May 10, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. - Illinois State head volleyball coach Sharon Dingman strengthened the depth of her back row unit with the addition of defensive specialist Elly Kaiser, who will join the Redbirds as a walk-on for the 2007 season. Kaiser was a three-sport standout at Champaign Centennial High School.
Kaiser, who also played basketball and ran track, was a two-year starter on the Charger volleyball team. In her senior season, she led Centennial to a 20-15-2 overall record, and a berth in the regional championship match, where they lost to Normal Community. Kaiser was tabbed the team's defensive Most Valuable Player as senior, while also leading the Chargers in digs and reception percentage. She also claimed Big 12 scholar-athlete honors.
Dingman acknowledged the mutual interest between Kaiser and Illinois State, and was excited to welcome her to the program.
"Elly expressed her interest in our program and in Illinois State so when we saw her play, we knew we wanted her to be a Redbird," said Illinois State head coach Sharon Dingman. "She is a very nice athlete as evidenced by her participation in basketball and track.
"She has great physical strength, a competitive spirit, and she has passes and handles the ball the way we teach. Elly makes the game seem very simple. Plus, she is a very intelligent player - one that will fit in wonderfully with our program."
"I'm really excited about this opportunity," said Kaiser. "I actually contacted Illinois State first, and then the coaching staff really expressed an interest in me. It's a great program, and ISU has a team that is going to be very good in the next few years. I'm really confident that this is going to be a successful move for me."
Kaiser joins an Illinois State back row that includes starting libero Kasey Mollerus, a 2006 All-Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer team selection, and defensive specialist Amy Olson, a Bloomington native.
"The first contact is so important, and for us to run the offense the way we want, it is essential," Dingman added. "We must have good first contacts to utilize our speed and athleticism. We feel the more the better when it comes to good ball handlers, and Elly certainly fits that description."
