This week's newsletter is packed with exciting questions, healthy recipes, inspiring athletes, local events you won't want to miss, and a must-read blog post! Enjoy reading this weeks newsletter!

Click on the map to find events in your city!

What is a common reason NCAA college athletes engage in student activism?

A) To protest against academic grading policies

B) To advocate for better dining hall food

C) To promote intramural sports over varsity programs

D) To raise awareness about social justice issues and athlete compensation

Pan-Sheared Salmon with Kale and Apple Salad

Ingredients

• Four 5-oz center-cut salmon fillets (around 1-inch thick)

• 3 tbsps fresh lemon juice

• 3 tbsps olive oil

• Kosher salt

• 1 bunch kale, stalks removed, leaves very thinly sliced (around 6 cups)

• ¼ cup dates

• 1 honey crisp apple

• ¼ cup finely grated pecorino

• 3 tbsps toasted slivered almonds

• Ground black pepper

• 4 whole wheat dinner rolls

Instructions

1. Bring the salmon to room temperature 10 minutes prior to cooking

2. While the salmon warms up, whisk together the lemon juice, 2 tbsps of olive oil, and ¼ tsp salt in a large bowl. Add the kale, toss well to coat with the sauce, and let stand for 10 minutes.

3. While the kale stands, cut the dates into thin slivers and the apple into matchsticks. Add the dates, apples, cheese, and almonds to the kale mixture. Season with pepper, toss well, and then set aside.

4. Sprinkle the salmon with ½ tsp salt and some pepper. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Raise the heat to medium-high and then place the salmon in the pan. Cook until the salmon is golden brown on one side, around 4 minutes. Turn the fish over with a spatula and cook until it feels firm to the touch, around 3 minutes.

Click HERE to go to the recipe!

This week, our swimming coach at The University of Illinois Isabella, is in the spotlight! Check out her bio below and book your next lesson by going to our website!

Introducing, Isabella Wilhelm!

“A current member of the Illini Swim and Dive team and competitively swimming for the past 12 years. I've been able to share my passion for swimming for those of all ages, whether it has been guiding them through their first time being in the water or helping advanced swimmers perfect their techniques.”

Book Your Lesson With Isabella Now!

Goats & Grooves

Come enjoy a fun night of music, food, and goats. Enjoy a nice dinner at Caprae Restaurant, visit the goats, and visit their Farm Store for cheese and farm merchandise. There will be no charge for music and reservations are recommended for dining at Caprae. The featured artist is Merry Travelers and the event is Wednesday 5-8pm at the pavilion at Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery.

Click HERE to learn more! 

The House Tutoring Lounge: Free Finals Help Through June 4th

The House Tutoring Lounge is offering FREE finals help from May 17th through June 4th. The tutoring services will be offered at their Highland Park and Winnetka locations. The tutoring services are offered from 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

Click HERE to learn more!

This blog post highlights three inspiring stories of college athletes who are creating meaningful social change beyond the field. Not only do they juggle college athletics and academics but they also have left a positive impact on their community. Yasmine Mansi started SunBundle to provide gear to underserved communities, Alayna Burns and Brandon Hersh started the Duke Sustainable Athletics Group to make college athletics more sustainable, and Nathan Braaten and Taylor Ricci started Dam Worth It to end the stigma around mental health in college athletics.

Click HERE to read more!

Based originally in Champaign, Illinois and quickly expanding across the rest of the Midwest, we at Top Tier make it our goal to connect you and your kids to high quality and successful college athletes across every playing field. We are currently offering lessons for several different sports from an array of elite college athletes. As college sports are expanding and becoming more popular throughout the country, we want to guarantee our customers can benefit from this great opportunity to receive quality training with flexible times. Check out our website to learn more.

The correct answer is D! (source: ChatGPT)