DIA Awards | Spirit Award History | Oskee Awards
CHAMPAIGN, ILL. – Basketball star Tracy Abrams and softball player Jill Nicklas took home the Fighting Illini Spirit Awards Monday night at the annual Oskee Awards Celebration held at State Farm Center. The award goes to a male and female student-athletes who best exemplify the spirit, courage, effort and dedication of the Fighting Illini.
TRACY ABRAMS | Basketball
Abrams has persevered during his six-year journey on campus, showing true Fighting Illini spirit. He suffered a pair of bitter setbacks, with ACL and Achilles injuries that sidelined him for the entirety of back-to-back seasons. Abrams became an extension of the coaching staff during his time off the court, and after months of rehab, returned to the court to have a successful and healthy senior season. Abrams will leave the University of Illinois with a total of three degrees.
JILL NICKLAS | Softball
Nicklas demonstrates the power that student-athletes have on impacting our youth. She teamed with fellow Illini in creating the FANS program – standing for Fitness, Academics, Nutrition and Sportsmanship – an outreach program targeting local youth. She also participates in the 2nd & 7 Foundation, teaching students how to combat bullying. Nicklas has served as director for Jock James and was recently elected as president for the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
» View past Fighting Illini Spirit Award recipients
