Athletics

What makes him the fastest half-miler in UCI history? A brilliant desire to be the best.

Lalita Patipaksiri became the first UC Irvine women’s golfer to be chosen to participate with the prestigious NCAA All-Star Golf Team, which will tour Asia this summer.

Undergraduate and tennis standout Kristina Smith comes from an extended family of UCI alumni that includes her grandmother Mary Myers, mother Maria Smith, nine aunts and uncles, and a cousin or two.

Rey Buack is among 10 percent who survive ruptured aortic aneurysm, thanks to UC Irvine Medical Center surgeons.

Senior Jade Smith-Williams, linchpin of the women’s basketball revival, looks forward to a law career.

Ten years ago, UCI baseball returned,and with a College World Series appearance in 2007 and a stretch as the No. 1 team in the country in 2009, today stands as one of the best programs in the nation.

Men's volleyball coach John Speraw and his team face significant challenges – such as the nation’s most difficult schedule – in their pursuit of their third NCAA title in five years.

Undergraduate earns high marks in figure skating competitions and in school. Elegant on the ice, she could be on her way to Olympic glory.

In the past year, UC Irvine students, staff and faculty have stepped up in the face of continuing budget challenges and fee increases with innovation, drive and talent. The result? Research breakthroughs, national honors, global outreach, sports firsts – even a Guinness world record. Here are some top 2010 stories.