Will miss these seniors for sure. But, we have a highly regarded setter already on the roster who I believe redshirted this year in Diana Brown. We have a highly regarded recruit to fill the Middle Blocker void that Ali is leaving. Next years team is going to be more than "Jacqueline Quade keeping us in the Top 25" as someone suggested earlier...it'll be a nationally relevant team. Our coach was a setter on the national team and knows how to get the most out of his players, his assistants all have high level playing experience and as a group they have shown that they know how to scheme well, adjust well, and make the most of whatever is thrown there way. And they know how to throw some wrinkles the other way too.
I'm sure there will be a slight dip next season. You won't get Poulter and Bastianelli level production out of a RS-Fr and true freshman, but they will be quality pieces that will show everyone that this team isn't just a flash in the pan. Make no mistake, Illinois volleyball is here to stay. Sweet 16 caliber team next season, with a chance to surprise us even further if they mold together well. We will have 4 Seniors next year that are meaningful rotation pieces this year (Fleming, Quade, Prince, Welsh) of which I expect Fleming and Quade to compete for all-conference and all-american accolades. I know its hard to believe as an Illini fan who watches basketball and football more, but I've watched this team closely for a while now (really since my days on campus from 2006-2010) and Illinois volleyball is in very capable hands. I firmly believe that.