April 6 is National Student Athlete Day, an annual day celebrating the outstanding achievements of student athletes who have garnered honors in academics and athletics, while having made significant contributions to their schools and communities.
Case Western Reserve University undergraduate students majoring and minoring in business-related degrees through the Weatherhead School of Management are excelling both in their studies and the sport they love playing.
In honor of this day, get to know some of Weatherhead’s student athletes:
Laura Gorjanc
The balance of being a student and college athlete can be challenging, but Laura Gorjanc, a fourth-year student at CWRU, knows it's achievable with proper time management, self care and a strong support system.
“Establish a routine and set realistic goals for both your academic and athletic commitments,” she says. “Remember to allocate time for relaxation and socializing to maintain a healthy balance in your life.”
Gorjanc is a double major in marketing and business management with a concentration in supply chain management. She is also on the CWRU women’s soccer team, where she earned University Athletic Association (UAA) Defensive Athlete of the Week for the week of October 24, 2022, and UAA All-Academic Honors in fall 2021 and 2022.
Learn more about Gorjanc and her love for the sport of soccer:
When did you start playing soccer and why did you decide to continue playing at the collegiate level?
I began playing soccer at the age of five and my passion for the sport only grew stronger over time. As I entered college, I wanted to maintain an active lifestyle and continue developing as an athlete, so I tried out for the team as a walk on.
Playing soccer at the collegiate level has been challenging, but rewarding. It has helped me grow both on and off the field, teaching me valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance and time management. The drive to improve and my connection with teammates have kept me motivated, making the decision to continue playing soccer at this level incredibly fulfilling.
What do you enjoy most about soccer?
The camaraderie and sense of community that comes from being part of a team. Working together towards a common goal, both on and off the field, creates strong bonds and lasting friendships. I also appreciate the challenges that soccer presents, as they encourage personal growth and push me to continually improve my skills. Overall, it's the combination of teamwork, challenge and personal development that makes playing soccer so enjoyable and fulfilling for me.
What is one of your favorite memories from being a student athlete at CWRU?
The friendships that soccer has brought me. These friendships are truly lifelong and I am grateful for the opportunity to have played soccer with some of my best friends for the past four years at CWRU. The memories we have created together will always hold a special place in my heart.
Why did you choose a business management and marketing double major and what are your plans upon graduation?
I chose business management with a concentration in supply chain management because I enjoy solving problems. The field presents complex challenges in coordinating the flow of goods and services in a global economy. By combining business, logistics and data analysis, it allows me to apply my problem-solving skills across various industries, making it an exciting and fulfilling choice for me.
Upon graduation, I'll join Parker Hannifin's aerospace segment as part of their Supply Chain Leadership Development Program. I'm excited to utilize data-driven solutions and technology to enhance efficiency, and sustainability while advancing in my career.
What do you love most about being a student in Weatherhead School of Management?
The combination of exceptional professors and diverse academic opportunities. The faculty is passionate about their fields, always eager to support students in their success. Additionally, Weatherhead's diverse learning opportunities allow me to broaden my knowledge and skills beyond my primary focus. I am grateful for the outstanding education and support I've received and look forward to applying the skills and knowledge I've gained in my future career in supply chain management.
What advice would you give to incoming student athletes?
I would like to emphasize the importance of making the most of your time and opportunities as a student-athlete at CWRU. Embrace the challenges and rewards that come with balancing academics and sports and cherish the friendships and memories you create along the way. Being a student-athlete is a unique and valuable experience that will teach you invaluable life lessons and contribute to your personal growth. Enjoy your time at CWRU and make the most of every moment!
Ian Elam
For as long as he can remember, Ian Elam has loved playing the sport of basketball. “My parents bought me a mini hoop when I was little and I immediately began shooting on it,” he says.
Elam is now a third-year, economics major at CWRU, where he is on the men’s basketball team. “I decided to continue playing the sport at the collegiate level because of how much I enjoyed playing it in high school,” he says.
Recently, Elam was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Men's Basketball Team for his athletic and academic achievements during the 2022-23 year. The CWRU men’s basketball team also broke records for the school this year by making it to the second round of the NCAA Division III Championship.
Find out how Elam balances his school work while playing basketball at CWRU:
What do you enjoy most about basketball?
I enjoy the camaraderie aspect the most about the sport. Being on a good team with great people makes me love to play the sport everyday. It is also very satisfying to score a basketball.
How do you manage balancing your academics and playing basketball?
I balance by just working to be as organized as possible. Thankfully, we know far in advance what our schedule will be and what assignments I will typically have. If I think I will be unable to reach a deadline, the faculty have all been incredibly understanding in assisting me. I would recommend to an incoming student that they should just try to find other people who are in similar classes so that you can get advice if you are struggling in a class.
Why did you choose to study economics?
