Cougar Scholars is a monthly series highlighting Chicago State student-athletes through the lens of their studies and professional pursuits. This month features Zack Phelps from men's golf. Read more from our previous scholar-athletes here:
- May 2022: Faith Rotich, Women's Track & Field
- April 2022: Pedro Alvarez, Men's Tennis
- March 2022: Koranis Boonmadee, Women's Golf
- February 2022:Â Favour Chukwukelu, Men's Basketball
- January 2022:Â Aaliyah Collins, Women's Basketball
- December 2021:Â Justin Johnson, Men's Track & Field, Cross Country
- November 2021:Â Barbara Castellanos, Women's Soccer
- October 2021:Â Andrea Calderon, Volleyball
- September 2021:Â Shaquan Reid, Men's Soccer
- August 2021:Â Susie Andres, Women's Tennis
- July 2021:Â Kevin Bullington, Men's Golf
- June 2021:Â Dominick George, Men's Soccer
- May 2021:Â Carmen Acedo, Women's Soccer
- April 2021:Â Josh Stig, Men's Golf
- March 2021:Â Leilani Moncrease, Women's Basketball
Zack Phelps means business.
"I want to get a 4.0 GPA," Phelps said. "I'm going to keep grinding."
And he was meant for business.
Before Zack was born, his dad, David, founded a pool liner company called AAA Liner.
"Since I was a kid, I've been watching and helping," Phelps said. "It's always been in the family. We've done the pool liners, then hit the golf course after. Those are the two things I grew up on."
And down the line, he plans to run the business.
"Maybe I can run it one day," Phelps said. "Or I can take over the company."
This summer, Phelps is cutting his teeth, working as a customer service representative.
"I'm working on the business side, talking to customers," Phelps said. "If we get a complaint, I'll talk to the customer and negotiate what we can do for them. Then, I'll call the warehouse and get it fixed."
Â
Zack Phelps, pool-lining pro. (Image courtesy of Zack Phelps)
With his business goals in mind, Phelps joined Chicago State as a Business Management major and men's golfer. He just wrapped up his freshman year, thriving in the classroom.
Professor Scott Upshaw's Introduction to Entrepreneurship served as a freshman year highlight for Phelps, who remains laser-focused on learning the ropes of running a business.
"I learned the broad aspect of business," Phelps said. "We learned how to start a business, and what to do. It's all about what to do, how to do it."
As he works for the family business over the summer, Phelps is already eager for his third Chicago State semester, with one class shining through.
"I'm really looking forward to this business writing class," Phelps said. "It's about business plans and creating a plan. I'm looking forward to seeing what it's like."
As his grades blossomed in his first year, Phelps found solace and support in his CSU golf community. Recent graduate Kevin Bullington, in particular, helped Phelps quite a bit.
"Managing time is tough, and I'm still learning," Phelps said. "You have to ask teammates for help, and they'll help you.
"Kevin Bullington was my main guy. Being a senior, he took me under his wing and helped me out, whether that was school and how to manage time or golf and traveling. He made me feel calm."
Through a year, the South Suburban Chicago native has reveled in his college journey so far.
"It's meant a lot to me," Phelps said. "I've met a lot of great friends for life. I've gotten a good education. I love the classes. My academic advisor is wonderful.
"I like being really close to home, too, since I get to see my family often. I feel like I've been here my whole life. I love it so far."
