By Adriana Betancourt
For Jakub Drazek, also referred to as “Kuba,” soccer was never just a sport. It was part of his identity long before he stepped onto a collegiate field.
His father played professionally in Poland, Germany and the United States. Growing up in a Polish community, Drazek was immersed in the game from a young age. His dad not only inspired him but also coached him.
“I always knew about soccer,” Drazek shares. “My dad’s journey shaped my approach to the game doing everything at 100%, leaving it all out there and taking chances.”
That mentality didn’t just shape him as a player. It shaped his character.
“It influenced the way I operate as a person with a high work ethic, putting care into what I do, and trying to make the most of every opportunity,” he said.
Earning the Opportunity
Drazek competed in district leagues, academy systems and travel programs throughout his youth. By age 16, he was invited to play at the regional level for Major League Soccer, playing for FC United.
Then, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted recruiting cycles across the country.
During his senior year, exposure opportunities narrowed. But an NIU soccer coach scouted Drazek and opened the door to Division I soccer at Northern Illinois University.
NIU checked every box: Competitive Division I soccer, strong academics, affordability and the campus was close to his family’s home in Des Plaines, Illinois.
“It was the right balance,” he said. As a first-generation college student, Drazek understood the weight of the opportunity.
Throughout his undergraduate years, he embraced both independence and academic rigor, even entering college with AP coursework already completed. He graduated in May 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in sport management and a minor in sport sales.
He credits NIU professors for playing a major role in his development.
“They were always willing to help,” he said. “They really want students to succeed.”
That support system is one reason he chose to continue at NIU to pursue his MBA.
MBA Mindset: Discipline Meets Leadership
Now an in-person MBA student while competing in Division I athletics, Drazek’s schedule is busy. He juggles classes during the day, study sessions between commitments, and team lifts and training with full-day game travel.
“The discipline is what makes it work,” he said. “Before my day starts, I already know what it’s going to look like.”
His organizational skills keep him ahead of deadlines and due dates, and his discipline keeps him consistent even when he’s tired. All the while, the MBA program has deepened his understanding of management, leadership and motivation.
“You learn what motivates you. You learn the importance of relationships and how to work with others,” Drazek said.
During his MBA education, he has also become more aware of how he represents himself – not just as an athlete but as a professional.
“I’m my own leader. I have to lead myself first,’” he said.
A Scholar and Leader
Drazek’s performance hasn’t gone unnoticed. He earned Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Soccer Scholar-Athlete First Team honors last semester – a recognition reserved for starters or key contributors maintaining a 3.50+ GPA. It’s a reflection of what many don’t see behind Division I athletics.
“(People don’t know) how much of a grind it really is,” he says. “It’s a privilege, but it’s earned, not given.”
Between the physical toll of competition and the mental demands of academics, resilience becomes non-negotiable.
“Long days turn into longer weeks and months. You have to attack each day no matter how you feel.,” he said.
As a member of NIU’s Captain’s Council, Drazek plays a key role in representing and upholding team standards.
“To me, leadership starts with accountability,” he said. “When you consistently show a high standard, it reflects you and the program.” But leadership also means connection. He added, “The more connected you are with people, the more trust you build and that matters when you rely on each other.”
Experience beyond the Classroom and the Field
Drazek brings a unique blend of athletic and professional experience to the table.
As an assistant youth coach with HDS Eagles Soccer Academy and through his internship with DeKalb County United, he has mentored young athletes, led training sessions and helped create growth-focused environments.
“Coaching is about connecting with different kinds of kids and being there for them,” he said.
He also built experience in business operations and sales as a team store and merchandise specialist for the Schaumburg Boomers, a sales representative at Vector Marketing and internship focused on player development and event coordination.
Each role strengthened his communication skills, adaptability and leadership presence. Fluent in both English and Polish, he leverages his bilingual abilities to bridge cultures and build relationships as an asset in both sports and business environments.
Peers describe Drazek as disciplined, resilient and deeply committed. Even after facing injury, he maintained focus, positivity, and drive refusing to let setbacks define him.
That resilience shows how he approaches losses on the field.
“Next play, next game,” he said. “What’s in the past can’t be changed.”
When asked what he hopes people remember about him at NIU, his answer is simple:
“At the end of the day, I just hope I had a positive impact on people.”
