Kicking Off a New Chapter
When Haley Jeske ’27 got the opportunity to return to her Chicago-area roots by attending Elmhurst University, she never realized her new school would also reignite her passion for soccer and bring her lifelong friends.
Returning to Her Roots: A Cross-Country Journey Back Home
Jeske transferred to Elmhurst from a college in Connecticut where she had committed to their soccer team, moving there from her home state of Arizona. Jeske then began falling out of love with the sport she had played since childhood, almost quitting for good. But after some conversations with her family, she decided to take one more shot and entered the transfer portal before joining Elmhurst’s women’s soccer team as a forward.
In choosing Elmhurst, Jeske has been able to make the most of the University’s well-rounded curriculum and easy access to Chicago, so she’ll have relevant, hands-on practice and professional preparation for her future career.
“When I was figuring out where to go, I took soccer, location and academics into consideration,” Jeske said. “I was looking at the teachers here, and (Elmhurst) had the major and classes that I wanted. I don’t have a car, but downtown Elmhurst is right by campus so the location was ideal, and I can take the train to go to downtown Chicago or to visit my relatives in Aurora. There are also opportunities here that I did not have at my old school—everything is literally perfect, and it just felt meant to be.”
Building Strong Connections
As a biology major with a minor in criminal justice, Jeske plans to pursue a career in law enforcement as a forensic analyst so she can help victims find justice and bring them a sense of peace in the form of answers. With these goals in mind, Elmhurst checked all the boxes Jeske needed before she even stepped foot on campus.
That sentiment has remained true through the strong relationships she has already built since arriving here in fall 2024.
“Living on campus is like one big sleepover,” Jeske said. “I live with two of my roommates, and you just make so many memories when you live on campus.” The high level of hospitality, care and attention found at Elmhurst in the form of a close-knit community allows students to excel in their collaborations through supportive experiences.
Jeske also knew she wanted to look at schools in Chicagoland because she was born and spent the first 12 years of her life growing up in the area. She hoped to return to the connections she has here – that is how she ended up on the Elmhurst Bluejay’s women’s soccer team roster starting in the fall 2024 season.
“Being a student athlete is so rewarding,” Jeske said. “Being so far from home, I’ve created a family here with my teammates and if I ever needed anything, they’re always jumping at the opportunity to help out.”
A Community Commitment
She credits her team and her coach with making her Elmhurst experience thus far so welcoming and supportive. They often participate in group-volunteering events or take walks to downtown Elmhurst and have team dinners at local restaurants. Elmhurst offers experiences like division III athletics as opportunities for students to get involved and engage with the community that surrounds them, gaining the cultural awareness and respect to thrive as adaptive leaders.
“The community here is definitely diverse,” Jeske said. “We have a lot of exchange students here on campus that play a part in learning about other cultures. Community has always been huge for my family – I have seven other siblings, and my parents always encourage us to get involved.” Elmhurst’s diverse, welcoming student body cultivates an inclusive space that provides graduates with the confidence and leadership skills to achieve enduring success.
Opportunities for Growth and Success
Jeske spoke of the ease of finding work as a student, with many local job opportunities. She also commended the Elmhurst community’s commitment to their student athletes.
“There are so many resources that ensure I can get help if I need it,” Jeske said. “There’s tutors for every class possible here and there’s always some type of help if you just look for it.” The interconnectedness of various subjects and fields at Elmhurst ensures graduates have versatile skill sets as they enter the workforce.
By supporting experiential learning, the University provides students with the knowledge to ensure they’re prepared for whatever comes next.
“The diversity in the classroom, how hands-on our teachers are, the collaborations we do in class, the peer-studying, the office hours professors offer where they break everything down if you don’t understand it – that’s exactly what Elmhurst is,” Jeske said. Elmhurst’s faculty are active scholars and practitioners in their fields, so they can provide students with best practices and professional connections.
A Bright Future Ahead
Jeske is dedicated to remaining true to herself no matter what, which is how she’ll succeed both on the field and in her future. With this mindset and coming off an impressive sophomore soccer season, the sky is the limit for Jeske. She is inspired by the atmosphere – people, classes, experiences – that is all around her at Elmhurst.
“I just love the sense of community we have and how comfortable it is here – you just get to be you,” Jeske said. “I’m not home, but I have a home away from home and that’s what I love about Elmhurst.”
Go Far. Do Well. Visit elmhurst.edu/Admission to take the first step towards your future.