
Not married, no kids, just a dog. Something interesting about my family, my grandmother played college basketball at Iowa Wesleyan University and also played on the US team for the 1st World Games in 1953. My aunt played basketball and softball at Northwest Missouri State University. My sister also played basketball at Iowa Western Community College.
Andrea and her dog, Walker.
What is your current profession and how did you get there?
Senior Project Manager of Construction at Related Midwest. Coach Lisa Ryckbosch introduced me to a gentleman named Will Tippens, who worked for the real estate developer Related Midwest. With that introduction to Will, I was fortunate enough to begin an internship in the architecture department at Related Midwest while I was finishing my degree. Following graduation, Related hired me full time as an Intern Architect. During the recession, I briefly worked at a non-profit organization before returning to Related Midwest. Upon return, I joined the construction team as an Assistant Project Manager, then became a Project Manager. In 2015, I moved to Utah to explore the outdoors and work for another developer, but once again, it was a short stint before I returned to my Related Midwest family. Upon return, I became a Senior Project Manager of Construction and also the General Manager of our in-house carpentry company.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Camp, bike, rock climb, hike, paddle board, ski, draw, home renovations, hang out with friends and family.
How do you feel being a student-athlete at UIC helped you prepare for life after college?
Being a student-athlete teaches mental toughness, a great work ethic, and time management. It also teaches how to build relationships.
Talk a little bit about what it was like being a two-sport athlete. What were the challenges? What do you feel were the benefits?
Playing both basketball and softball helped me appreciate the experiences in both sports, the pace and intensity of each game is very different and enjoyable in different ways. The largest benefit of playing two sports was the great friendships that came along with it.
What is your favorite memory of being at UIC?
What I always looked forward to the most was when my family would visit. My parents would make the seven-hour drive from southwest Iowa on a regular basis to come watch games. Occasionally, my sister would get to make the trip as well as other family and friends. Not only did I appreciate their support and love, I think my teammates always looked forward to the cookies my mom would bring!
If you could go back to one moment or period of time during your career at UIC, which would it be and why?
2004 Regional Softball tournament. The last games of my career. It was exciting to have made the tournament and be playing at Michigan. We defeated Bowling Green, Notre Dame, and a Tennessee team with a young Monica Abbott pitching. This was a crazy weekend with storms and games until midnight. To go back and savor those last moments in a uniform with teammates would be great.
Did you have a favorite coach/professor/mentor during your time at UIC?
As mentioned previously, I made a lot of friendships while at UIC and while being involved with athletics and following graduation. Someone that stands at the top of the list for me, as I'm sure he does for a lot of people is
Mike Gilmartin. I didn't have a lot of interaction with Mike while playing at UIC, but we've formed a great friendship over the years. He is an incredible person, inspiring, insightful, and fun. In addition to Mike, Susan Kovacs, and Sylvia Furner were great supporters of mine and wonderful friends.
What do you miss most about UIC?
The camaraderie of a team and the competition. There's something about that switch that flips in your head and nothing else matters while you're on the court/field, and it's a place where everyone has the same goal.
What advice would you give to current Flames?
Always work hard and enjoy yourself.
Andrea (bottom right corner) alongside her family.
