Jennie Lillis '04 Communications Studies

Hometown: Urbandale, Iowa

When Jennie Lillis was was growing up in Urbandale, Iowa, and playing basketball at Dowling Catholic High School in Des Moines, she dreamed of one day being an Iowa Hawkeye.

Fortunately, thanks in part to the recruiting edge that loyal Hawkeye fans give the UI, Jennie's not just a Hawkeye now -- she's one of the best all-around players the University has had.

Jennie's full-ride athletics scholarship was key to bringing her to Iowa. And ongoing I-Club support -- which helps cover equipment, academic counseling, sports medicine, facilities improvement, and other vital costs for the Hawkeyes -- aids in her development as both a student and an athlete.

Jennie, an all-Big Ten forward, is in the top ten in Hawkeye career rebounding and scoring. She was named the team's Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2002-2003, and as one of the Hawkeye squad's tri-captains, her leadership on and off the court is essential. Equally important, Jennie is an academic all-Big Ten selection.

She's quick to point out the role that Iowa's legendary fans play in her life as a Hawkeye.

"Fan support was a major reason for my coming to Iowa," Jennie says. "I grew up a Hawkeye fan, so I knew what Iowa fans are like. And it means a lot to know that I-Club members would give financially to help out my teammates and me. We really do know what they do for us, and I could never thank them enough."

Not only do Iowa fans get the thrill of having a top-caliber player like Jennie wearing the black and gold, but there are long-term benefits for her as well.

As Jennie says, no matter where her career leads her, "I'll always be a Hawkeye at heart."

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