Dec. 2, 2002

If you believe that winning breeds winning, then the University of Illinois women's basketball team has players in place to win big in the near future. Freshman Maggie Acuna is one in a long list of players from championship programs on the current Illini roster.

Acuna led Hinsdale Central to the Illinois Class AA title in 2002. Fans in Champaign got an early look at just how special of a player Acuna will be for the Illini. Acuna had seven steals and seven assists in Hinsdale's 51-29 victory over Champaign Centennial in the quarterfinals. She then added seven assists and five steals in a semifinal victory over Lake Zurich and seven more assists in the state title game against Marian Catholic.

"The experience was just unbelievable," said Acuna. "I have that same type of dream here, only instead of being the champion of a state, we would be champions of the nation."

Besides Acuna, Jessica Wright led Indianapolis Cathedral to back-to-back Indiana state championships in 2000 and 2001. Sophomore Jer? Issenmann was a major cog for Mason High School en route to the 2000 state title in Ohio and second place in the nation.

Junior Allison Guth was a starter and scored seven of the nine points in overtime to lead Buffalo Grove to the Illinois state title in 1999, ironically defeating Chicago Washington and Angelina Williams, in the title game. Most every player on the team came from programs that also went deep into the state playoffs.

What did Acuna learn from the journey towards the title? "That in order to be successful, you have to have great team chemistry, which I believe we have this year at Illinois," she said. "You have to be able to trust each other throughout the year."

Acuna had the opportunity to come to campus this summer, taking a class on atmospheres and another in human development. "It's good to get some college experience under my belt," Acuna said. "The team had a chance to play a lot this summer and is really coming together."

Although just 5-6, Acuna stands tall. Brett Leonard, a 5-5-redshirt junior, has been a mentor to the freshman. "She's been like a big sister to me," Acuna said. "She has taught me a lot of things that will help in getting through college."

Most of the players were able to stay on campus and play every day. What impression does Acuna have about this year's Illini? "We are very team-oriented," she said. "Individually we are working hard and pushing each other. Ultimately, whoever's the best will be on the court."

As far as Issenmann is concerned, there is no doubt that when Acuna talks team, she is not just blowing smoke. "Maggie is the most unselfish person I've ever played with," Issenmann said. "She knows how to get people involved. She'd rather throw the perfect pass to help you score than score herself."

Issenmann has an admiration of the point guard spot, having had to learn the position as a college freshman because of a lack of depth at the position a year ago. "Last year it was like I had to learn basketball all over again," said Issenmann. "I have an appreciation for how difficult it is to play the point, and Maggie is really talented at it."

Acuna admits that winter is her favorite season, and she enjoys skiing in Colorado. Basketball, however, is her focus now when it comes to the frigid months. Because of players like Acuna, it may seem more like summer, as there should be a lot of fireworks on the court inside Assembly Hall this winter.