Big Ten Sportsmanship Award Winners

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference announced on Wednesday 28 honorees named Outstanding Sportsmanship Award winners for the 2018-19 academic year, including Illini honorees David Craan (baseball) and Beth Prince (volleyball). These standouts were chosen from a group of more than 350 student-athletes honored throughout the academic year who had displayed positive sportsmanship. 

Baseball coach Dan Hartleb on Craan:
"David is involved in nearly everything in the athletic department and into the community, from SAAC to FCA to even photography for Illini Athletics social media. You will find David everywhere volunteering his time. He is everything you want in a student, teammate, community member and role model. David is a leader because of how he goes about his business every day."

Volleyball coach Chris Tamas on Prince:
"Beth completely embodies the Illini spirit. She is a leader on our team both on and off the court. On the court, she was a key member and leader on a historic Illini volleyball team. Off the court, she is a leader amongst her peers in both academics and community service. Beth represents the University of Illinois, Illinois athletics and the Illini volleyball program as best as anyone I have seen."

One member of each varsity sports team on every campus was chosen by his or her institution as a Sportsmanship Award honoree, and two Outstanding Sportsmanship Award winners were then selected from each institution. All of the Sportsmanship Award winners have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. In addition, these honorees must be in good academic standing and must have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting.