CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois volleyball program and head coach Chris Tamas announced the addition of junior Ashlyn Fleming to the 2018 roster on Thursday, August 2. A 6-4 middle blocker from San Jose, California, Fleming will transfer to Illinois following two years at the University of the Pacific.
Fleming joins freshman Diana Brown and Taylor Kuper as newcomers on the Illini's 2018 roster.
"We are excited to announce the addition of Ashlyn to the program," said Tamas. "She embodies the type of student-athlete we strive to bring to Illinois. She has proven herself to be a tough competitor in a very good conference and we look forward to having her in our gym and a part of our Illinois family."
A two-time All-West Coast Conference Honorable Mention selection, Fleming was a two-year starter for the Tigers, seeing action in all 229 sets over the last two seasons. She earned 2017 WCC All-Academic Team Honorable mention accolades and had a career year as a sophomore, totaling 285 kills for a 2.44 kills per set average on a .347 hitting percentage, while leading the team with 125 total blocks – including 13 solo stuffs – for a 1.07 blocks per set mark. She also added 59 digs, 22 service aces and 19 assists.
She had a breakout rookie campaign in 2016 that included a spot on the WCC All-Freshman Team as well as All-Conference accolades, averaging 2.40 kills per set while registering a .337 attack percentage and posting 109 blocks for a 0.97 stuffs per set average.
A graduate of Valley Christian High School, Fleming led the Warriors to Division III CIF State Championships in 2013 and 2015, as well as a semifinal finish in 2014. She posted 2.1 kills per set while tallying just under one block per set as a senior.
Fleming and the Illini are set to open the 2018 season in Fort Collins, Colorado for the Colorado State Tournament on August 24-25. Fans will be able to get their first look of the Illini on August 18 for the annual Orange and Blue Scrimmage at 7 p.m. CT.
Season tickets are now on sale to the general public. Season ticket packages include a ticket to all 13 home matches (plus the Orange & Blue Scrimmage) and start as low as $40. Fans can also purchase the Volleyball/Women's Basketball Season Ticket Combo Package for just $55. This package includes a general admission ticket to all Volleyball and Women's Basketball home games. Single match tickets will go on sale on August 8. For more information and to purchase season tickets click HERE.
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