Freshman libero and defensive specialist Ashley Edinger helped the Illini sweep the State Farm Illini Classic last weekend at Huff Hall. In her debut matches on the team, she totaled six serving aces and 34 defensive digs.

Edinger currently holds the Michigan City High School, in Michigan City, Ind., season and career records in kills, attack percentage, aces and digs.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Illinois volleyball?

A: The team chemistry. I’ve never been part of a team like this before; this is the best team I’ve ever played for. When we play together, we play awesome. We’re looking forward to good things.

Q: What is your goal for the season?

A: Our team goal is to go further than people expect.

Q: Who is the funniest person on the team?

A: Meghan Macdonald. Whenever I’m having a bad day I can look at her and she’ll just make me smile.

Q: What’s one thing you can’t live without?

A: My phone because I’m really close to my family.

Q: Why did you choose biology and pre-med as your major?

A: When I was younger I wanted to be a veterinarian, and then as I got older I wanted to help people, not just animals. I want to make a difference in other people’s lives.

Q: What do you miss the most about home?

A: My family. All of my family lives in my town, and every weekend we’d go out as a group.

Q: Why did you choose to come to Illinois?

A: I went on a lot of visits to all of the Big Ten (schools) – the University of Florida was my other big one – but this was the first visit I went on and there was something special about it. After I came here I didn’t want to go on another visit. The coaches are great people, and they want you to be the best volleyball player, person and student.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of volleyball?

A: Hanging out with my mom, shopping with my mom, going to garage sales with my mom; we’re really close. She’s my best friend.

Q: What is your favorite song?

A: “Eye of the Tiger.” I used to listen to that before all of my games.