Identify Illinois Spotlight
2015-16 Archive | 2014-15 Archive
Identify Illinois is the DIA-branch of Inclusive Illinois, an organization dedicated to the University's commitment to cultivating a community at Illinois where everyone is welcomed, celebrated, and respected. Through education, engagement, and excellence, each voice creates the Inclusive Illinois Experience.
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Year: Senior
Hometown: Morton, Illinois
- 2015 Big Ten Men's Track & Field Athlete of the Year
- 2015 Big Ten Track Athlete of the Championships
- Won gold medals at 2015 Big Ten Outdoor Track & Field Championships in three events (400m, 4x100m, 4x400m)
- 2014 USTFCCCA 2nd Team All-American
- Has two brothers, Zach and Jacob
- Hobbies include: Basketball, football, skateboarding, listening to music, and playing video games
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Q: You are a native of nearby Morton, Illinois. What made the University of Illinois your collegiate choice?
Everyone out of my high school talks about going to U of I, so I already had a huge desire to attend school (here). Many of my best friends choose to attend this university, and after I contacted the track coach, I decided on U of I.
Q: What is your favorite Illini moment?
Winning B1G's my senior year.
Q: What are your goals for the end of this track season?
To gain All-American honors in the 4x100, 4x400, and 400m events at the national meet in Eugene, OR.
Q: You've had a ton of success throughout your track career at Illinois. Did you expect to have this much success, when you began as a freshman?
Upon my arrival at the University, I never would of imagined the success I have attained over the years. I'm thankful my teammates and coaches, but most of all, family that were there to share it with me.
Q: What is one fun fact about yourself that most people do not know?
I'm a computer nerd.
Q: What are your plans for life after Illinois?
I'm considering running post collegiate, but if not, I hope to continue to pursue my career in community health.
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Fred Hartville
Men's Gymnastics
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Year: Junior
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
- 2013 NCAA & Big Ten Vault Champion; All-American
- 2013 Illini All-Sport Male Newcomer of the Year
- School-record holder on the vault (15.550)
- Favorite athlete is Jackie Robinson
- Hobbies include watching funny videos, listening to music and hanging with friends
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Q: You are a native of Atlanta, Georgia. What made the University of Illinois your collegiate choice?
I chose to come to the University of Illinois, because it was ranked academically and had the family environment that I felt was unmatched.
Q: You were the 2013 NCAA Vault Champion as a freshman and you own the school-record (15.550) in the event. Did you expect such immediate success?
I did not expect such immediate success. I just came in trying to prove my spot on the team and in doing so the success came with it.
Q: You recently came out as the first open and active gay student-athlete at the University of Illinois. The support from your coaches and teammates has been documented. What helped you feel comfortable about sharing your story?
Having the general support from everyone around me helped me feel comfortable. I was able to feel confident and comfortable with myself; with that it gave me the courage to share my story to hopefully help someone else.
Q: In general, what advice would you give to other student-athletes in the collegiate world who feel like they cannot open up about their sexuality or do not feel comfortable speaking up?
My advice would be for them to find acceptance and comfort in themselves first. I felt it was much easier telling people and taking in their response when I was more comfortable with my sexuality to myself.
Q: With a senior season still to go, what goals do you have for yourself before your collegiate career ends?
I would love to add a team title in both the Big Ten and NCAA to my resume. I feel that would be a great way to end my gymnastics career.
Q: What is one fun fact about yourself that most people do not know?
I come from Creole ancestry, which is a mix of Native American, French, and African American.
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Pedrya Seymour
Women's Track & Field
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Year: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Nassau, Bahamas
- Native of Nassau, Bahamas
- Member of Bahamas National Team
- 2011-12 Bahamas All-Star Student-Athlete of the Year
- Hobbies include running, eating, singing, and dancing
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Q: You grew up in Nassau, Bahamas. What made the University of Illinois the right choice for you?
I was recruited by the former head coach of the women's track and field team. Although relatively far away from home, I know that the University of Illinois was the right choice for me because my education comes first and this is a recognized university everywhere, even throughout the Caribbean. Also, I was familiar with the former successes that the university women's track and field team has had and will continue to have.
Q: In your short time on-campus, what do you like most about Illinois (both as a student and as an athlete)?
