Chicago, Ill. — Chicago State Athletics proudly recognizes Kacelyn Urlacher, a senior forward whose impact on the women's basketball program from 2024–2026 has been defined by intention, leadership, and competitive excellence. Urlacher concludes her Cougar career with 1,356:43 minutes played, 90 field goals, 15 three-pointers, 85 free throws, 280 points, 212 rebounds, 113 assists, 73 steals, and 36 blocks, solidifying her role as one of the program's most versatile contributors.
Born in Dallas and raised in Palatine, Urlacher arrived at Chicago State with a clear purpose: to grow as both a student and an athlete.
"It's important to me to be a good person and be a light in whatever way I can be to those around me," Urlacher said.
Her path to Chicago State included stops at Fremd High School and Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis before finding the right fit with the Cougars.
While pursuing an Individualized Curriculum Program degree focused on marketing, management, and administration, she embraced the demanding balance of academics and athletics.
"My time management skills are impeccable," she said. "Once you get used to doing life a certain way, it's hard to deviate, especially with the amount of time I have invested in being a student-athlete."
On the court, Urlacher became known for her toughness and willingness to make momentum shifting plays. One of her most memorable moments came during her sophomore season against LIU.
"We hadn't won a game yet not a single charge had been taken all season, and I took one to send us to OT where we ended up winning the game," she recalled.
Urlacher cites the interpersonal dynamics of team sports as the most challenging part of her athletic career, noting that intention and integrity guided her through difficult moments.
"Not everything is going to go the way you might think it will, so leading with good intentions will make its way back to you," she said.
She also emphasized the importance of personal wellness, crediting nutrition and self-care as essential components of her performance.
"Diet is everything. Eating healthy helps your body and your mind perform better not only on the court but when it comes to schoolwork too."
Urlacher plans to continue her collegiate playing career next season while completing her Bachelor of Arts and pursuing an MBA. Long-term, she hopes to transition into coaching.
"I'm going back to school to get my MBA. When I'm done with that, I want to be a coach," she said.
Beyond basketball, Urlacher is eager to take on new challenges, including completing the 75 Hard program and finishing her poetry book.
As she reflects on her time at Chicago State, Urlacher hopes her legacy will be defined not by statistics, but by character.
"The type of person I was, the character and integrity I carried myself with across the board," she said.
Chicago State Athletics celebrates Urlacher's contributions and looks forward to the continued success she will bring to the court, the classroom, and her future endeavors.
