Ruvanna Campbell

Classroom

Ruvanna Campbell has been one of the hardest-working student-athletes with which the UIC athletics academic staff has worked. She struggled initially in the classroom upon transferring to UIC from La Salle University, but through hard work and determination, she has become a student who knows how to succeed academically. She will graduate in May with a degree in Criminology, Law and Justice and will be the first in her family to graduate from college.

Character

Campbell has exhibited characteristics of a true champion through her strong work ethic. Her desire and determination to be her best sets her apart from her nearest competitors. After suffering an almost catastrophic leg injury in high school, she has bounced back to become one of the top collegiate women’s basketball players in the country. Her never-give-up attitude is a testament to her ability to overcome adversity. She is a senior leader and an outstanding teammate and the legacy Campbell will leave behind at UIC will be as a champion in the classroom and on the court.

Community

Having been born and raised on the west side of Chicago, Campbell has been conscious of making every effort to give back to her community. Upon returning to Chicago to attend UIC, she immediately informed the athletics staff of her intent to have a positive impact on the youth in the neighborhood that molded her. Campbell has spearheaded the program’s involvement with several charitable organizations including Samaritan’s Feet and the Special Olympics. Currently, Campbell is pursuing a role for her team to bring awareness to the gun violence that has plagued the south and west sides of the city.

Competition

A fierce competitor on the court, Campbell earned back-to-back Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2013-14 and 2014-15. She was the only player in the nation to average 17 points, 14 rebounds and two assists per game as a junior, and her 14.1 rebounds per game ranked third in the nation. Campbell also broke the conference record for rebounds in a single season with 449. A double-double machine, Campbell ranked sixth in the nation with 22 double-doubles in 2014, and in just two seasons at UIC, she is poised to become the school’s all-time leader in scoring and rebounds. These two records have stood for more than 20 and 35 years respectfully. In addition, she is on pace to shatter the Horizon League record for rebounds in a career.