As a student, what I like most about Illinois is the diversity on campus. From my first day of classes, I felt comfortable knowing that a lot of students traveled the same distance as me or even longer hours without their families. I also got a lot of help from the International services here on campus which made transitioning to campus even easier.
As an athlete, I really appreciate the amount of resources (academic and athletic) that the University offers for student-athletes.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
I have one brother, 30 years of age.
Q: Talk about your time with the Bahamas National Team. How was the experience?
I have had an opportunity to represent my country through sports, throughout the Caribbean region and as far as Europe since the age of 13 and will continue to do so. It is always a pleasure to give back to my country through sports.
Q: You are currently in DGS (Division of General Studies). Have you found a major of interest yet?
This spring, I am going to declare a communications major.
Q: What is one unique fact about yourself that even your teammates wouldn't know?
After the completion of my studies here at UIUC, I'm going to mortuary school to be a mortician.
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Isaiah Martinez
Wrestling
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Year: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Lemoore, California
- Attended Lemoore High School
- Hobbies include outdoors, swimming, and reading
- Majoring in Health Care Administration
- Three-time California state champion at three different weight classes (142, 152, 160)
- Currently ranked No. 2 in nation at 157 lbs.
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Q: You currently are ranked No. 2 in the country for your weight class. Did you expect to experience this much success this early in your collegiate career?
When I was getting recruited by our coaches, I always made it clear that I wanted to become a national champion as a freshman. I continued believed that I had the capacity to find success this early. Things really changed for me mentally during this last summer, it was almost like a switch flipped in my brain. From that point on I no longer hoped or just wanted to be this successful. It was almost like I knew this was going to happen, because all of the hard work I put in.
Q: You grew up in California. What were your reasons for choosing Illinois?
I had a few reason to choose Illinois instead of staying home in California. First, my coaches did an excellent job of recruiting me. I found something unique about our staff; their blend of coaching styles appealed to me. Second, Illinois is part of the most competitive and prestigious wrestling conference in the country. I always wanted to be a B1G athlete. Lastly, I felt like I fitted in here nicely when I visited campus. The dynamics of the team made it seem like I could transition at Illinois well
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
I have three siblings. I have one twin brother, an older brother and a younger sister.
Q: What is the best part about being an Illini wrestler?
I think the best part of being an Illini wrestler is being able to represent our school in front of the whole country. I don't think there is a better feeling than when I get to strap up my Illinois singlet and walk out on the Huff Hall floor to put on a show for all the fans. Having the opportunity to do things like has been a dream come true. I've wanted to do that since I was four years old.
Q: Who was your wrestling idol growing up and why?
Growing up, I really idolized Brent Metcalf. He was a former Iowa Hawkeye wrestler who won two NCAA national titles. I liked watching him because of the way he competed. He would always attack and put pressure. It was astounding how he could make his opponents wilt as the matches progressed.
Q: What are your goals for the rest of this wrestling season?
My goal for the rest of the season is to ascend to the number one wrestler in the country at my weight class. I want to defeat the rest of my opponents and become Illinois' first freshman NCAA National Champion.
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Title: Associate Director of Athletics, Academic Services
Hometown: Mililani, Hawaii
- Previously was the Director of Football Student-Athlete Development for the California Golden Bears; also was the Assistant Academic Director for student-athletes at Stanford University
- 22-time NCAA All-American in women's swimming
- Member of the U.S. National Team and held five UCLA swimming records
- Earned NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, Pac-10 Conference Postgraduate Scholarship, and Woody Hayes National Scholar-Athlete Award
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Q: You were a 22-time All-American at UCLA. How would you describe your time as a student-athlete?
A: My experience at UCLA was fabulous. I felt like I was able to balance my social, academic, and athletic demands fairly well. Additionally, having moved to LA from Hawaii, I think UCLA and the surrounding community was a good fit for me culturally. Academically, it took me a long while to figure out a major, but I am happy with my choice—African-American Studies. I enjoyed all of the classes for my major, along with the reading material, which helped a lot!
What is your favorite memory, as a student-athlete?
