Falling into Place has been the perfect docuseries to get fans ready for the start of the Illinois basketball regular season.
The Illini, which finished 22-12 last season, have been giving fans an inside look at the preparation of the women's basketball program. The series has analyzed every part of the program, from the coaching staff and the facilities to their nutrition, strength, and conditioning programs.
The final episode of Falling into Place, which was released on October 5, focused on the identity of the program and was the first episode to focus heavily on Shauna Green, Gretchen Dolan, and Maddie Webber.
The women's basketball program has built a championship-caliber identity during the Shauna Green era, led by two phrases that players and coaches have completely bought into. But what are those two phrases, and why do they mean so much to Illinois?
'One Way' and 'Every Day Woman' have become ways of life for Illinois basketball players
Every major college sports program has phrases that define its culture, and Illinois women's basketball is no different. The phrases 'one way' and 'every day woman' have become synonymous with the Illini, with their meanings extending into players' daily lives.
They have become important building blocks in the rebirth of the women's program, teaching players and staff there's only one way to do things: "through hard work, toughness, passion for your craft, and giving 100% every single day."
As Green said in episode 5, the culture is bright and noticeable amongst her team. This roster has bought into what she's built in Champaign, with well-respected veterans like Dolan and Webber becoming great examples of 'every day women.'
These phrases have resonated with Dolan and Webber, with the upperclassmen explaining how the lessons they've learned through basketball have shaped them on and off the court. They have built positive habits through the game that can be used in school and after graduation.
The identity of this team is certainly there, and they have the leadership to help keep it intact for years to come. Illinois just needs to take that identity and build on their success from the previous years.
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