CHAMPAIGN — The opening lyrics to R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" interrupt the echo of players dribbling basketballs inside an otherwise empty State Farm Center.
Jordin Sparks' "No Air" follows as the next tune blaring through the speakers.
Forty-eight hours before the Illinois women's basketball team begins its second season under coach Nancy Fahey, the mood is light around practice.
For upperclassmen, like seniors Jaelyne Kirkpatrick and Alex Wittinger and redshirt junior Cierra Rice, they are looking to lead the program to its first winning season since the 2012-2013 season.
The trio has endured plenty of adversity in their Illinois careers.