Alli hustles her way to MVP award

Giving 100 percent isn't enough for Allison "Alli" Alberts, 20, of Smithton.

"When you're playing sports or whatever, the easiest thing to do is just give 110 percent. You might not make the shot, but you'll get the hustle award," said the Washington University junior who's majoring in biology and anthropology.

Alli, a 2005 graduate of Freeburg High School, has long blonde hair and a winning smiling.

Alli, whose nickname is "Alligator," inherited her mom's 1995 Mercedes when she needed a car for school.

Her winning attitude helped her finished in sixth place at the NCAA Division III national heptathlon this past spring and earned her most valuable player honors when Washington University's volleyball team won the NCAA Division III national volleyball championship.

Parents: Shari and Dean Alberts

Siblings: Megan, 22, and Ian, 8

Career goal: Become a dentist.

What was it like to hear your name announced MVP? "It was surreal. I didn't think I had the stats, but I show so much emotion when I play. We all do." Alli, an outside hitter, said she and teammates celebrate each time they score. "We all get crazy and make a fist and pick each other up on the floor," said Alli. Shari was excited for her daughter. "Her teammate had to push her out there when they called her name and (Alli) started crying."

Any pre-game rituals? "We all sit in a circle and play telephone. We say things about the other team to get pumped up, and we usually dance around to whatever warm-up music they're playing before the game. It's a great way to warm up."

Why compete in volleyball and track? "After high school, I said I was done running, but I missed it. By the second semester (of college), I had extra time and I was bored, so I talked to the coach about getting on the team."

She began training for the heptathlon which includes seven events: 100 meter hurdles, high jump, shot put and 200-meter run the first day, and the long jump, javelin throw and 800 meter run the second day.

How do you train for the heptathlon: "I've worked out with weights since high school, and the coach has us do five 250s (meter runs) with a 90-second rest in between."

What was the toughest event for you? "The 100-meter hurdles. I was so slow at it. I'm not a sprinter; I'm a mid-distance runner."

What is one of your favorite events? "I like the high jump. I make crazy faces before I land."

How do you balance homework with practice? "You have to be organized. When it's time for finals, you can either say, 'I'm going to get through it' or 'I'm going to get As.' I want to get As. With the volleyball nationals I've been out of class a lot so I had to get caught up. I just have to go to the library all day and study until it's done."

Favorite things: Cookies and cream ice cream, Bert from "Sesame Street" and her green car with the license plate Aligatr 5. "All my friends call me Bert because of Alberts and I have such a sweet tooth."

Tips for freshman with finals approaching? "Of course study and watch your portions when you eat late at night. If you want a quesadilla at 3 in the morning, have one, not five."

Did you change majors? "I went in thinking I wanted to be an engineer. I took the classes and did well, but I really wanted to work more with people. Now I'm majoring in biology and anthropology. They really go together."

Why study dentistry? "I love to see people smile and I love the confidence people have when they have a good smile. You can also set your hours and I want to have time to have a big family, four or five kids."

Copyright 2007 Belleville News-Democrat

•	Alli hustles her way to MVP award Belleville News-Democrat (IL), Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007 Byline: Jaime Ingle, News-Democrat

	Story also ran in 1 others:  McClatchy-Tribune News Service