Sport: Women's Tennis
Years: 1996-1999
Inducted: 2005
One of the greatest tennis players in UIC history, Jackson left a huge mark on the program during her four-year career on the courts. Jackson was the first player in UIC history to amass 80-plus victories in both singles and doubles action. Her 81 singles wins ranked as the third-best victory total in school history, while her 80 doubles wins was the second-most ever at UIC. The Elk Grove, Ill., native was a four-time All-Midwestern Collegiate Conference honoree and the 1996 MCC Newcomer of the Year, helping UIC capture three MCC titles and earn the program's first-ever berth to the NCAA Tournament in 1999. Jackson's leadership and talent helped pave the way for UIC's current streak of nine consecutive league championships and seven straight NCAA bids.
Despite having her life cut tragically short in a vehicle accident in 2002, Jackson's spirit remains well-remembered at UIC. The Sara Jackson Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the life of Sara and is awarded annually to the UIC women's tennis player who best epitomizes the character that Sara displayed not only at UIC, but throughout her life.