Heptathlete Melissa Wullschleger is the first Illini in 13 years to win the honor of Big Ten Freshman of the Year, since Olympian Ashley Spencer.
Wullschleger’s latest award adds to a growing list of distinctions from her freshman year, including earning the title of an All-American.
Earlier this month at the NCAAs, the Switzerland native placed fourth in the heptathlon, earning a new program record of 5,928 points.
There, Wullschleger also placed third in javelin throw. That throw is now the third-best in program history at 44.20m.
She also broke into the top ten for the long jump. Her 5.96m jump earned her the tenth place spot.
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At the indoor Big Ten Championship, she scored 3,984 points — the fourth-best pentathlon score in program history.
“Melissa’s growth throughout the season was incredible and the Big Ten made the right pick for this award,” said Petros Kyprianou, director of track, field and cross country, in a Fighting Illini statement. “From a seventh-place finish at the Big Ten indoor meet to fourth place and All-American at the NCAA outdoor meet; I’m tremendously proud of her and her accomplishments. It was no accident; she’s one of the hardest workers on the team and takes coaching extremely well. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her in this program!”
With this being Wullschleger’s first year, Illini fans can expect much more from her as she progresses as an Illini athlete.
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