With holidays just around the corner, this is the perfect time for us to reflect and give thanks – whether it's for the food we have to eat, the roof over our heads, or the opportunity to play collegiate athletics. For a student-athlete, there might be a lot that goes into balancing school, sports and being able to spend quality time with family and friends.

So we asked some of our student-athletes, what are you thankful for?

Being happy, healthy and able to play the game I love at a wonderful university is amazing. But it's my parents, friends, teammates, coaches, trainers and everyone around me who I'm extremely thankful for because without you guys, I would be nowhere close to where I am today! Much love and THANK YOU (with everything I have) to every single one of you!
--Ramiz Jamal, Men's Golf
 
As a student-athlete, I am most thankful to God for allowing me to be healthy enough to participate on a sports team that I love while receiving a free education. I am always so thankful to have a great support network including my coaches, teammates, staff, faculty and family that push me to be my best. I am thankful to have received this great opportunity to be at a top university that will set me up for success in the future!
--Sabrina Engelstad, Women's Basketball
 
As a student-athlete, I am very grateful for pretty much everything going on in my life right now. I'm thankful for my team— as they are an amazing support system. I am thankful for my health and the lifestyle I am able to live. Lastly, I am thankful to live in the beautiful city of Irvine with my friends and family all near me. 
--Flora Amiri, Women's Tennis
 
I am thankful for my friends and teammates around me because of their endless support in all of my endeavors. Whether I struggle with school or in golf, they are always by my side, encouraging me at every step. I would not be able to be where am I today without their genuine and unconditional love!
--Janet Yeo, Women's Golf

As a student-athlete, I am thankful for my health, my family, and all the amazing friends that I have made while attending UC Irvine. Happy Holidays and many blessings!
--Barbara Coward, Women's Track and Field

Two of my biggest inspirations are Mom and Dad. Being immigrants from Guatemala, they never had it easy. Both have gone through adversity and have sacrificed so much to give my siblings and me a life that they did not have. And that is something I can never repay them for, but it is definitely something I am forever grateful for. I am thankful for their unconditional love, whether it be providing a hot meal everyday or telling me "Con Ganas, mijo" (that's Spanish for "with desire, son"). Whenever I run on the track and I am feeling exhausted, I always think about how much they have done for me and I remind myself that the pain I feel on the track is worth it if it means making them proud and happy.
--Hector Garcia, Men's Cross Country/Track and Field

I am incredibly grateful for my family that has continued to support me in every thing that I do with unconditional love. I am also very thankful for the opportunity to be able to play the sport I love with such amazing people. My teammates have helped me develop and grow not only in the pool, but in all aspects of my life. They push me to be the best version of myself and I am forever grateful.
--Mary Brooks, Women's Water Polo

As a student-athlete here at UCI, I am thankful for the opportunity to be playing at this school and the friendships that I have created the last three years. I am also thankful for my friends and family, and I am extremely blessed that they are able to come and watch me play.
--Makayla Wolfe, Women's Volleyball