During his time at Illinois, junior linebacker Kenenna Odeluga has won his fair share of accolades, both academically and football-wise.
But the award that has the most resonance for the 2021 Mount Carmel graduate is being one of the Illini’s two nominees for the Big Ten’s inaugural Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award.
“Personally, this is very humbling,” Odeluga said. “It’s not something that you go out wanting to achieve like you’re striving to win this award. But it’s something that through the impact you’ve made throughout your community, you’re blessed enough to be bestowed such an honor.
“This is something that you don’t take lightly. You know the amount of thought that went into this and that this isn’t something that has anything to do with ability and talent. It has to do with the effort that you put into the things that you’re passionate for and the people you want to impact.”
Each Big Ten institution can nominate two student-athletes, one male and one female. The conference will select two Jackie Robinson Community & Impact award winners from the 36 nominations and announce them this spring. All remaining nominees will be recognized with individual awards for their contributions to their local communities.
“One thing that our coach always says is that ‘To whom much is given, much is expected,’ Odeluga said. “When I think about all the blessings and all the things I have that I’ve been given in my life and with football and with everything that’s happened to this point — one thing that has never ceased is my willingness always to help out whenever I can and whenever I see an opportunity to help out.
“One of those things that comes with that is charity work and volunteering. Or maybe if you see someone carrying a box and you help them get it where it needs to go. At the end of the day, it’s just being willing to help out with your time and your energy.”
As for the source of Odeluga’s interest in charitable endeavors, the finance major cites the example provided by his parents, Kanayo and Chinyere.
“My parents are people who have always given back their whole life,” Odeluga said. “They’ve done several charity missions and volunteer opportunities. They’ve done donations and things where they’re able to make a difference and an impact by using the gifts they have in any way they can.
“That was something that was instilled in us when we were young and that we experienced when we were young. You don’t really get the importance of it, but as you get older, you see more and more why they did that. It’s definitely something that my parents were a great inspiration and a great model for. It’s something that just comes second nature in a sense.”
● Two local athletes on Lewis’ women’s basketball team have earned all-conference honors in the Great Lakes Valley.
Redshirt senior guard Jenna Badali (Mother McAuley) was chosen to the first team. The Oak Lawn resident was tied for first in 3-pointers made (41) while leading the Flyers in assists (4.1 apg). She was second in steals (38) and scoring (10.8 ppg) and fifth in rebounding (3.6 rpg).
Sophomore guard Ally Cesarini (Lyons) was selected to the second team. She paced Lewis in rebounds (6 rpg) and steals (48). The LaGrange resident was third in scoring (10.2 ppg) and assists (2.2 apg).
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