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Post by notpriddy (COIF) on Jan 19, 2019 7:02:27 GMT -5
My husband and I had a great time last evening at the Volleyball Banquet hosted annually by the Networkers, the Illini support group. We are really going to miss Kathy Bowersox, whose two year term as president of the Networkers ended last night. She has done a tremendous job during her term, and my partner and I have never felt more engaged with the Networker group than we have this year. As can be imagined this banquet was a very special one. The energy in the banquet room was quite palpable. Not quite as high as it was in Huff Gym during the Illini's Elite Eight victory over Wisconsin that sent the team into the Final Four, but very electric as far as sports banquets go. It is always nice to see the team all dressed up, and the young women all looked spectacular. In 'Project Runway' style, my two favorite 'looks' were seniors Ali Bastianelli and Blayke Hranicka. Blayke was stunning. When we first saw her walk into the banquet room, we wondered who this beautiful girl was. Also Blayke gave a very touching senior farewell message (as did Ali B). Jordyn Poulter was not in attendance as she is in Italy with her new professional team. However, she gave a moving senior farewell address via videotape from Italy. The M.C. for the evening was the voice of the Volleyball Illini, Dave Loane. His very recognizable voice has been heard doing radio coverage of matches as long as I can remember. He repeated a couple of times what must be an inside joke, "Dave is on the bus!" Of course, another highlight of the evening was Coach Tamas addressing the group. He touched on some of the season highlights that were most memorable for him, and had a hard time getting through parts of his talk. Who knew Coach Tamas was so sensitive? What a great two years of coaching Tamas has done at Illinois. Sweet Sixteen win at Washington his first season, and Final Four this season. I imagine everyone left the banquet feeling as excited and satisfied as we did. And, wishing next season was already upon us. Go Illini!
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Post by alt on Jan 19, 2019 9:14:55 GMT -5
My husband and I had a great time last evening at the Volleyball Banquet hosted annually by the Networkers, the Illini support group. We are really going to miss Kathy Bowersox, whose two year term as president of the Networkers ended last night. She has done a tremendous job during her term, and my partner and I have never felt more engaged with the Networker group than we have this year. As can be imagined this banquet was a very special one. The energy in the banquet room was quite palpable. Not quite as high as it was in Huff Gym during the Illini's Elite Eight victory over Wisconsin that sent the team into the Final Four, but very electric as far as sports banquets go. It is always nice to see the team all dressed up, and the young women all looked spectacular. In 'Project Runway' style, my two favorite 'looks' were seniors Ali Bastianelli and Blayke Hranicka. Blayke was stunning. When we first saw her walk into the banquet room, we wondered who this beautiful girl was. Also Blayke gave a very touching senior farewell message (as did Ali B). Jordyn Poulter was not in attendance as she is in Italy with her new professional team. However, she gave a moving senior farewell address via videotape from Italy. The M.C. for the evening was the voice of the Volleyball Illini, Dave Loane. His very recognizable voice has been heard doing radio coverage of matches as long as I can remember. He repeated a couple of times what must be an inside joke, "Dave is on the bus!" Of course, another highlight of the evening was Coach Tamas addressing the group. He touched on some of the season highlights that were most memorable for him, and had a hard time getting through parts of his talk. Who knew Coach Tamas was so sensitive? What a great two years of coaching Tamas has done at Illinois. Sweet Sixteen win at Washington his first season, and Final Four this season. I imagine everyone left the banquet feeling as excited and satisfied as we did. And, wishing next season was already upon us. Go Illini! was bruna, and the two recruits here for spring at the banquet?
