Chip Shots: Siyan Chen and Crystal Wang Reflect on their Illini Careers

I hope everyone is doing well and is ready for a wonderful summer! This is Siyan Chen and Crystal Wang writing our final Chip Shots as student-athletes at Illinois. With the conclusion of the regional tournament and the joyous celebration of graduation, we pause to reflect on the incredible journey we have embarked upon.

Looking back at our path to the NCAA San Antonio Regional, we are thankful for the opportunities it presented and the growth it fostered within us. Participating at regionals was a privilege we are grateful for, despite our performance not meeting our standards. We appreciate the opportunity to compete at a high level and all the unwavering support from Illini Nation.

The experience provided us with valuable lessons in perseverance, teamwork and resilience. It reminded us that the true measure of success lies in the effort we put forth, the relationships we build and the lessons we learn.

Today, as we sit down to reflect on our college experience as student-athletes, we are filled with a mix of emotions. The past four/five years have been a whirlwind of challenges, accomplishments and personal growth. We are grateful for all the incredible opportunities we’ve had and the people we have become along the way.

When we first stepped onto campus as freshmen we were filled with excitement and anticipation. The idea of balancing academics with the demands of being a student-athlete seemed daunting, but we agree that time management is one of the most valuable skills we learned as student-athletes which is useful no matter what field we pursue.

Throughout our college careers, we also discovered the power of prioritization and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. These skills will undoubtedly serve us well as we transition into the professional world where all these skills are equally crucial.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a student-athlete is the friendships and bonds we established with our teammates. We shared both victories and defeats, celebrated each other’s successes and offered support during challenging times. The friendships we have developed will last a lifetime and have taught us the value of teamwork, collaboration and mutual respect.

As we prepare to take our next step this summer—preparing to play professional golf—we are filled with a sense of excitement and eagerness. The countless hours spent honing our skills, analyzing our game and seeking guidance from experienced…