Ally Sarussi’s one-and-done year at UIC was one to remember.
The 2020 Lyons graduate transferred from Washington University in St. Louis and capped her one season as a Flame by finishing third in the 1,500 meters at the Missouri Valley Conference Outdoor Championships held on May 17-18 at Southern Illinois.
Her time of 4 minutes, 19.35 seconds was a program record and made her UIC women’s track and field’s first All-MVC honoree.
“I think everyone who’s always coached me would say that I’m pretty determined,” Sarussi said. “You’ve got to be really strong to run these middle-distance races because they’re pretty painful and not always physically fun. Even training for them is pretty grueling.
“My determination and my perseverance through hard workouts and hard races (are my strengths). I’m always excited to take on those challenges and I think that’s what makes me excel at these distances. … I’ve always been competitive since I was young and having that drive is really helpful and I know what it takes.”
When UIC held its 12th annual Sparky Awards this spring, Sarussi took home plenty of hardware. The LaGrange resident was chosen UIC’s Female Newcomer of the Year, as well as the MVP for women’s track and field in both the indoor and outdoor seasons.
Sarussi also ran the 800 and mile for UIC while also participating in the 4×400 relay, which set a program record at the MVC meet (3:52.92). She also was a member of the Flames’ cross country team in the fall of 2024.
“Winning these awards is exciting,” Sarussi said. “I know I’ve put in a lot of work here, and coming from WashU where we had a really strong track team. It’s cool to come here and lead the group.
“Getting that award just shows how I came to UIC and made some things happen in the track program and that’s a good reflection of all the work that we’ve been putting in.”
Sarussi, who competed this season as a grad student, is pursuing her doctorate in physical therapy with a goal of becoming a physical therapist.
“I really like the idea of patient care,” Sarussi said. “I like working with patients one-on-one and helping them reach their goals. That’s definitely something that drew me to it.
“I love figuring out how the body works and how the body moves and whether that’s with someone running or even just getting out of bed. It’s really cool to see people reach those milestones on many different levels.”
● Millikin shortstop Ava Zukowski (Stagg) was named to the 2025 All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Second Team in softball. The Palos Heights native started all 39 games this season, batting .336. She added 20 runs, seven doubles and 19 RBI while stealing seven bases.
● Also honored was Illinois Wesleyan freshman utility player Riley McDoniel (Sandburg), who was named a CCIW Respect Award recipient. The Orland Park resident appeared in 23 games for the Titans this season, scoring nine runs and driving in two more.