University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: Nicole Lee
2/24/2016 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
In honor of Black History Month, Gopher Athletics is celebrating those who made us great. Throughout February, GopherSports.com will share short interviews with African-American alumni from almost every Gopher program. In these interviews, former student-athletes reflect on their time at the U of M, provide advice to current Gophers and share what Black History Month means to them personally.
Nicole Lee
Sport: Soccer
Years: 1996-1999
Hometown: Champlin, Minn.
Occupation: Software Sales (Oracle)
What is it you honestly miss most about the University?
As a University of Minnesota student-athlete, the athletic department becomes your family. I not only miss the daily camaraderie of my teammates, but the many, many athletes and staff that made my time as a Gopher remarkable!
If you could give the current student-athletes any piece of advice, what would it be?
The advice I would give student-athletes is to stay present. Your college career goes by in a flash, so savor every moment.
Please share your favorite university or athletic event you've attended since you graduated and what made it so special to you?
I really enjoy any Gopher athletic event I have the opportunity to attend, and try to make it out to campus at least once each sport season. In particular though, it's been exciting to watch the speed of play and game IQ of the soccer team progress over the years. I bleed maroon & gold!
What are you grateful for?
I am grateful for the pioneers and participants of the Women's & Civil Rights movements, the supporters of Title IX, and all those committed to equal rights for all. Without their fight, I would not have been afforded the opportunity to fulfill my dream of becoming a collegiate student-athlete, and most certainly would not be the woman I am today.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month to me is an awareness and acknowledgement of the indelible contributions made by Americans that have truly enriched our country. History continues to be made, and I look forward to celebrating the many accomplishments yet to come.