CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Former Illini Christine Peacock (formerly Scott) was a two-time letterwinner (1999, 2000) that excelled on the course and in the classroom. She was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree (1998-2000) and George Huff Award winner during the 1999-2000 school year. The Lockport, Ill. graduated from UI with a B.S. in Speech and Hearing Science and M.A. in Audiology. She is currently an audiologist and owner of Naples Audiology and Hearing Center. Peacock resides in Naples, Fla. with husband Ryan and her children, Brooke (11 years old) and Scott (8 years old).

Why you chose Illinois?

It is hard to explain exactly why I chose Illinois. There was an immediate feeling when I got there. I loved the feeling of a Big Ten university and being able to play golf at Illinois was an honor. Paula Smith was the coach and made me feel very welcome during my recruiting trip. 

What is your favorite team memory?

I cannot pick just one! Traveling was always so much fun! So many laughs. I made lifelong friends from being on the golf team and being a part of the golf community in Champaign-Urbana.

What was your favorite campus spot?

The Quad is definitely my favorite spot.

How did the University of Illinois prepare you for your career?

Besides academics, I felt ready to move on in a social and professional way. Both in my clinical internships and being a part of the golf team prepared me for this. When in these situations you have to maintain a level of compassion for people and not afraid to be outgoing. You are always meeting new people. 

What has been the most valuable lesson you learned from your time at Illinois?

The most valuable thing I learned at Illinois is to never give up. I was not necessarily the best player on the team, but I always tried my best and had fun along the way. This attitude has continued to follow me through life with my career. In my career, I had a wonderful job, but after a move to a new state I needed to start my own business in order to do the job in a way I felt was right. That took a lot of courage and motivation. 

How has the alumni network impacted your experience during your time on campus and following graduation?

I have had the opportunity to attend some alumni events, which is also a great way to network with people.  There are surprisingly a lot of alumni events here in Naples, Florida! It also allowed me the honor to continue to play with and meet the current women's golf team from time to time. 

How did being a member of the Illinois women's golf team impact you?

Being a member of the golf team was an experience that I will always cherish. It allowed me to play golf, learn discipline, and meet great people. Being an Illini golfer is always very impressive when you talk about it with another fellow golfer. Living in Naples, Florida, golf is definitely a popular hobby and I find it is often an ice breaker and gives an instant connection between me and some of my patients. 

How would you describe your relationship with your teammates and coaches?

My coaches and teammates always had my health and happiness as my first priority. I felt like I had a surrogate mother and sisters! We always rooted for one another.

What skills did you gain/develop by being an Illini student-athlete?

Time management! I was able to maintain a good balance between academics, golf, and enjoying my time overall. 

What do you miss most from your time on campus?

I miss seeing my college friends and teammates.  When you move away, you always miss certain people and places. It is like a miniature city… you can walk everywhere and often see someone you know. I miss Papa Del's Pizza, The Cookie Jar, and walking around the quad. 

What advice would you like to share with our current team members?

Go to sporting events and support fellow Illini! Try new things and take it all in!  It goes so fast! 

What items are on your bucket list?

I have a couple of them... I would like to go to the Masters Tournament at Augusta and Italy.

When was the last time you were on campus?

I actually lived in Champaign/Urbana for 10 years post graduate school, so I did get to go to campus from time to time. Since moving to Naples, we still visit because we made very close friends there. We currently visit about once a year around the campus area. 

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