Dec. 22, 1999

by Mike Koon, Illinois Athletic Public Relations

Few athletes have the self-discipline of Kristi Faulkner. Given a summer conditioning program by the Illinois coaching staff, Faulkner worked day in and day out. She didn't need a partner. The will to improve was the only motivating force for this 18-year-old.

The drill is nothing new for the native of Glen Ellyn, Ill. She's been playing basketball since the first grade and rarely missed a day to practice. For two hours or as long as it takes, Faulkner does nothing but shoot and doesn't quit until she's made--not attempted--the goal for the day. How many is that?

"Usually between 200 and 500," she says. "Besides shooting, I'm real big on the fundamentals."

Even while vacationing in Florida, she and her father, Todd, found a recreation center to work out in, and in Colorado she says she usually found a place to practice. "Early on my dad told me that if you put in a certain amount of time each day, that it's going to make you better," she said.

Her work ethic caught the eye of the Illini coaches. "I loved her early in her career," said Head Coach Theresa Grentz. "When she moved the ball on the left side, she fluidly used her left hand. Kristi played hard and had a beautiful smile."

Even as a college freshman, Faulkner has the confidence to hit shots from the outside. In her first two collegiate games, Faulkner made five of six shots from the floor. For the season, Faulkner made six of her first 15 three-point attempts and six of her first free throws.

Grentz notes that Faulkner is constantly in the gym. "She's practicing during the day, at night, before practice, after practice. She simply loves the game of basketball."

Her performances are legendary in DuPage County, where she holds the county scoring record (2,417 points). Faulkner led Glenbard West to a 56-13 record during her final two seasons, and in her senior year, her club finally accomplished its goal of knocking off nemesis Benet Academy for the sectional title. Then, in the state quarterfinal against Salem, Faulkner hit the game-winning shot, sending the Hilltoppers to the Final Four.

"We were thrilled to be downstate," Faulkner said. "We set a goal, we met it. That's what's most gratifying about sports."

The love affair between Faulkner and the University of Illinois was mutual.

"I've always pictured being at Illinois." Faulkner said. "It's great to play for someone like Coach Grentz. I really fit in with the players. We're comfortable on and off the court."

Like teammates Dawn Vana, Shavonna Hunter and Karen Hagberg, Faulkner played for the AAU team coached by Maine West High School coach Darril Kipp. It was Kipp who gave Illinois the first tip on Faulkner.

Faulkner gave an early oral commitment to Illinois, then concentrated on having as productive a senior season as possible at Glenbard West. The result for this guard were giant numbers... 24.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.0 steals. Her shooting stats were incredible for a player who always drew the best defensive player from her opponent--51 percent from the field and 86 percent from the line.

One thing is for sure: Faulkner didn't need convincing to buy into the Grentz philosophy that championships are won in the summer. She's been doing it for years. As a result, Faulkner has not backed away from open shots, and, after focusing on ballhandling in her summer workouts, commited just five turnovers in her first 96 minutes of action.

Grentz sums up her prized guard by saying, "Kristi Faulkner has a great future ahead of her. She is in the process of getting acclimated to college, which all freshmen have to do. On the court that has meant playing some of the best teams in the country, and she's held her own very well."