Kristin Dziubla lets her game do the talking, and, according to her Redbird volleyball teammates and coach, the Illinois State University freshman middle blocker is registering at high decibels.
Just a few days into preseason camp, the 6-foot-1 former star at Elgins St. Edward Central Catholic High School is resounding with head coach Sharon Dingman, whose team has a public scrimmage as part of Meet the Redbirds functions at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Redbird Arena.
She plays harder than any freshman Ive coached at Illinois State, said Dingman, who is coaching her fifth Redbird freshman class. Kristin is athletic and skilled.
Dingman likes what Dziubla has shown from the first day of practice.
She can add dimension to our offense, said Dingman. Its the first week of practice and you can see that she really gets into it. I really like that.
Dziublas effort strikes a chord with more experienced teammates, like senior setter Kelly Rikli and junior middle blocker Emily Kabbes.
Freshmen are usually timid at first, said Rikli. But she gives her all every time on the court. Kristin is a competitor.
Kabbes hears that and more.
Kristin is huge for us, said Kabbes. The new players and the older players on this team are meshing together and Kristin is one new player who has convinced the team that she will do what it takes to be on the floor and contribute.
While Dingmans lineup isnt set for the Sept. 1 season-opener at Illinois and the ensuing Sept. 3-4 Barker GMC Classic at Redbird Arena, dont be surprised to see Dziubla somewhere in the regular rotation at the start.
Kristin is proof to all freshmen that if you come with a work ethic, youll play a lot more, said Dingman.
The idea has a nice ring to it and, if Dziublas work ethic translates into the regular season, the only sweeter sound will come from the traditional chant of Point, Illinois State coming from the Redbird crowd.
