UK Football Players Pursuing Master’s Degrees in Business
By Lindsey Piercy
University of Kentucky News
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Luke Fortner, Will Levis, Matt Ruffolo and Quintin Wilson are doubling down on the football field and in the classroom as they pursue master’s degrees in University of Kentucky's Gatton College of Business and Economics.
As a Wildcat fan, you’ve applauded and chanted along with the roaring crowd at Kroger Field as the University of Kentucky football team fights to clinch another victory.
Their accomplishments on the field don’t go unnoticed. But what about off the field? Their successes in the classroom don’t often make the highlight reel.
“I like seeing the look on people’s faces, because obviously, there’s the stereotype of, ‘you’re just a football player,’ ” said Wilson, who plays at center. “And we really want to take advantage of every opportunity that UK gives us and being part of this program is just another one of those opportunities.”
Overcome obstacles and exceed expectations — that’s what Wilson hopes to do as an athlete and as a student. And he’s not alone.
Wilson, Fortner (center) and Ruffolo (kicker) are part of the One Year MBA program, while Levis (quarterback) is working toward a Master’s of Science in Finance (MSF).
The stakes are high when it comes to college football. But the stakes are just as high when pursuing a master’s degree. It requires diligence to keep up with schoolwork and determination to stay focused at practice.
“Obviously in grad school, you have to do more work than in undergrad, but the program here at UK is great, and they work with us whenever we need help,” Ruffolo said.
“It’s difficult to be pursuing a degree at a high level, and it’s also difficult to be playing football at a high level,” Levis added. “I think it’s good for others to see and think, ‘if they can do it, why can’t I do it too — if not better.’”
And while the payoff isn’t as immediate as a win under the bright lights on a Saturday night, Fortner, Levis, Ruffolo and Wilson are interested in playing the long game.
“So far, I think the leadership and management skills that I’ve learned will help me no matter if I’m in a management role or working toward a management role,” Ruffolo said.
“Ultimately, I’d love to be my own boss one day,” Wilson added. “And I think this gives you the groundwork to help you become successful.”
Though he is proud of his accomplishments, Wilson admits he has a lot of support when it comes to reaching his goals. On and off the field, he has teammates — they serve as his foundation for success.
“The most challenging part is definitely to balance when to focus on football and when to focus on school,” Wilson explained. “You feel like you’re getting pulled in all angles sometimes, but everyone is supportive. Whenever I do struggle, they are willing to pick me up and help me out.”
Bringing true meaning to the phrase — “For the Team.”
“We all have a common goal to do well in the classroom and to win games. And we have a support system both in the classroom and on the field,” Fortner said. “To be able to lean on each other when things get a little tougher is really big for us.”
“I think the most rewarding part is probably going to be at the end of this when you get to tack on the three letters at the end of your name on the resume,” Ruffolo added. “Obviously, it’s a lot of work, but football doesn’t last forever. I think school is really important. Getting this graduate degree is going to help us when we don’t have football anymore.”’