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Post by notpriddy (COIF) on Jan 19, 2019 11:54:29 GMT -5
My husband and I had a great time last evening at the Volleyball Banquet hosted annually by the Networkers, the Illini support group. We are really going to miss Kathy Bowersox, whose two year term as president of the Networkers ended last night. She has done a tremendous job during her term, and my partner and I have never felt more engaged with the Networker group than we have this year. As can be imagined this banquet was a very special one. The energy in the banquet room was quite palpable. Not quite as high as it was in Huff Gym during the Illini's Elite Eight victory over Wisconsin that sent the team into the Final Four, but very electric as far as sports banquets go. It is always nice to see the team all dressed up, and the young women all looked spectacular. In 'Project Runway' style, my two favorite 'looks' were seniors Ali Bastianelli and Blayke Hranicka. Blayke was stunning. When we first saw her walk into the banquet room, we wondered who this beautiful girl was. Also Blayke gave a very touching senior farewell message (as did Ali B). Jordyn Poulter was not in attendance as she is in Italy with her new professional team. However, she gave a moving senior farewell address via videotape from Italy. The M.C. for the evening was the voice of the Volleyball Illini, Dave Loane. His very recognizable voice has been heard doing radio coverage of matches as long as I can remember. He repeated a couple of times what must be an inside joke, "Dave is on the bus!" Of course, another highlight of the evening was Coach Tamas addressing the group. He touched on some of the season highlights that were most memorable for him, and had a hard time getting through parts of his talk. Who knew Coach Tamas was so sensitive? What a great two years of coaching Tamas has done at Illinois. Sweet Sixteen win at Washington his first season, and Final Four this season. I imagine everyone left the banquet feeling as excited and satisfied as we did. And, wishing next season was already upon us. Go Illini! was bruna, and the two recruits here for spring at the banquet? Of those three you're asking about, the only one I know was there was Rylee Hinton. I know what Rylee looks like, I do not know Bruna or Mica on sight. Upon further reflection, I think it is worth mentioning that this was the 36th Volleyball Banquet. There are probably other programs that may have had more, however, I think 36 is a number to be proud of.
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Post by brucks on Jan 19, 2019 12:56:27 GMT -5
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Post by notpriddy (COIF) on Jan 19, 2019 15:39:07 GMT -5
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Post by brucks on Jan 19, 2019 16:13:04 GMT -5
Very nice. Note that Hollowell appears to be taller than the other girls. Of course, they all have heels on so it is tough to gauge actual height.
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Post by notpriddy (COIF) on Jan 19, 2019 17:20:32 GMT -5
Oh...another thing that Coach Tamas revealed last evening at the Volleyball Banquet during his memorable moments of the season was a fact that I do not know how many people know. I sure never heard this...that the day before the match at Nebraska Jordyn Poulter sprained her ankle "during conditioning" basically doing nothing that should have been injurious. Anyway, convinced of the prospect that Jordyn would not be playing during the Nebraska match, the coaches spent the day before the Nebraska match getting reserve setter, Kylie Bruder, primed to set her first full match vs. Nebraska at Nebraska. Fortunately, the day of the match, the Illini trainer said it was up to Jordyn whether her ankle felt good enough to go. If it had been a lesser B10 team, Jordyn would have most likely sat out the match. However since it was Nebraska at Nebraska, she decided to see how her ankle held up during the match. As history shows, Jordyn made it through the match, and Illinois played spectacular defensive volleyball to defeat the Huskers.
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Post by ilalum92 on Jan 20, 2019 13:40:56 GMT -5
To me the biggest question mark is not setter (we have 2 good setters), but the second middle blocker position. Unless we get a transfer, someone is probably gonna have to play in a position they aren't used to. 2nd middle spot will be competition between Hinton & Swanson who played MB in HS/Club so no one is playing out of position. Bruna can play middle too. I’ve been commenting on Hollowell’s height all season. She looks at least 6’5”. Watched some warm up video and her vertical looks small so even though she is 6’5” she may be a blocking liability if her vertical is under 12” , same with hitting
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Post by indyrun on Jan 20, 2019 16:28:55 GMT -5
Thinking my comments on Hollowell have been misunderstood. This young lady was hurt both years, was never able to play because of the injuries, and I was just surprised that when folks are discussing "possibles" for this coming season, her name isn't mentioned. How can we totally overlook a 6'3/6'4 outside hitter that appears to be in playing shape, that has not had the opportunity to compete even in practices, for a position because of injuries? I know LOTS of players every year don't get much playing time because there just isn't a spot, and probably are satisfied with just being on a good team. I don't look at her like that. I think she may, if healthy, be right in the middle of the mix of possibles. To toss her in the reject pile, especially since she hasn't even had the chance to compete for a spot (because of injuries) seems to me an oversight. Guess we will see but, I for one would not be surprised to see her be pushing for a piece of the action as we get into the season.
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Post by indyrun on Jan 20, 2019 16:40:33 GMT -5
Super event last night in honoring the tea. Mica and Bruna were both there as was Hinton. Was fortunate to have a great group at our table, and all were so generous in their discussions with a couple of fans. Sat with Hollowell, Hinton, Kuper, and Brown. So much fun and before we left, had a neat 10-minute conversation with Bruna - very impressed as she carries herself as one I think we will all be proud to have as an Illini. Just a great dinner event last night.
