Illinois bolstered its 2026 signing class on Wednesday with the addition of two Indiana products. Head coach Chris Tamas announced that outside hitters Maya Harris and Madison Miles signed with the Illini. Tamas values the experience and talent both recruits will bring to Huff Hall next fall.
“Both Madi and Maya have been exceptional for their school and club teams, playing at the highest level,” Tamas said in a press release. “They have a strong competitive spirit and the skills to back it up. We are excited to add them as official members of the Fighting Illini today.”
Harris brings All-State First Team talent to the Illini and is a four-time Northeast Corner Conference All-Conference First Team selectee. Among Indiana prep players, she finished top two in kills and top five in aces in back-to-back years.
Tamas said Harris is an all-around player with a great arm and defensive range, exactly what Illinois needs. Harris chose Illinois because she had an instant connection with the coaching staff.
“They play a style of volleyball that I knew I fit into and will push me to get better every day,” Harris said. “The coaches and players have established a positive and competitive culture, so I knew I wanted to be a part of this family.”
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Miles, meanwhile, is a two-time state champion from Fishers, Indiana. She was ranked 97th overall and 40th among outside hitters in the class of 2026 by Prep Dig. Miles earned a First Team All-State selection in 2024. She also earned an Academic All-State Honors Silver Award this year.
Miles chose Illinois because of what she described as an amazing team culture and coaching staff.
“Madi is an all-around player who has the front-row and back-row skills necessary to compete at the highest level,” Tamas said. “She has a great work ethic and competes hard every play. Madi will be a great addition to the Illini.”
Both additions give the Illini young outside hitters to further help the future of the team. Illinois is young as it is, with only four upperclassmen graduating in the spring, so the two will mesh right into the lineup.
