The Online Reflector

By Adrian Kendrick & JP Sinclair | Managing Editor & Editorial Assistant

When students decide they want to transfer to a different university, a number of questions may cross their minds; some may concern tuition costs, academics or even campus life. The questions are endless, but if you’re an athlete, what factors into your decision is a whole lot more than just academics.

“I figured this would be a good opportunity for me considering this is a small campus,” said junior Larry Woods, a basketball transfer from Moraine Valley Community College in Palos, Ill. “Even though this is a Division II school, we get just as much attention as a Division I school.”

The University of Indianapolis transfer athletes were down this year compared to recent years, but there are a total of 502 student-athletes at UIndy; approximately eleven of which are transfers.

Men’s tennis had one transfer, swimming and diving had five, women’s soccer had two and wrestling had one.

“Sometimes a first year coach will bring in transfers to try and build a more mature team, versus recruiting freshmen,” Willey said.

According to Woods there are about five transfers on the men’s basketball team and they bring new experience to the basketball court.

“We bring that college experience that freshman can’t bring to the team,” Woods explained.

According to Sports Information Director, Mitch Wigness, the city of Indianapolis attracts students and the academics offered at UIndy draws them as well.

“There’s a strong academic component that goes into the decision,” Wigness said. “Indianapolis is also a sport Mecca and the landscape is also quite appealing.”

The Athletic Department says that UIndy has just as much to offer as Division I schools.

“I’ve seen other institutions where men’s and women’s basketball [teams] fight each other instead of being in partnership. When we have teams vying for practice time on the same court or field, we do a great job of supporting one another,” Willey said.

When it comes to transfer students, whether the decision is based academic, proximity to home, or just wanting a new experience, it all comes down to one decision; whether the campus fits them individually.

“I thought Indianapolis would be a nice place to go,” Woods said. “So far, I think I made the right decision. UIndy has a good basketball team and it also challenges me academically.”