Nov. 17, 2008
NORMAL, Ill. - Three student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to continue their volleyball careers at Illinois State, Redbirds volleyball head coach Melissa Myers announced Monday. Emileah Manahan (Twin Lakes High School - Monticello, Ind.), Jenny Menendez (Normal Community High School - Normal, Ill.) and Angela Rego (Metamora High School - Metamora, Ill.) have each signed during the early signing period.
"I'm pleased with the commitment this class is showing toward the goals and future of our volleyball program," Myers said. "They come to Illinois State with enthusiasm, knowing the high academic and athletic responsibilities they will have to carry during their career. These three student-athletes come from families who value education, hard work, competition and respect for goals that are bigger than self. These attributes are key for the future success of our program."
Manahan, a 6-foot middle blocker and right-side hitter, starred in three sports for the Indians, also competing in basketball and track and field. Manahan served as captain of both the basketball and volleyball teams as a junior and senior while earning all-area and All-Hoosier Conference honors. As a junior, Manahan nearly averaged a double-double on the basketball court with nine points per game and 8.6 rebounds per game, and hit .400 in volleyball while collecting 4.8 kills per set. Despite limited playing time this season due to injury, Manahan earned academic all-state honorable mention honors from the Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association, and is a member of the National Honor Society.
"Emi's blocking ability will add to our defense and transition game, and she will also bring competition to our offense," Myers said. "She is dedicated and has demonstrated how much she wants to develop and have a successful collegiate career. I am impressed with her commitment and motivation to make an impact at Illinois State."
Menendez, a 5-foot-9 outside hitter, earned WJBC Athlete of the Week honors and was named to the Glenbard East All-Tournament team as a co-captain of the Lady Iron this season. As a junior, Menendez earned first-team All-Big 12 honors and was named first-team All-Area by the Pantagraph, and earned an AAU National Championship with the Illini Elite. Menendez is a three-time Big 12 Scholar-Athlete and member of the National Honor Society.
"Jenny is a competitor and a player who understands the game as well as she plays it," Myers said. "She will add strength and depth to our defensive and passing game and also bring a competitive spirit to the gym every day. What impresses me most about Jenny is when the game is tight, she elevates her game and finds a way to help her team win. She plays and fights hard for every point on the floor."
Rego, a 6-foot-1 outside hitter, was a three-year unanimous first-team All-Mid Illini Conference selection and led the Redbirds to a 127-22 (.852) record during four years as a varsity starter at Metamora High School. Rego was named the 2008 Peoria Journal Star Volleyball Player of the Year after leading Metamora to back-to-back 35-3 seasons and earned HOI-19 Athlete of the Week honors (Sept. 16). In the classroom, Rego sports a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society.
"Angela is a winner that has led her team selflessly and by example," Myers said. "She brings a strong presence at the net and will continue to develop as a strong offensive player, as well as help the team with her work ethic and desire to win."
Illinois State continues its quest for a berth in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament when it hosts Southern Illinois (Nov. 21) and Evansville (Nov. 22) this weekend at Redbird Arena. Illinois State is tied with Evansville for fifth place in the conference and both teams lead Southern Illinois by one game. The top-six finishers in the conference receive a bid to the State Farm MVC Tournament (Nov. 27-29) in Wichita, Kan.
