BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Joan (Wagnui) Hinrichs

In honor of Black History Month, Falcon Athletics is celebrating those who paved the way. Throughout February, UWRFSports.com will share short interviews with African-American alumni. In these interviews, former student-athletes reflect on their time at the UW-River Falls, provide advice to current Falcons and share what Black History Month means to them personally.

Class of 2011 – Joan (Wagnui) Hinrichs
Sport: Tennis
Years: 2007-2009
Grad Year:  May 2011
Hometown: Champlin, MN
Major:  Biomedical Science Minor: Chemistry
Occupation: Business Analyst, Optum Unitedhealth Group  
 
What do you miss most about UW-River Falls?
I miss the college life and the free time I had; at that point, I took time for granted. Although, I don't think I would go back now because I am a completely different person than I was and I wouldn't fit in. I also miss being active and being able to just wake up in the morning or at noon and go to the gym.
 
What occupies your time now?
Outside of my work with Optum and being a new mom, my husband and I consult for a dental company and for dental providers.  On the weekends the work does not end, some days we have to stop and pause so that we can spend time as a family. With such a busy schedule finding balance is important. What I've found that helps me with this is working out, bullet journaling, and participating in the mindfulness program offered by my job.  Mindfulness helps me stay present whether I'm home cooking or playing with my child. 
 
How did your time as a student-athlete prepare you for life after college and athletics? 
My time as a student-athlete gave me the discipline and the drive to tackle a challenge. I know that whatever is ahead of me I can do it if I practice and prepare. Tennis forces you to be present, you can't play and expect to win without mentally being there.  
 
What's one piece of advice you would share with current student-athletes?
Don't take it for granted. Sports are more than just a game, it helps you build foundations other than winning or being fit. What you do on the court affects how you do in your classes and how you're going to come out on the other end of life.  If you're stressed out you can use sports to help create balance in your life.
 
What is your favorite memory from your time at UW-River Falls?  
My chemistry lab, most of those classes I took with my friends. It was always fun to cut things up and to learn things together.
 
What are you grateful for?  
My husband, my child, and the family that I created for myself at River Falls. We meet regularly and chat about how we're doing in our marriages, family, work etc. The friends I made at River Falls have shaped who I am and pushed me to be a better person.
 
What does Black History Month mean to you?   
 A lot, especially this year. Of all these great accomplishments there have been challenges and we should be proud of what we've accomplished. Especially as a black woman in IT, it is easy to get lost in the shuffle. Black History Month is a great reminder to be me and to be comfortable in my own skin.

Check out Black History Month Central for more alumni features.