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Post by alt on Jan 21, 2019 4:02:42 GMT -5
Thinking my comments on Hollowell have been misunderstood. This young lady was hurt both years, was never able to play because of the injuries, and I was just surprised that when folks are discussing "possibles" for this coming season, her name isn't mentioned. How can we totally overlook a 6'3/6'4 outside hitter that appears to be in playing shape, that has not had the opportunity to compete even in practices, for a position because of injuries? I know LOTS of players every year don't get much playing time because there just isn't a spot, and probably are satisfied with just being on a good team. I don't look at her like that. I think she may, if healthy, be right in the middle of the mix of possibles. To toss her in the reject pile, especially since she hasn't even had the chance to compete for a spot (because of injuries) seems to me an oversight. Guess we will see but, I for one would not be surprised to see her be pushing for a piece of the action as we get into the season. Hollowell out of the freshman group probably needed the most work. She was raw talent. Tall yes, but she didnt have a vertical coming in she didnt have much success as a prep volleyball player. She was behind other hitters for TAV one of the best club teams in TX. I didnt expect her to really come into Illinois to be a star player, she may get some playing time her senior year but otherwise I dont see her being a regular starter especially with the group of players coming in. I think her and Kennedy Collins are similar body wise and playing wise. I dont think Collins will be getting much playing time. She is a raw athlete whom needs work in the gym
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Post by oldmanvb on Jan 21, 2019 9:01:03 GMT -5
I think I read that foreign students can practice with the team for a period of time while they wait for a decision from the NCAA regarding eligibility and that Bruna was able to practice with the team last summer. Does anyone know if Bruna can practice with the team for any part of the spring season? Is there a limitation on where and with whom she can do her conditioning and whether the coaches can set a conditioning program for her?
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Post by northwoods on Jan 21, 2019 10:43:36 GMT -5
Super event last night in honoring the tea. Mica and Bruna were both there as was Hinton. Was fortunate to have a great group at our table, and all were so generous in their discussions with a couple of fans. Sat with Hollowell, Hinton, Kuper, and Brown. So much fun and before we left, had a neat 10-minute conversation with Bruna - very impressed as she carries herself as one I think we will all be proud to have as an Illini. Just a great dinner event last night. You could say Bruna carries herself very Professionally......
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Post by indyrun on Jan 22, 2019 16:07:40 GMT -5
northwoods - if an Illini fan, disappointed in your Bruna slight. Assuming that if she does play, you "won't" be a fan? She, along with about 150 others playing D1 ball played "professionally" elsewhere, and there were few if any college programs in their countries. If you wanted to play, you received a stipend ("pro" if you like). NCAA has already cleared that aspect for them which requires a small payback of the $s. If you are not a fan of the Illini, guess that's your choice. If it's the drug situation, the NCAA will either clear that for play or won't. I would hope that if this young lady becomes a team member, and all that support our club will welcome her. She is a college student here, obviously friends with many of our players, has practiced with them, and desperately wants to play ball with the Illini and get her college education. The tongue in cheek negatives do nothing positive.
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Post by njcaa2020 on Jan 23, 2019 9:13:16 GMT -5
northwoods - if an Illini fan, disappointed in your Bruna slight. Assuming that if she does play, you "won't" be a fan? She, along with about 150 others playing D1 ball played "professionally" elsewhere, and there were few if any college programs in their countries. If you wanted to play, you received a stipend ("pro" if you like). NCAA has already cleared that aspect for them which requires a small payback of the $s. If you are not a fan of the Illini, guess that's your choice. If it's the drug situation, the NCAA will either clear that for play or won't. I would hope that if this young lady becomes a team member, and all that support our club will welcome her. She is a college student here, obviously friends with many of our players, has practiced with them, and desperately wants to play ball with the Illini and get her college education. The tongue in cheek negatives do nothing positive. A slight against Bruna? Isn't that sort of backwards? Let's not trivialize dirty recruiting just because it might help our team. Bruna's pro career is in a different class from the "150 others playing D1 ball" you're trying to compare her to. There's no comparison. Bruna is a blatant amateurism violation. It's extreme. We've known it for months. She moved to Italy to play and profit as a full-time pro athlete. Ask her agent about it. That's different from an amateur getting vb expenses covered by her home club in her own country while she attends school or works a job. The question remains: Will the NCAA name a price that Bruna can pay to — poof! — become an amateur again? The FIVB steroids suspension runs til July. We'll see how that goes.
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