Erika King Assistant Athletic Trainer (Volleyball) | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Erika King Assistant Athletic Trainer (Volleyball) | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Illinois volleyball will commence its 2024 season at the Best Western Invitational, scheduled for August 30-31 at the Stroh Center in Bowling Green, Ohio. The Fighting Illini will face Cincinnati on Friday at 2 p.m. CT, with the match broadcasted on YouTube. On Saturday, Illinois will play against Bowling Green at 5 p.m. CT, airing on ESPN+.
The upcoming season marks the 51st for Illinois volleyball, boasting an overall record of 1,066-624-7 (.630). Head coach Chris Tamas begins his eighth season with a career record of 131-79 (.624).
Audio streams for both matches will be available on FightingIllini.com/live with Tim Ditman providing commentary.
Returning for her final season is two-time AVCA all-region selection and two-time All-Big Ten First Team member Raina Terry. Terry announced her return for a fifth year during Senior Day after Illinois' victory over Michigan in 2023. She led the Big Ten with 618 total points and finished third with 539 total kills last season. Her performance included ranking sixth nationally in kills per set (4.69) and seventh in points per set (5.37).
Terry also logged ten matches with 20 or more kills last season and registered three double-doubles. She became the first player in the Big Ten to reach 500 kills last year and now sits tenth all-time at Illinois with 1,634 career kills.
This season's roster features several new faces, including four freshmen: Kenzie Cogan, Ashlyn Philpot, Christine Pullen, and Laynie Smith; as well as four transfer students: Raegen Reilly, Averie Hernandez, Vivian Campbell, and Christina Martinez Mundo.
Notably, alum Jordyn Poulter represented Team USA at the Paris Olympics this summer, helping secure a silver medal. Poulter became only the second Fighting Illini volleyball alum to make two Olympic rosters.
Chris Tamas continues to lead Illinois into another competitive season after achieving notable success since his appointment in February 2017. His tenure includes four NCAA Tournament appearances and a trip to the Final Four in 2018.
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