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Matt Soltys (N) and some friends helped show their appreciation for retiring head coach Don Hardin at last year's NCAA Tournament.
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Throughout the season, fans will get a chance to meet members of the Spike Squad, the student cheering section at Illini volleyball. Last Friday, the Spike Squad anchored a student turnout of nearly 1,600 as the Illini defeated Cincinnati as part of 'Stuff Huff.
Name: Matt Soltys
Hometown: Chatham, IL
Major: Molecular & Cellular Biology
Career plans: Work with athletes as an athletic trainer or a doctor.
Favorite Illini Volleyball Moment thus far: A group of ten guys and I drove to Purdue on a Wednesday night and watched the Illini beat the Boilermakers. The ten of us were as loud as the whole Purdue's student section.
What I look forward to the most at a match: Being as loud as I can be, and getting in the other team's heads.
I get pumped for games by showing up early and talking to other fans about the upcoming match.
Favorite University of Illinois tradition: Singing the Alma Mater after a victory.
As a fan, I'm best known for when my friends and I painted WE LOVE DON on our chests after Illinois volleyball coach Don Hardin announced his retirement from coaching.
Favorite Professional Sports Team: The Bears
Food I can't live without: Oatmeal Creme Pies
Best movie I've see recently: Miracle on Ice
Fun fact about me: I did not miss one day of high school ever (even Sr. skip day).
