Illini Volleyball

ROFOIllini · Feb 6, 2021

MiloMinderbender said:
Ellie Holzman (now out for the season) was Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year in 2018-19.

Somewhat confusingly the Gatorade National Volleyball player of the Year award is not always given to the #1 recruit in the country. I don't mean to diminish the honor, but it involves a more holistic evaluation, taking into account high schools stats, service, personality and whatever else. It takes into account a lot more than talent and potential.

While Holzman was highly rated, she wasn't close to the top rated recruit. She was ranked #36. https://fightingillini.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/ellie-holzman/10243

MiloMinderbender · Feb 6, 2021

Illinois currently up 2-1 (16-25, 29-27, 28-26) against #9 Penn State in Happy Valley on BTN+. They fought back Nittany Lion set points in both sets 2 and 3.

MiloMinderbender · Feb 6, 2021

MiloMinderbender said:
Illinois currently up 2-1 (16-25, 29-27, 28-26) against #9 Penn State in Happy Valley on BTN+. They fought back Nittany Lion set points in both sets 2 and 3.

And Illinois couldn't finish them off, losing in 5 (16-25, 29-27, 28-26, 15-25, 8-15).

IlliniChris · Feb 6, 2021

Seems like its going to be a rebuilding/experience building year with a young roster. They definitely have had their moments though.

ChiefKingfisher · Feb 7, 2021

IlliniChris said:
Seems like its going to be a rebuilding/experience building year with a young roster. They definitely have had their moments though.

Ellie Holzman, former Gatorade Player of the Year who missed all of last season, is out for the season again after an ACL tear last week against Wisconsin. Huge shame, she was looking really good in the first few games and I think we could've had a better-than-expected season with her. Really feel for her after missing so much time the last couple years to have yet another season-ending injury.

CurbeloYourEnthusiasm · Mar 28, 2021

This thread's really fell off. The girls started the season 2-10, but have won their last 4 matches to get to 6-10. End the season next weekend at Purdue. Certainly lot of questions about the future under Tamas. Been quite a fall over 2 seasons

Pasquale · Mar 28, 2021

CurbeloYourEnthusiasm said:
This thread's really fell off. The girls started the season 2-10, but have won their last 4 matches to get to 6-10. End the season next weekend at Purdue. Certainly lot of questions about the future under Tamas. Been quite a fall over 2 seasons

To be fair, the team is young and has been plagued with injuries this season. Five of their six first matches were against Top 10 teams and the Illini pushed several of these veteran Top 10 teams to five-set matches. Illinois has two very good, young outside hitters with three more years of eligibility and a very good setter with two more years of eligibility - they will be back in the Top 20 soon.

Pasquale · Apr 3, 2021

As I posted earlier, this team has a lot of potential and will be back in the Top 20 sooner than later. It was announced today that Megan Cooney will return next year, which will only make them better.

BRucks · Apr 4, 2021

Pasquale said:
As I posted earlier, this team has a lot of potential and will be back in the Top 20 sooner than later. It was announced today that Megan Cooney will return next year, which will only make them better.

However, Mica Allison is in the transfer portal.

WhiteRhino · Apr 4, 2021

BRucks said:
However, Mica Allison is in the transfer portal.

She's switching to beach only. She's obviously really athletic and competitive, but she just never seemed to have a set position on the team. She's valuable as someone who can set and hit, but just never lived up to expectations

Pasquale · Apr 4, 2021

Megan Cooney's return is more consequential than Mica Allison's transfer. Cooney is a four-year starter and one of the team's best blockers.