Illinois Volleyball ranked 22nd in recruiting nationwide

Illinois+head+coach+Kevin+Hambly+instructs+his+team+during+an+NCAA+Tournament+second-round+match+against+Marquette+at+Huff+Hall+on+Dec.+7.+The+Illini+won+3-1.

Illinois’ head coach Kevin Hambly instructs his team during an NCAA Tournament second-round match against Marquette at Huff Hall on Dec. 7. The Illini won 3-1.

By Masaki Sugimoto, Editor-in-Chief

Illinois has another ranked recruiting class coming in.

It is nice when your program gets recognition for anything but certainly for recruiting as it is the life blood of all programs.” Illinois Head coach Kevin Hambly said via press release.

PrepVolleyball.com ranked Illinois head coach Kevin Hambly’s recruiting class 22nd in the country. Hambly nabbed the 35th and 86th best player in the country in outside hitters Kaylin Korte and Jacqueline Quade, respectively.

Korte hails from Morris, IL where she became the career leader in kills, blocks and attack attempts at Morris High School, where she was a three time MVP.

Quade came from Carroll High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana where her team finished as state runner ups last season and was named first team all-state.

Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!

  • Catch the latest on University of Illinois news, sports, and more. Delivered every weekday.
  • Stay up to date on all things Illini sports. Delivered every Monday.
Thank you for subscribing!

Hambly compared Korte to Laura DeBruler, who is second all time in kills in Illinois history, behind Jocelynn Birks. He also said that Quade will be competing for a starting spot immediately. 

The Outside Hitter spot is feeling a vacancy due to the graduation of Jocelynn Birks, who is the school’s all time leader in both kills and attack attempts.

Hambly also added defensive specialists Annika Gereau, Caroline Welsh and Kendal Kavanaugh. Kavanaugh can also play at setter.

Korte, Quade and Gereau were named to the AVCA Under Armour Girls High School Third-Team.

The group will be joined by middle blocker Blayke Hranicka, a transfer from NC State. Hranicka garnered All-ACC Freshman team honors in her time with the Wolfpack.

Last year, Hambly’s recruiting class was best in the nation, highlighted by the best setter in the country Jordyn Poulter. Poulter was also accompanied by Ali Bastianelli, who was ranked as the 10th best player in the country. Both saw playing time last season.