Scholarship recipient Daniela Grgas is the goalkeeper for the Illinois State University’s Women’s Soccer team. The Las Vegas native is a senior majoring in business administration and organizational leadership and is set to graduate in December 2023.
Grgas is one of fourteen undergraduate students selected as Robert G. Bone Scholars for the 2023-2024 school year. The Bone Scholarship is the highest university-wide honor given to undergraduate students. She has also been a previous recipient of the Ron Jr. and Cathy Whitton Dentsmart Scholarship.
Grgas’s experience at Illinois State has been nothing short of amazing. Having graduated high school a semester early, Grgas jump started her career on the Illinois State women’s soccer team. Grgas was able to meet the team, get a feel for college academics, and build relationships right away upon starting at the University in January 2020.
Grgas spoke on her involvement in the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), “I was able to serve as SAAC President last year, where I, alongside other members, were able to work to enhance the athletics environment and serve as a liaison between administration, the university, and student-athletes. It has been the most rewarding experience since I have been at ISU.”
In the end, because of her dedication to her studies and relationships built in the College of Business, she received the most prominent and proudest highlight of her journey at Illinois State, becoming a recipient of the Robert G. Bone Scholarship.
In her final semester, Grgas is playing in her last season of collegiate soccer. As graduation approaches, she is eager to continue her education and work towards a master’s degree in sport administration or sport management. In between class and soccer, she spends her time interning in the development office in the athletics department.
“After serving on SAAC, I have been inspired to continue working in athletics and to advocate for student-athletes,” shared Grgas.
Grgas shared one song she can’t help but dance to: “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift. She highly recommends to give it a listen if you have not done so.
Finally, Grgas shared her thoughts on the importance of donor support, especially for students like herself that come from various parts of the country and even the world. Opportunities likes these have given Grgas the ability to pursue higher education and push further towards her dream of working in athletic administration within a university.
“There are not enough words in the world to encapsulate the gratitude that I have for the donors that contribute to scholarships for both students and student-athletes,” said Grgas. “It is a given that contributions from donors have the power to change lives!”
