More than 50 percent of Lake Forest students are athletes, but none have the kind of resume that Ray Hunnicutt does. Drafted to play for the Baltimore Orioles right out of high school, Hunnicutt spent two seasons playing Minor League baseball before transferring to Lake Forest. Now, Hunnicutt is a guard for Lake Forest Men’s Basketball.
Both basketball and baseball were early loves for Hunnicutt. “I started playing baseball and basketball when I was 5. I loved to play both and wanted to play one professionally, so baseball ended up being what I spent more time playing,” he says.
Once Hunnicutt reached high school, he became a standout star in both sports. However, Hunnicutt’s baseball skills garnered more attention from recruiters. “I was scouted by a handful of pro teams in high school after performing well at a few baseball showcases. The Orioles scout put in the best word for me, so I ended up being picked by them. It was a dream come true to be drafted, and I have never been happier.”
Although Hunnicutt was grateful for the chance to play professional baseball, he wanted to make sure that he still received a quality education. “Education is big in my family and I believe it’s the one thing that people cannot take away from you,” he says.
Hunnicutt first heard about Lake Forest College when he was in high school. Men’s Basketball Coach Ken Davis recruited Hunnicutt during his senior year, but Hunnicutt chose to pursue baseball instead. Even with a professional baseball career, Hunnicutt never gave up his education. “I was taking classes during the offseason while I was playing baseball. After I got released from the team, I decided to try and finish up school and possibly attempt to play baseball after that,” he says.
Lake Forest provided an opportunity for Hunnicutt to pursue his second love, basketball, while receiving an exceptional education. “The area and the possible connections I could make here were the biggest factors in my decision. There are many knowledgeable and influential people in this area and at this college, and that ultimately led me to choose this school,” says Hunnicutt.
So far, Hunnicutt has thoroughly enjoyed his student-athlete experience. “My favorite thing about the college is the sports centered atmosphere. It allows for all the teams to get to know each other and support each other. It seems like all the sports teams enjoy cheering the others on,” he says. “I’m a competitive person, so being able to compete at this level is great to me. My teammates have also made it enjoyable because we are like a family,” he adds.
Throughout his transition from professional athlete to college student-athlete, Hunnicutt credits much of his success to his parents. “My parents have always been my biggest role models. They push me to succeed in everything I do, and support me in everything I decide to do.”
Currently, the Finance major is working over the summer and training for the upcoming basketball season. In the future, Hunnicutt hopes to stay involved with athletics. “Ideally, I want to work in the sports world in a front office type of job. I would also like to run my own business or coach,” he says.
“My advice for student-athletes is to strive to be the best at everything you do, whether it is sports, school, your career…anything,” says Hunnicutt. If you work to be the best at everything, your chances of being successful are that much greater. It's a rewarding feeling when all of your work pays off, which it will.”