As teams and athletes compete in the Big Ten Tournament and look forward to the chance at a conference or national title, players and coaches set a multitude of goals. Student-athletes look to achieve new personal bests or to succeed on their sports biggest stages, but for Michigan State senior Chris Hill, his goals are not solely centered on his success on the hardwood.

A finance-major with a 3.75 GPA, the senior guard was recently named the 2005 "ESPN The Magazine" Academic All-American of the Year, an accolade whose importance was not lost on Hill's coach. "We are very proud of what Chris has accomplished on the court, but even prouder of what he's been able to accomplish in the classroom," Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo said. "I feel honored to have coached the Academic All-American of the Year."

The Spartans, currently ranked No. 10, are shooting for a return trip to the Final Four, a spot they haven't been to since back-to-back trips in 2000 and 2001, but coming into the season, Hill had a goal of his own. "When I came to Michigan State, my goal was to become an Academic All-American. It wasn't until last year that I even knew that there was a single person honored," Hill admitted. "Even still, my goal going into this season was just to become an Academic All-American."

This year marks the third time that Hill was honored as an Academic All-American, and the second consecutively that he made the first team, but don't be fooled, all of his time is not spent in a book or the library. Hill, who has seen time as a starter and as the sixth-man for Izzo, averaged just a hair under 10 points and 4.5 assists per game this year. It is evident that East Lansing has provided Hill an opportunity to succeed on a multitude of levels. "Michigan State has been a great place for me to excel academically and athletically."

Despite all of the time and effort he puts into both basketball and class, Hill also finds time to give back through a number of volunteer organizations. He has worked with Teams for Toys, a program sponsored by Toys `R' Us that purchases and wraps gifts for needy families and has been involved with a program in which he has gone trick-or-treating with children suffering from cancer.

In the Spartans' Big Ten quarterfinal loss to Iowa, Hill had a steady game providing four points, five rebounds, and an assist on the night, including a very memorable plays.  Late in the first half, Hill intercepted a Hawkeye pass and took the ball the length of the court, finishing the play with a nifty reverse lay-up. The game provided one of the most exciting finishes in Big Ten Tournament history with the Hawkeyes holding on 71-69.

A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Hill was selected to the All-Big Ten Second Team last season in addition to receiving MSU's Scholar-Athlete Award, but the environment created at Michigan State is not the only reason for his success, either in the classroom or in the gym. "I have to give a lot of credit to my parents for instilling the work ethic and discipline in me, both academically and athletically. They taught me the importance of setting goals and keeping sight on them through ups and downs."

Clearly his up-bringing and experiences have combined to make Chris Hill an example to show all young athletes that one's hard work should not be reserved exclusively for the gymnasium, but should be carried into the classroom as well.

Despite the loss, the Spartans still maintain a strong position heading into the Big Dance. Michigan State will now have to wait until Sunday to learn their seeding for the NCAA tournament.