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Gabi Chavez ’28 wanted to get the most out of her college experience, and that meant being a student-athlete. She didn’t want to have to settle or to have to choose between her major and athletics.

A runner, Chavez knew she wanted to study forensic science. She began researching schools that offered forensic science programs, and it wasn’t until she found the University of New Haven that she knew where she wanted to continue her education.

"I found a lot of schools that I was able to visit, but none really felt like the one to me," recalls Chavez, who hails from Arlington Heights, Illinois. "I could tell right away that the is where I would want to spend my next four years."

Best of all, the University was a school that also offered a robust . She reached out to , head cross country coach and assistant track & field coach, and they arranged for her to fly to the University from Illinois.

Chavez’s visit was an exciting opportunity for her to get a flavor of what it would be like to be a Â鶹´«Ã½. She toured the campus, explored the residence halls, and learned more about everything from class sizes to the Â鶹´«Ã½ community.

"I instantly fell in love," she said. "I loved the campus. The community was so welcoming, which was a great feeling."

Chavez left the University feeling that this was the place to power her athletic career. She will be a member of the when she officially joins the University community in the fall.

"I had the opportunity to look at the athletic facilities and meet the coaching staff before verbally committing to run track and field," she said. "Then, soon after, I got accepted. I can’t wait to be a Â鶹´«Ã½!"