CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Fighting Illini women's basketball and head coach Nancy Fahey announced the addition of graduate transfer Alli Ball to the Illini squad for the 2017-18 season. A 6-foot-1 forward, Ball will join the Illini after playing three seasons with the Akron Zips.

"We are excited that Alli will be joining our Illini family," head coach Nancy Fahey said. "Alli gives us added depth in our post position and her three years of collegiate playing experience is an added bonus.  An ultimate team player, she will fit in well with our program's philosophy and system."

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Ball played in all but four of Akron's games during her three-year career with the Zips. Ball made 13 starts in her 90 appearances at Akron. She studied marketing and consumer behavior at Akron and will pursue a master's degree in strategic brand communications from the University of Illinois. Ball is also a two-time first-team Academic All-Mid-American Conference selection.

"I chose Illinois because I felt like it was a great fit for me both academically and athletically," Ball said. "It's a great place for me to finish my basketball career and stay close to my family and friends. I look forward to playing for Coach Fahey and the Illini staff and to playing with the team."

Ball attended Principia Upper School, graduating as the school record holder for her 1,360 career points, her 553 points in a single season, blocks in a single season (122) and for her 255 career blocks. She was a two-time Missouri Basketball Coaches Association all-state selection, two-time first team all-district honoree and was named MBCA Class 3 and Metro League Player of the Year in her senior season. She led Principia Upper School to two conference, district and sectional championships during her high school career.

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