Check out Bizzari's Big Ten tale here

In her words

We asked women's Athlete of the Year Angela Bizzarri to describe why her time at Illinois is so special:

Initially, my decision to come to the University of Illinois hinged on the school's superior reputation in academics as well as the track and field team. I will always be thankful for both as they will help me greatly in the future.

However, my memories at Illinois will not be focused on what I learned or how much athletic success I achieved but the many little experiences I have had.

I will remember running for hours with teammates and doing the Chief Illiniwek dance at basketball games. I will remember beach volleyball on a long summer night and studying hours on end for final exams. I will remember Illinois as the place where I learned to live on my own, to cook and clean poorly, and to keep track of myself.

However, I know that these memories couldn't be achieved without the resources that the UI provides to help me accomplish all of these things. If I want to be a better cook, they have classes for that, or if I need help with a resume, there are people to help. I have grown accustomed to these resources and would be a different person without the things the university has provided me.

For this reason, the UI will always be a crucial chapter in my life.

Coming from the Cincinnati area, I never knew that by going to Illinois I would find so many supportive alumni from across the country. If I wear a UI shirt in my hometown, I will usually get a word of encouragement from someone who graduated from the university.

Initially, I wondered why people are so friendly and why they feel connected to a stranger wearing an orange and blue Illinois shirt. Now I understand and feel part of the many generations who experienced and found their independence at the UI.

While I didn't grow up loving the Illini, it has become my own tradition and a place where I started my own life. The friends and alumni that I have met while at the university will always be a part of my extended UI family.