A: It's hard to pick one memory, as there were so many! Memorable moments that stick out include having morning swim workouts at the Rose Bowl on football game days, food excursions to Japan Town and China Town with teammates, eating the wide selection of wonderful food at the dorms after a hard workout, dual meets against our cross town rival (USC), and our team having an amazing meet at NCAA Championships my senior year (we placed 8th overall).
What helped you decide on a career in academic services?
A: I've always had a passion for helping student-athletes succeed in the classroom and in life. I love working with students—they give me energy and inspiration at the same time. Having been a former student-athlete myself, I struggled with finding a path academically and professionally, so I'd like to make that process easier for the students we serve here at Illinois.
Growing up in Hawaii and spending several years in California, what do you think of the Midwest?
A: I am amazed at how genuinely nice the people are in the Midwest. Surprisingly, the cold temperatures don't bother me much.
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: I have 3 brothers - one that's a federal prosecutor, one that's a tattoo artist and one that works for a union in Hawaii as a painter.
What are your goals for the academic services department this spring semester?
A: The student-athletes at Illinois never cease to amaze me. We consistently do better each semester as a whole, which is impressive. I want to continue improving our services each semester to ensure the continued overall success of our students.
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Year: Junior
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA - Attended Edward Bok Vo-Tech High School
- 6'6'' 295-pound defensive lineman
- Played junior college football at Globe Tech Junior College in New York
- No. 6 ranked junior college recruit in the nation
- Played wide receiver in high school
- Favorite athlete is NFL star Julius Peppers
- Majors in Recreation, Sport, & Tourism
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Q: You grew up in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Inquirer recently featured your path to Illinois in one of their stories. In short, what brought you here?
A: I chose to be in Illini, because I wanted to choose a school I was comfortable being at. I am also getting an excellent degree, while playing at the highest-level athletically in the Big Ten. You don't find that everywhere you go.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a starting defensive lineman for the Illini?
A: My favorite part of being a starting defensive lineman for the Illini is having fun with my teammates on and off the field and getting ready to play our opponents every Saturday. I also get to represent my Fighting Illini team. It truly is a blessing.
Q: What are your plans for time after Illinois?
A: I plan to go to the NFL for several years, and once I'm finished with football, I want to get involved with football. I want to be a college defensive lineman coach in the future. Furthermore, I want to set up a recreation center for the youth back in Philadelphia to help kids that have a similar background as me. My goal is to change children's lives in a positive way and help them get necessary supplies they need for school, while hopefully helping to get them into college.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: Yes I have two little brothers, ages 15 and 11, and two little sisters, ages 19 and 4.
Q: Are there any interesting facts about yourself that Illini Nation might now know?
A: I'm a big kid at heart and love to play around. I am really goofy. I think that everybody who is around me knows that I represent Philly.
Q: What is your favorite meal?
A: My favorite meal would be chicken with collard greens, some corn and macaroni and cheese. I also love Philly cheese steaks.
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Year: Senior
Hometown: Gilroy, California - Attended Gilroy High School
- Two-time NCAA National Champion (125 lbs.)
- Two-time Big Ten Champion (125 lbs.)
- Three-time All-American
- 2013 Big Ten Outstanding Wrestler of the Championships
- Has a 91-13 overall win-loss record (30-2 last season) at Illinois
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Q: You have won back-to-back National Championships and enter this season ranked No. 1 in your weight class (125-lbs.). With all the success you've had, what will your goals for this season be?
A: To reach my full potential, whatever that may be. If I can just focus on doing that, I'm pretty confident I can win (again) in March. It's a long, mentally and physically, taxing season being in the Big Ten, but ultimately, it comes down to winning five matches in March.
Q: You grew up in California. What made you decide to commit to Illinois?
A: I have really good chemistry with my coaches. I'm really close with them. When Jeremy and I are both focused, we come up with the best strategies and game plans in the country. I'm also very close with Mark, and he's been my mentor. I have taken every word he says to heart, since I was a senior in high school.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being an Illini wrestler?
A: I love my friends and teammates. The wrestling community is a different environment from most sports on campus, and most of us have been doing this since we were five years old; working with our dads. Our team can relate to each other in so many ways. From inside jokes about kids tournaments growing up to missing holidays because we are training. It's a really special bond we get to share.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: I have a brother who is a freshman in high school and a two-year old sister. My brother wrestles for his high school team competitively, and my sister plays kitchen, for fun.
