Chambana Sun

Illinois head coach Chris Tamas has announced the addition of two new recruits to the University of Illinois Fighting Illini women's volleyball team for the class of 2026. Maya Harris and Madi Miles have both signed Big Ten Athletics Aid Agreements, officially joining the program.

"Both Madi and Maya have been exceptional for their school and club teams, playing at the highest level," said Tamas. "They have a strong competitive spirit and the skills to back it up. We are excited to add them as official members of the Fighting Illini today."

Maya Harris, from Angola, Indiana, is an outside hitter who has received multiple honors throughout her high school career. She was named to the Northeast Corner Conference All-Conference First Team for four years (2022-25), earned four KPC All-Area selections, and was part of the Northeast Indiana All-District First Team for four years. In 2024, she shared KPC Co-Player of the Year with her sister Ava and made the All-State First Team that year as well. Harris also holds several school records including kills in a match (38), season (675), and career (1,801), along with records for aces in a match (20), season (177), and career (434). She appeared three times on the AVCA Phenom Watch List, was named 2025 Week 6 AVCA Player of the Week, earned AVCA All-Region honors in 2025, led Indiana in kills in 2024 with 676, finished second in kills in 2025 with 637, led Indiana in aces in 2025 with 177, ranked fourth nationally in aces that same year, and helped her team finish as state runner-up in 2024.

Coach Tamas described Harris: "Maya is an all-around player with a great set of skills. She has a great arm and good defensive range. She passes very well and sees the game at a high level. We look forward to having her in the Orange and Blue."

Harris cited her reasons for choosing Illinois: "I chose Illinois because I had an instant connection with the amazing coaching staff. They play a style of volleyball that I knew I fit into and will push me to get better every day. The coaches and players have established a positive and competitive culture, so I knew I wanted to be a part of this family."

Madi Miles joins from Fishers, Indiana as another outside hitter recruit. Prep Dig ranks her #97 overall nationally and #40 among outside hitters for her class. Her achievements include earning Academic All-State Honors Silver Award in 2025; being named to HCC All Conference First Team; making AVCA All-Region Team; appearing on MaxPreps Midseason National Player of the Year Watch List; receiving Honorable Mention on AVCA Girls High School list; selection to JVA All-National Team; inclusion on IHSVCA’s 4A All-District list; being named IHSVCA First Team All-State; and winning two consecutive IHSAA 4A state championships (2022–23).

Coach Tamas said about Miles: "Madi is an all-around player who has the front-row and back-row skills necessary to compete at the highest level. She has a great work ethic and competes hard every play. Madi will be a great addition to the Illini."

Miles explained why she chose Illinois: "I chose Illinois because of the amazing coaching staff and team culture."