Five Michigan Ross Student-Athletes Driving Excellence in Academics and Athletics

Athletics are an integral part of student life and community culture at the University of Michigan, and Michigan Ross students have always been a part of that story. U-M student-athletes have won dozens of NCAA national championships across various sports and have even competed and emerged victorious on the global level at competitions as high-profile as the Olympics. 

The four Michigan Ross One-Year Master’s Programs, in particular, are home to many U-M student-athletes competing across collegiate sports, from football to field hockey. As they dedicate their days to training, practices, and intense competition, they also tackle challenging business, accounting, analytics, and supply chain curriculum in the classroom in preparation for their future careers.

To help understand what that balance is like, we asked five OYM student-athletes to explain what it takes to compete at a high level while still excelling in the classroom.

Madison Cuchran, MM ’26

Hometown

Downers Grove, Illinois

Sport

Volleyball, captain, libero. 

What is your post-graduation career interest?

I want to attend nursing school, and my dream is to open my own practice, specializing in cosmetics or dermatology.  

What's it like balancing being a Big Ten athlete and a business student at the same time?

Being a Big Ten athlete and a business student is demanding because both require a high level of commitment and hard work. You have to manage your time intentionally since practices, lifts, travel, and recovery all compete with classes, studying, and group projects.

What was the proudest moment in your athletic career so far?

The proudest moment in my athletic career so far was when we upset two top 25 teams, Minnesota and Penn State. Those wins felt like the result of months of grind, belief, and refusing to back down just because someone else was ranked higher. Being a part of a team that showed up fearless, executed together, and proved people wrong was an incredible feeling. It reminded me of why I play and how powerful it is when we trust each other and compete with no limits.

How has the Michigan Ross community supported you as a student-athlete?

The Michigan Ross community has been extremely understanding and encouraging of the balance I manage as a student and an athlete. Professors have worked with me around travel schedules, classmates have stepped up to help when I am traveling, and the culture here genuinely values what athletes bring to the classroom. Ross has made space for me to be a student and an athlete, and that support has helped me succeed and feel like I belong fully in both identities.

What's the most important lesson you've learned competing as an athlete while at Ross?

The most important lesson I've learned is the importance of compartmentalizing. When I'm on the court, I'm fully an athlete, and when I'm in the classroom, I'm fully a business student. Being able to mentally switch roles allows me to stay present, focused, and give my best to whatever environment I'm in. It forces discipline and organization, but also makes me much stronger at handling pressure, because I've learned how to control my attention instead of letting the stress from one area spill into another.

Gregory Tarr, MAcc ’26

Hometown

Romeo, Michigan 

Sport

Football, longsnapper.

What is your post-graduation career interest?

Asset management.

What's it like balancing being a Big Ten athlete and a business student at the same time?

Balancing athletics and academics is a juggling act. There are days when you feel like there is no way you are going to get everything done, but somehow it all gets done. Academics are equally rewarding in my opinion. Comparing who I was as a freshman to now, it is shocking to see how much I've grown as a student, critical thinker, and athlete. 

What was the proudest moment in your athletic career so far?

There are too many moments to list, but a few that hold a special place in my heart are winning a National Championship and being named a semi-finalist for the Walter V. Campbell Award (the academic Heisman of football).

How has the Michigan Ross community supported you as a student-athlete?

The professors have always been great with scheduling conflicts and open to communication about how I can excel in class, given the limited time I have on a day-to-day basis. 

What's the most important lesson you've learned competing as an athlete while at Ross?

The most important lesson I have learned is to pursue your passions. Your time at Ross is too short not to chase your goals. Find classes and faculty that can help you on your journey.

Caylie McMahon, MBAn ’26

Hometown

Stow, Massachusetts

Sport

Field hockey, goalkeeper.

What is your post-graduation career interest?

I hope to combine my undergraduate degree in statistics with my master’s in business analytics to pursue a career in either finance or the sports industry.

What's it like balancing being a Big Ten athlete and a business student at the same time?

Balancing life as a Big Ten athlete and a business student is all about time management. With such a demanding schedule, I have learned the value of prioritization and early communication to make the most of every day.

What was the proudest moment in your athletic career so far?

The proudest moment in my athletic career so far was winning the 2024 Big Ten Tournament Championship. Our team made an incredible run in the tournament, beating three teams that had previously beaten us in the regular season. We worked hard for each other and played as a team.

How has the Michigan Ross community supported you as a student-athlete?