Q: You recently participated in a public service announcement (which will air publically on Dad's Weekend) on the U of I campus that called for your U of I peers to help end sexual assault. How did that opportunity come about, and why did you decide to participate?
A: It was a pretty cool thing that I got to do with a lot of our athletes around campus to raise awareness about an issue that is a problem on college campuses across the country.
Q: What are your plans for life after Illinois?
A: I plan on sticking around to coach, and hopefully help the team to a title at the national tournament.
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Sarah Hartwell
Women's Basketball
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Year: RS Junior
Hometown: Tacoma, Washington; attended Bellarmine Prep HS
- Helped lead her HS track & field team to back-to-back state championships in 2008 and 2009
- Aspires to be an ESPN analyst or a women's basketball coach
- Academic All-Big Ten Honoree
- Started 20 games for the Illini as a redshirt-sophomore
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Q: Do you have any brothers and sisters?
A: I have an older brother, Thomas Hartwell, who ran track at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. He graduated last spring with a Bachelor's Degree in Business. He is my best friend.
Q: You began your collegiate career at Georgia Tech. What brought you to Illinois?
A: Besides the University of Illinois being a great school, the coaching staff was really welcoming. They were also new to Illinois, when I decided to transfer, so I was excited about being a part of the rebuilding process. They care about the players and believe in player development. I enjoy being a student of the game, and I also wanted to be pushed mentally and physically. Before moving to Washington, I lived in Bolingbrook, IL, for about three years; not to mention, my mom is originally from Joliet, IL. Being closer to family has also been extremely nice.
Q: What is your favorite Illini moment thus far?
A: My favorite Illini moment thus far is beating Seton Hall at home after being down over 20 points in the second half. We didn't plan on digging ourselves in a hole, but it was fun battling back as team to get the W.
Q: What are your thoughts on the upcoming 2014-15 season?
A: I am extremely excited about this upcoming season. Everyone is getting better individually, and we have a variety of weapons in every position. We have three really good freshmen that joined us this year, plus another transfer that will help us right away. There are other players that had to sit out last year due to injury or because of transferring that will also add a lot of value. As a team, we are improving every day and expecting to have a great season.
Q: You were asked by the Communication Department to be a Teaching Assistant (TA) this semester. How did that offer come about and are you enjoying the experience?
A: I was asked to be a TA by Professor Costello, who was my professor for CMN 211 (Business communication). After doing well in the course, he asked if I wanted to be a TA for him in this fall for his CMN 101 class. Before taking his course, I wasn't really interested in speaking in front of people, but he helped me improve my public speaking skills and gave me tips to overcome stage fright. Being a TA is allowing me to continually improve my communication skills and get outside of my comfort zone. I am responsible for taking notes during class and providing feedback to the students on their speeches. I will also occasionally present some material to the class throughout the semester. For example, my upcoming assignment is to do a lecture on visual aids.
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Year: Junior
Hometown: Kingdom of Tonga, a small island in the south Pacific by Fiji and Samoa
- Has three brothers and two sisters
- Enrolled at Illinois in January 2014
- Full name is Siosifa Fotu
- No. 11-ranked JUCO defensive end in the nation in 2013
- Majoring in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism
- Wants to be a firefighter
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Q: What made you decide to commit to Illinois?
A: There were many reasons why I committed to Illinois. Honestly, just being different and being the first Tongan to come here to the University of Illinois football program was a lot of it. The guys on the team were also great when I was on my official visit. Another big reason was that I will get to compete at the highest-level athletically and get a really good education here at a Big Ten institution.
Q: What is you favorite "Illini moment," to this point?
A: I have only been here since January, but my favorite Illini moment, so far, was running out of the tunnel on my first game here this fall against Youngstown State. There was smoke everywhere, and I felt like a star.
Q: What are your goals for this season?
A: My goal for this season is to make every play count and not to waste a snap. I also want to be Academic All-Big Ten.
Q: You recently went viral with the "Haka" dance at practice. What is the history of the dance?
A: The Haka is a traditional ancestral war cry, dance or challenge from the Maori people of New Zealand. It is used to hype up a group of people or a team before they compete. The Haka is performed a lot in Rugby and is slowly getting popular in football.
