July 10, 2009
NORMAL, Ill. -
So much of the success of Illinois State Athletics can be attributed to the loyalty and passion of Redbird fans. They fill the stands, both on the Illinois State campus and on the road, to cheer loud and hard for their Redbirds. Janyth Aellig's love of Illinois State led to the creation of an endowed scholarship in her memory. Redbird volleyball senior libero Kasey Mollerus has been named the recipient of the 2009 Janyth Aellig Endowed Scholarship.
Mollerus is the seventh recipient of the endowment and the fourth volleyball player.
"Over the course of her career, Kasey has been a steady and consistent performer and continues to be motivated to improve and become better," said head coach Melissa Myers. "She leads by example both in the classroom and on the court. She's an excellent student and a great teammate who shows enthusiasm and passion when she competes. She's a deserving recipient of this honor."
The Janyth Aellig Endowed Scholarship is named in honor of avid Redbird women's basketball and volleyball fan. Jan, and her husband, Fred, had several seasons where they attended every Redbird contest - home and away - in both sports. When Jan passed away in 1997, Fred and a group of more than 50 friends and family members began the endowment. It is awarded annually to a deserving volleyball or women's basketball student-athlete.
Mollerus has played in every match in her three-year career at Illinois State. She enters the 2009 season ranked second in school history in digs with 1,623 and is the record holder in digs per set with 4.68. She has three of the top-10 single-season dig performances in school history, including a school record 586 in 2007. She set the ISU freshman record with 576 digs in 2007 and was named to the Missouri Valley Conference All-Newcomer Team.
"I am extremely honored to be recognized as the recipient of the Janyth Aellig Endowed Scholarship," Mollerus said. "The Illinois State volleyball team would not be as successful without the incredible support of our fans and community. I am truly grateful to receive a scholarship that reflects this support."
The Janyth Aellig Endowed Scholarship is one of 23 endowed scholarships available to Illinois State student-athletes that are funded by private donors.
For more information about supporting this, or any other Illinois State University endowment scholarships, call The Redbird Club office at (309) 438-3803.
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