Chambana Sun

Illinois will conclude its three-match homestand with games against Washington and #11 Wisconsin at Huff Hall in Champaign. The team faces Washington on Friday, November 14 at 6 p.m. CT, followed by a match against Wisconsin on Saturday, November 15 at 8 p.m. CT. Both matches will be available to stream on B1G+.

The Fighting Illini currently trail Washington in their all-time series, with the Huskies leading 5-3 and having won the last four meetings. Against Wisconsin, Illinois trails narrowly in a long-standing rivalry that dates back to 1975; the Badgers lead the series 50-49-1 and have won the last eleven encounters.

Washington enters Friday’s contest with a season record of 10-14 overall and a conference record of 5-9. The Huskies are led by head coach Leslie Gabriel, who took over in December 2022 after a lengthy tenure as an assistant coach for the program. Junior Kierstyn Barton has contributed significantly this season with 320 kills.

Wisconsin arrives on a three-match winning streak and holds an 11-3 Big Ten record this year. Head coach Kelly Sheffield is in his thirteenth season leading the Badgers, who advanced to the Elite Eight in last year’s NCAA tournament. Key players include middle blocker Carter Booth and setter Charlie Fuerbringer, both All-Big Ten honorees from last season.

Illinois recently secured its first ranked win of the year with a four-set victory over #10 Purdue on September 28. In that match, Ashlyn Philpot recorded twelve kills and four blocks; Alyssa Aguayo and Auburn Tomkinson each added double-digit kills, while Taylor de Boer led with seventeen kills.

Head coach Chris Tamas announced two new signings for Illinois’ class of 2026: Maya Harris and Madi Miles. "Both Madi and Maya have been exceptional for their school and club teams, playing at the highest level," Tamas said. "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."

Taylor de Boer was recognized at the Canadian Sport Awards as this year's recipient of the AthletesCAN True Sport Award for her perseverance during her battle with ANCA vasculitis—a rare autoimmune disease—while continuing her athletic career.

Kenna Phelan was named Big Ten Setter of the Week on September 29 after leading Illinois to wins over Oregon and Purdue, becoming the first Illini to receive this honor since Diana Brown in 2021.

Freshman Alyssa Aguayo has averaged nearly three kills per set across all matches started this season, while fellow freshman Taryn Kirsch leads Illinois in digs as starting libero.

The roster saw significant changes ahead of this season with nine newcomers joining—including transfers Auburn Tomkinson (Texas) and Kenna Phelan (Florida State). Additionally, Meredith Schamun joined Chris Tamas’ staff as associate head coach following her previous head coaching role at Penn.

Illinois volleyball will appear ten times on national television throughout this season across various networks including BTN, FS1, SEC Network, and ESPN.

Chris Tamas continues his tenure as head coach for Illinois volleyball with an overall record of 161-105 (.605), five NCAA Tournament appearances—including one Final Four—and multiple individual honors for his players during his leadership.