Three Michigan Ross Student-Athletes Balancing Elite Athletics and Academic Excellence

Athletics have always been an integral part of the community at Michigan Ross and the University of Michigan. Ross students proudly represent the university in a wide variety of competitive sports. This year, in the One-Year Master’s Program alone, there are 29 student-athletes competing in sports like track and field, lacrosse, gymnastics, field hockey, volleyball, and more.

This year’s cohort of OYM athletes is impressive, with multiple athletes representing themselves or their teams on the national and global levels. To learn more about this year’s OYM student-athletes, we asked three of them to tell us more about balancing projects and assignments with practice, national championships, and even the 2024 Olympic Games.

Paul Juda, MAcc ’25

Gymnastics

Hometown

I’m from Deerfield, Illinois, a suburb near Chicago. While Deerfield is technically my hometown, I feel so much closer to the community here in Ann Arbor and the Detroit Metropolitan area.

Post-graduation career interest

My career interests are diverse. I see myself thriving in a role that involves working with

people, particularly in sales. My experiences at U-M, like earning the Cappo Sales Track Certificate and pursuing a graduate degree in real estate development, have shaped my vision of a fulfilling career. Ultimately, I want to build companies where people love their work and feel motivated to excel every day — just as I strive to do as a gymnastics team captain.

What's it like balancing being a Big Ten athlete and a business student?

It’s definitely NOT easy! The key is time management. When I’m in the gym, I’m fully focused on gymnastics. When I’m in the classroom, I keep my focus on academics. I’ve always believed that the best break from one activity is doing something else. I push myself to excel both as an athlete and as a student because I know my athletic career won’t last forever. I want to be ready for success beyond the gym with a wide array of skills to support me.

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

Making the U.S. Olympic team has been a lifelong dream. After falling short at the 2021 Olympic Trials, I promised myself I’d give everything to make it to Paris in three years. Hearing my name called for the Olympic team made every sacrifice and challenge worth it. Winning the bronze medal was the ultimate cherry on top! For U-M, my proudest moments will be reminiscing with my teammates years from now, reflecting on the good times and how we applied the lessons we learned to make an impact in the world and achieve our own versions of success.

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

Above all, it’s incredible knowing my professors support my athletic dreams. It takes a big team to accomplish what I’ve done, and I’m proud to say that the Ross community always has my back. I’m also grateful to be in an environment that pushes me to grow beyond being an athlete. My background isn’t in business or strategic thinking, but my Ross experience challenges me to be more. I couldn’t ask for a better support system.

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

The most important lesson I’ve learned is twofold. First, “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” Great achievements require great teams, and having a supportive group cheering you on makes the journey so much better. Second, greatness is within all of us. The Ross community is filled with diverse backgrounds, identities, and perspectives, and each person worked hard to be here. Creating an environment where people feel comfortable being themselves allows their true greatness to shine.

Allison Jacobs, MM ’25

Volleyball

Hometown

Stevenson Ranch, California

Post-graduation career interest

Post Master of Management, I am going to complete my final year of eligibility at U-M, pursuing one more master's degree to complete my academic journey. Following graduation, I have an initial interest in a professional volleyball career and traveling. Alongside this interest, I am passionate about bettering people's lives and helping people become more joyful and at peace in their ventures. I am still figuring out what this may look like in a career, but have learned so much in MM that will act as a phenomenal foundation for me moving forward.

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

Balancing my athletic career and the business school has been such a rewarding experience.  Being a student-athlete requires exceptional time management to be successful, which is a skill I have always had. Beyond the need for time management, balancing Big Ten athletics and business school has brought such joy and growth. I have found a community outside of Michigan Athletics in the classroom that supports me and who I look forward to spending time with. Every week brings a new challenge requiring a balance between social life, academic demands, athletic participation, and the need to spend time alone. I have found that this time alone keeps me energized and joyful for all my other endeavors.  

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

This is a really difficult question because I am blessed to have so many things to be proud of. On paper, I won a world championship, made many USA teams to represent my country, broke some records, and contributed to my teams in so many ways. However, none of these stick out as my proudest moment because I have learned that those are not what it is all about. My proudest moment is this season right now because, through all the adversity I have faced, I am still able to be present and have so much gratitude and joy. I am proud of the fact that I can help lead my team in such an authentic way that is true to myself, helping others learn who they are, too.

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

The Michigan Ross community has supported me so incredibly. Not only has the faculty been so engaged and interested in my athletic endeavors, but all of my classmates are constantly rooting me on and asking me about upcoming games. In group projects and in other conflicting situations, everyone has been so understanding and flexible with my schedule. I am so grateful for the 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 while competing as an athlete at Ross revolves around the importance of open-mindedness and kindness. Joining MM this year has hands down been my favorite year of my time at U-M. I came into orientation very open to whoever I met and led with kindness in all of my interactions; this has paid off as I have developed incredible friendships and relationships that I know will last a lifetime. I have learned that when I bring my authentic self on the court, in the classroom, and in my social life, I am able to live a life with consistent energy and joy. 

Lindsey Stagg, MM ’25

Field Hockey

Hometown

Windham, New Hampshire 

Post-graduation career interest

I have had several internships in event planning and found them exciting and fulfilling, so I am hoping to pursue a career in luxury brands and event planning.  

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 at Michigan Ross has its challenges, but it is incredibly rewarding and a good learning experience for my post-grad life. It requires a high level of organization, time management, and discipline, which are skills that will benefit me in the future. I’ve learned to prioritize, plan my day meticulously, and make the most of every opportunity, whether it's on the field or in the classroom. The combination of experiences has shaped my ability to thrive in challenging situations. 

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

My proudest moment as an athlete was recently when my field hockey team and I won the 2024 Big Ten Championship. I had won this tournament before as an underclassman, but being an upperclassman and a leader on a team that achieved such greatness was a surreal moment. We played three Big Ten teams that had beaten us in the regular season again in the tournament to win, culminating in beating the previously undefeated Northwestern in the championship game. It felt great to rise above all expectations to achieve that.

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

This has been my first season as a student-athlete in the Ross community, and the support has been nothing short of amazing. Starting at our first game of the season, the stands were packed with Ross MM classmates and professors cheering my team and me on, and that carried on throughout the season. The community truly creates an environment where we encourage each other to excel in all aspects of our lives, whether on the field, in the classroom, or in our post-graduation careers.

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

The most important lesson I have learned while competing as a student-athlete at Ross has been that discipline will be my key to success as I move forward after college. Balancing the demands of a Division I sport with the rigor of a graduate program has required me to stay focused, manage my time meticulously, and commit fully to my goals. Discipline has been the foundation of my success in doing so. This lesson has shaped how I approach every aspect of my life, reinforcing the importance of dedication and persistence in achieving both personal and future professional success.