An already deep blocking unit at Illinois just got even stronger. Head coach Chris Tamas announced Thursday that transfer middle blocker Lindsay Oldendorf has signed with the Illini. She will compete in her fifth and final season of eligibility with Illinois after completing her degree at Northern Iowa.
The 6-foot-3 middle blocker from Homer Glen, Illinois, earned All-Missouri Valley Conference honors last fall with the Panthers. She hit .361 and averaged 1.52 kills per set in 26 appearances in 2025 while posting multiple blocks in 19 matches.
Tamas says Oldendorf moves well side to side defensively and always seems to be in the right position at the right moment. He wanted a player who has passion for being at Illinois, and he said that she fit the bill perfectly.
“Lindsay has a lot of great qualities that make her a great fit for our program,” Tamas said in a press release. “She has proven her game at every level she has been at. Lindsay brings great vision with her attacking and her ability to mix in different shots.”
Oldendorf chose Illinois because of what she described as a wonderful coaching staff, traditions they built up and amazing athlete support.
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“I want to have the best last season I can of my college career,” Oldendorf said in the press release. “I am so grateful to be doing it here at Illinois.”
With the departure of graduate middle blocker Kayla Burbage, Illinois needed a new veteran leader in the middle. Oldendorf brings the maturity, talent and starting experience to slot into the lineup from the jump.
In addition, she will work alongside middle blocker Ashlyn Philpot, who — going into her junior season — is also averaging a block per set. She and Oldendorf have the potential to become a serious dynamic duo at the net next fall at Huff Hall.