I chose it because my favorite class was economics in high school and I have continued to enjoy it here at CWRU. For post graduation plans, I hope to get a job in finance or consulting.
What do you love most about being a student in Weatherhead School of Management?
I think the coolest thing about being a student in the Weatherhead School of Management is the opportunity to take classes in PBL. I toured a lot of schools before picking CWRU, and PBL is the most impressive building that I have seen. It is incredibly unique on the outside and inside, and it excites me that everyday I get to take classes there.
Chloe Ku
At the age of eight-years-old, Chloe Ku learned how to play tennis, something she says began after being influenced by her family, specifically her older brother, who she looks up to.
Now, as a third-year student majoring in nutritional biochemistry on the pre-dental track with a minor in business management at CWRU, she is playing tennis on the collegiate level.
Get to know more about Chloe and what her plans are after she graduates:
What do you enjoy most about tennis?
I enjoy competing the most. Although the close, long matches can be exhausting both physically and mentally, it is exciting to put in the work, find a solid strategy and grind the points out.
What is one of your favorite memories from being a student athlete at CWRU?
Traveling to Virginia with the team this year. We got a lot of bonding time as a team and played good matches.
How do you manage balancing your academics and playing tennis?
To balance academics and athletics, I am organized with my work and have a detailed schedule. I make sure to stay on top of things and get my work done before a long weekend of matches. My advice to incoming students would be to always look a week ahead so assignments don’t creep up on you!
Why did you choose your area of study and do you have any plans for what you’d like to do upon graduation?
While I am on the pre-dental track, I chose to major in nutrition because I like how applicable it is to my everyday life, especially being a student athlete. I also see the connection between nutrition and oral health which connects my current and future studies. I am minoring in business management because it will help me in the business aspects of owning a practice. After graduating from Case Western Reserve, I hope to attend dental school where I can pursue a profession in dentistry.
What do you love most about being a student in Weatherhead School of Management?
Weatherhead is a collaborative environment and everyone wants to see others succeed! The professors also really try to get to know each student and connect with them individually.
Benjamin Pinkowski
As a fourth-year student majoring in marketing, Benjamin Pinkowski knows networking is always going to be important to him in his career. Being a part of the CWRU men's track & field team has helped ease the networking process as it’s given Pinkowski the chance to meet other student athletes from CWRU and other schools.
“I’ve made many friends on other teams and from other schools that will become long-term relationships,” he says.
During Pinkowski’s time on the team, he’s accomplished more than just making lifelong friends––he’s also made top record spots on the sport at CWRU––ranking second of all-time in the triple jump at 13.60 meters and fifth of all-time at CWRU in the high jump at 1.95 meters. Pinkowski also took home sixth place in the high jump and eighth place in the long jump at the University Athletic Association Championships.
Learn what Pinkowski enjoys most about the sport:
When did you first start competing in track and field?
I started track as a sophomore in high school. Playing sports in college helped me meet people and allowed me to stay active and get better at something every day.
What do you enjoy most about track and field?
I enjoy having an activity that distracts me from the stress of schoolwork, while being able to stay competitive and have fun.
How do you manage balancing your academics and being on the track and field team?
Track gives me a daily routine that helps me balance everything. Knowing I have limited time throughout the day for practices, lifts and studying helps me focus on one thing at a time. It’s easy to get distracted in college, but having a regular routine helps with time management.
Why did you choose to study marketing?
I chose marketing because it allows me to tap into my creative side while working in the analytical aspects of business. Post-grad, I’d like to work for a marketing agency, or do in-house marketing for a local Cleveland company.
What do you love most about being a student in Weatherhead School of Management?
I really enjoy the resources WSOM provides for the students. We are taught about and given the tools we need to succeed in the real world. Our professors also bring great real-world experience in each class that I’ve already found useful in my internships and work.
Elena Igic
One of Elena Igic’s favorite memories from being on the CWRU women's swimming & diving team is getting the chance to go to Florida with her teammates to train over the school’s winter break.
Igic, who is a diver, is also a third-year student majoring in economics and she's in the Integrated Graduate Studies in Master of Public Health program––meaning she is working towards her bachelor’s degree in economics at the same time as a master’s degree in public health.
“After graduation I want to apply to medical school or work in a public health-related non-profit,” she says.
Get to know more about Igic and what she loves most about Weatherhead:
When did you start diving and why did you decide to continue at the collegiate level?
I started diving over the summer when I was ten and competed for my high school team for four years.
What do you enjoy most about diving?
I love the people! My teammates and coaches are incredibly supportive and I’m proud to be a part of such a great community.
How do you manage balancing your academics and being on the swimming & diving team?
I use Google Calendar to keep track of my practices, classes and other commitments. My advice for incoming student athletes is to stay organized!
What do you love most about being a student in Weatherhead School of Management?
I love the resources Weatherhead provides! There are so many opportunities available to Weatherhead students.