Roster turnover is the name of the game in college athletics. Every season, some student-athletes graduate and others transfer to different schools, which can force a head coach’s hand. Illinois volleyball was no exception, as six seniors graduated, and three players entered the portal following last season.
Head coach Chris Tamas had to dig deep to find new talent following the exodus. He came away with many players who are already making an impact for the orange and blue. Here’s how these players feel as they’ve settled into Huff Hall.
Auburn Tomkinson
National championship-winning redshirt sophomore opposite Auburn Tomkinson has quickly found a home for herself in Champaign-Urbana. Adjusting to a new team was difficult, but the people around her made it easier.
“Playing with people you haven’t met before is always an adjustment,” Tomkinson said. “But everyone’s been really welcoming. It’s been about getting used to new systems, new tempos and just how everything operates both on and off the court.”
Tomkinson has begun to stack kills and has boosted Illinois’ defense. She is part of the team’s blocking line that has played a major role in several matches. Tomkinson also ranks among the team leaders in both kills and blocks.
Kenna Phelan
Junior setter Kenna Phelan felt acclimated to Huff Hall from the jump. Arriving in the spring semester helped with adjusting to her new team after two seasons at Florida State.
“We’ve had a lot of new components coming in,” Phelan said. “But this team’s culture is incredibly welcoming. We really celebrate each other, and that makes it easy to feel comfortable.”
That welcoming culture has transformed into a winning culture. Phelan has been a major helping hand so far this season, recording a career-high 57 assists against Michigan State on Oct. 5. On pace for 1,000 assists this season, Phelan continues to look ahead, tying the success on the floor to the team’s similar personalities and values.
Taryn Kirsch
Freshman libero Taryn Kirsch arrived in Champaign in January, which helped her settle with the team faster than the rest of the freshman class. Fast forward to midseason, and Kirsch leads the team in digs. Diving around the court, she has already saved Illinois countless points.
“I feel like I’ve been able to find consistency,” Kirsch said. “I’ve learned how to manage school and volleyball while still trying to be a human at the same time. Overall, I’ve seen improvement in all aspects of my life through that consistency.”
Alyssa Aguayo
The definition of making an early impact is summarized in two words: Alyssa Aguayo. The freshman outside hitter is playing like she’s a senior with heaps of experience facing the hyper-competitive Big Ten.
Aguayo is averaging just over 10 kills per match, achieving a career high against Michigan State, with 18. She is a headliner in the Illini rotation, and at such a young age, she sees it as a strength, allowing the team to grow together.
“We’re still figuring things out and working hard in practice,” Aguayo said. “But overall, it’s really positive that we’re such a young group.”
Sophi Randall
Freshman setter Sophi Randall has gradually seen increased playing time. She described the beginning of the summer as “a little intimidating,” but the community being so strong and tight-knit helped ease her transition into a new setup.
“Everyone feels like they have a voice here,” Randall said. “You can speak up regardless of how long you’ve been here, your age or your position. None of that matters.”
All together now
As new players adapted to the Illinois system, the team found a sense of chemistry through the nonconference slate. Now, in Big Ten play, the Illini have found their stride and started conference play on the right foot.