The Michigan Ross community has been unbelievably supportive of me as a student-athlete. The professors have been incredibly interested in my athletic career and have been understanding when conflicts arise with travel for games. My classmates have also been super supportive, and they always wish me luck and even show up in the stands for the home games. I am very grateful for the encouraging Ross community.

What's the most important lesson you've learned competing as an athlete while at Ross?

The most important lesson I have learned competing as an athlete while at Ross is the power of teamwork in all aspects of life. I have been on teams my entire life, and the skills I have learned on the field have translated to the classroom. The MBAn curriculum contains a lot of group work, which has allowed me to work with classmates from all over the world. Understanding each other's strengths and ensuring that every perspective is heard and valued is the key to successful teams.

Ally VanTimmeren, MSCM ’26

Hometown

Allendale, Michigan 

Sport

Women's basketball, forward.

What is your post-graduation career interest?

After graduation, I’m interested in working in the apparel or food and beverage industry. I enjoy working with a team and being involved in hands-on projects where I can see the results of my work. I’m especially interested in roles that will allow me to improve processes, solve problems, and help things run more efficiently. I’m still exploring my exact career path, but I’m excited to find a position where I can grow and make a positive impact.

What's it like balancing being a Big Ten athlete and a business student at the same time?

Balancing being an athlete and a student can definitely be challenging at times, but it’s also very rewarding. My parents always emphasized the importance of “being where your feet are,” which reminds me to stay present, fully focused in the classroom, and locked in on the court. I’m grateful for all the support I receive from my teammates, classmates, professors, and the administration. They understand the demands of being a student-athlete and help me succeed on and off the court. 

What was the proudest moment in your athletic career so far?

Since transferring and playing here at Michigan, I’ve gained a deep understanding of what it means to be part of a program with such a strong tradition and high expectations for success. Being surrounded by teammates and coaches who hold themselves to such a high standard has pushed me to grow both as a player and as a leader. One of my proudest moments has been earning the opportunity to contribute to this team and represent a program that values excellence in everything we do. Heading into this season ranked in the top 15, I’m excited and motivated to see what we can accomplish together. It’s an honor to be part of something bigger than myself and to help continue the legacy of Michigan basketball.

How has the Michigan Ross community supported you as a student-athlete?

I’m so thankful for the encouragement I receive from my professors and peers who believe in my athletic and academic goals. Being here has helped me grow far beyond my identity as an athlete. Even though I didn’t come from a business background, the challenges and opportunities at Ross have pushed me to think in new ways and develop skills I never knew I had. I’m grateful every day for this community and the people who continue to help me reach my full potential.

What's the most important lesson you've learned competing as an athlete while at Ross?

Being a student-athlete at Ross has taught me that discipline and teamwork are closely connected. Staying disciplined — showing up, staying focused, and putting in the effort — is important, but it’s only part of the equation. True success comes when everyone on the team is committed and works together, helping each other stay accountable and pushing each other to do better. I’ve learned that when discipline and collaboration come together, the results are far greater than what anyone could achieve alone.

Joseph Longo, MM ’26

Hometown

Apple Valley, Minnesota

Sport

Baseball, captain, outfielder.

What is your post-graduation career interest?

I want to work in athletic administration at the college level. Over the past five years, I’ve grown passionate about college sports and their impact on students. I hope to continue this passion post-graduation.

What's it like balancing being a Big Ten athlete and a business student at the same time?

I would say it is challenging yet very rewarding. Some days are longer than others, but no day is the same. The challenge of “being where your feet are” is something I’ve learned to embrace, because being present with whatever is in front of you is what matters most.

What was the proudest moment in your athletic career so far?

The proudest moment of my athletic career so far was hitting my first collegiate home run. It was a special moment not only for me, but also for my team, as two of my teammates hit their first home runs in the same inning. It felt like a true culmination of years of hard work and persistence, all paying off in the best way possible.

How has the Michigan Ross community supported you as a student-athlete?

The Michigan Ross community has been incredibly welcoming. Students have gone out of their way to create a sense of home early in the program, making it easy to feel connected and supported. Professors are thoughtful and understanding, especially when it comes to helping student-athletes succeed both academically and athletically. The sense of togetherness within the community makes it feel like everyone is a friend you can rely on.

What's the most important lesson you've learned competing as an athlete while at Ross?

The most important lesson I have learned is to stop and appreciate the moment. My time at Michigan is passing by faster than I ever expected, and it has reminded me how important it is to pause and enjoy the experience. Ross has taught me to be present and to value the people around me who make this journey so meaningful. Whether it is working on a group project or grinding out an early morning practice, I have learned to slow down and truly take it all in. These moments of connection and reflection have made my Michigan experience something I will always be grateful for.