NORMAL, Ill. – Head volleyball coach Leah Johnson announced that the program has added five players to its roster for the 2019 season.
"It is rare to have a class that covers every single position on the court like this class," said Johnson. "They are strong, young women with ambitious goals. They have already formed an exceptional friendship that will only make their commitment as teammates that much more formidable. We are proud to call them Redbirds, and believe they will rise to the standards, if not surpass them, on the court and in the classroom."
Kendee Hilliard | OH/RS | West, Texas | Vanguard College Prep
Background: Has been a four-year starter for Vanguard College Prep's volleyball program, while also participating on her high school's track and field team for three seasons, softball team for two years and basketball team for one season … Three-time Female Athlete of the Year … Was named a team captain her senior season … Three-time all-district honoree, while garnering an all-state honorable mention in 2016 and 2017 … Earned academic all-state status in 2017 … Helped her team become a bi-district qualifier her freshman and sophomore seasons.
Johnson on Hilliard: "Kendee is full of personality, as well as volleyball potential. She is a natural athlete, powerful and dynamic. Her experience as a multi-sport athlete makes her gritty and instinctual on the court. We are excited that she has selflessly decided to join our program this spring, graduating a semester early from high school. It is a testament to her willingness to put in the work to meet her goals, which is a defining trait of Redbird volleyball athletes."
Sarah Kushner | OH | Naperville, Ill. | Naperville North HS
Background: Four-year starter for Naperville North High School's volleyball program, helping her team boast a winning record in all four of her seasons, including back-to-back 30-win seasons in 2017 and 2018 … Three-time regional champion, while being named MVP her junior and senior seasons … Four-time all-conference performer, and three-time all-area honoree … Named the DVC Player of the Year in 2018 … Won an AAU National Championship, while earning All-America status.
Johnson on Kushner: "Sarah is a winner. She trains and competes at full intensity every time she takes the court, and will certainly be a factor in our competitive standard moving forward. Her competitiveness is equally matched by her strong character and exceptional commitment to putting her team first, as she is both giving and loyal. These are all traits that will make her a great Redbird."
Nicole Lund | MB | Rochester, Minn. | Century HS
Background: Four-year starter for Century High School's volleyball program, helping her team to an overall record of 101-21 record in her four seasons … Helped her team to a Big 9 Conference championship title … Two-time all-conference honoree and an all-state honorable mention selection.
Johnson on Lund: "Nicole adds another physical presence to our middle-blocker personnel. She is strong and able to run every middle route in our offense already. Nicole is committed to being the best she can be, and she has a passion for learning and growing as an individual. She is a person of high integrity and will be a great leader for our program."
Allie Otten | S | St. Peters, Mo. | St. Dominic HS
Background: Four-year starter for St. Dominic High School's volleyball team, helping her program post winning records in all four of her seasons … Aided in her team's efforts for three-straight conference championship titles, while taking her team to the district semi-finals in 2018 and the state's final four round in 2017 … Four-year all-conference honoree, three-time team captain and two-time all-district selection … Unanimously voted the No. 1 player in her district in 2018.
Johnson on Otten: "Allie is a smooth and controlled setter, while still being a quick and explosive athlete, and this is a prized combination in her position. She can set tempo and feels the game at a high level. We are excited about her floor defensive abilities as well. Allie is easy going and steady, always level-headed, her personality and mentality are going to serve our program well on and off the court."
Kaity Weimerskirch | L | Brooklyn Park, Minn. | Champlin Park HS
Background: Four-year starter for Champlin Park High School's volleyball program, helping her team reach an overall record of 122-15, that featured four conference championship titles … Helped propel her team to 5AAA Sectional Championship titles in all four of her seasons, while helping her team win the state title in 2018 … Four-time all-conference honoree and two-time team captain … Broke the Champlin Park High School career digs record at 1,513 … Capped a successful senior season by earning first-team all-state honors, third-team all-metro honors and academic all-state accolades.
Johnson on Weimerskirch: "Kaity has a natural feel for the game, and she will help anchor our first contact in serve receive and defense. She has played at a very high level and knows what it takes to win championships. Kaity knows how to work hard and also knows how to balance that with fun and laughter. She is a great teammate and dynamic person, and we look forward to Kaity putting on the Illinois State Red and White."
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