NORMAL, Ill. - The Illinois State volleyball team has opened its fall practice schedule on Tuesday in the team's first practice of the 2023-24 academic year.
The team's full schedule is available by clicking here.
OPENING AT POWER FIVE
Illinois State is scheduled to open at Missouri on 8/25, marking the first Power Five opener for ISU since opening at Miami (Fla.) in 2015.
ISU has not opened the season with a Power Five win since beating Florida State in 2002 (lost 7-straight in P5 openers).
RENEWING IN-STATE BATTLES
Illinois State is scheduled to travel to Illinois' Huff Hall for the first time since 9/12/09. The 'Birds have not won in at Huff Hall since 10/17/84 (lost 10-straight).
The Redbirds are also scheduled to battle Northwestern for the first time since 10/12/93.
ALL-FRESHMEN TEAM RETURNEES
Sophomores Aida Shadewald and Regan Haith both return to the Redbirds after earning All-MVC Freshmen Team honors in 2022 to highlight Illinois State's returnees.
NEW-LOOK 'BIRDIES
Illinois State brings in 10 new faces to the 2023 roster, four of which are freshmen.
Freshmen outside Ally Saleh (Waunakee, Wis.), outside Hailey Brockway (Graham, Wash.), libero/defensive specialist Madison Smith (St. Louis, Mo.), and outside Caitlyn Little (Ballwin, Mo.) join the Redbirds out of high school.
Transfers include mid-year transfer sophomore setter Sammi Bunch (Tusculum), Bloomington, Ill. native and redshirt sophomore Kendall Burk (Eastern Michigan), junior Megan Haynes (Tarleton State).
Highlighting the newcomers are a trio of grad transfers - right side Kara Cooper (Valparaiso), outside Bella Zeman (Wofford), and libero Mari Hinkle (Iowa) are all expected to play pivotal roles for the Redbirds in their fifth season of collegiate volleyball.
Tickets can be purchased by going to www.GoRedbirds.com/tickets, calling 309-438-8000, emailing tickets@ilstu.edu, or at the Redbird Ticket Office.
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