Alexis Viliunas: The new 2-sport athlete

Illinois’ Alexis Viliunas (8) smiles after a point won during an NCAA Tournament first-round match against Morehead State at Huff Hall on Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. The Illini swept the Eagles, 3-0.

By Brian Heidegger

The Daily Illini’s Brian Heidegger shares Alexis Viliunas’ transition from volleyball to women’s basketball in what has been a chaotic and exciting senior season. A setter for the Illinois volleyball team, Viliunas was asked to play basketball due to the small depth the team has this season. While an unlikely transition, Viliunas is enjoying her new teammates and a sport that she has not played competitively in almost 8 years.