Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Jillian Giller, New Trier wrestling

Jillian Giller is a senior wrestler at 140 pounds for the Trevians. She qualified for the state finals as a sophomore and junior and will continue wrestling for Illinois Wesleyan University after high school.

1. Do you have any prematch or premeet rituals?

Yes, I listen to the same song before all of my matches. “Hotel Room Service” by Pitbull. Every match I have to listen to it at least once.

2. Why Illinois Wesleyan?

The academics there are really strong and the wrestling program, even though it just started, I can tell it’s going to get bigger. It’s also not too far from home.

3. How did you get into wrestling?

I got into it through my dad (Scott Giller). We did Brazilian jiu-jitsu for a while. And then in seventh grade, there was an open mat (event) at middle school — Highcrest, but I was at Wilmette Junior High at the time. My dad said, ‘You should go.’ I thought, ‘OK sure.’ I went and loved it so much I kept going back.

4. If you could try another sport, what would it be?

Probably rugby. The team feel, though wrestling has kind of a team feel, and the contact in (rugby) reminds me of wrestling.

5. What makes you a successful wrestler?

I honestly think just developing a mindset that I can be the best and that everybody is beatable. For the longest time, my mindset was holding me back. Now I go into every match thinking I could win. Once I got that mentally, wrestling felt so much easier and honestly so much more fun.

6. What is your favorite thing to do off the mat?

Probably either play guitar or reading. I’ve been playing (guitar) since fourth grade.

7. What has been your sports highlight so far?

Probably the most memorable moment was winning the sectional last year. I just remember the year before, my sophomore year, my goal was to qualify for state. Last year, I went into the sectional thinking I was capable of winning and I can do this. I was so pumped when I won, I gave my dad the biggest hug after.

8. If you’re in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

Probably a Gatorade (red) and some sort of protein bar, whatever is there.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

Sports-wise, I’ve been in some form of martial arts since I was 7. Something about it has always drawn me in. First it was karate; I thought it was so cool. It wasn’t just like ‘I can beat people up,’ but I can defend myself. Then it was jiu jitsu and I really enjoy grappling. It made me feel a different type of happy. When I started wrestling, I was like, ‘I think this is my thing.’

10. What are your goals to finish off this season?

I want to win the regional again, win sectionals again and win state. I feel like I’m capable of winning state or placing really high, but my big goal is winning state.

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