CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Head coach Chris Tamas and the No. 25 Illinois volleyball team announced the addition of two student-athletes on Thursday (November 14) as Maddie Whittington (Stillwater, Minn.) and Raina Terry (Marengo, Ohio) signed National Letters of Intent and will join the Illini for the 2020 season.
Maddie Whittington // Stillwater, Minnesota // Stillwater High School // Kokoro Volleyball // Middle Blocker/Opposite // 6-4
Notes: Named the 2019 Ms. Baden Volleyball Player of the Year by the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association Class as a senior … Two-time MNVBCA Class AAA All-State First-Team selection as a junior and senior … 2019 Under Armour Second-Team All-America … Earned Suburban East All-Conference honors in 2018 … Helped lead her Stillwater High School team to the Suburban East Conference Championship in 2018 and a pair of state tournament appearances in 2017 and 2018 … Won the USAV National Championship in 2016 with Kokoro Volleyball and also placed ninth at the AAU Championships in 2019 … Mother Missi (Wheeler) Whittington played volleyball at Illinois during the 1984 season.
Why Illinois?
"I chose Illinois because of the amazing team and coaching staff. It is close to family, has a beautiful campus and great program where I can get a great education."
Coach Tamas on Whittington
"Maddie is a tough player. She suffered an injury early on in her career that would slow down most players. She took it as a challenge to come back faster and stronger than ever before and she did it. Maddie's drive and passion to learn and grow through the sport has impressed me the most. We are thrilled that she is joining the Illini family today."
Raina Terry // Marengo, Ohio // Highland High School // Mintonette Sports // Outside Hitter // 6-1
Notes: 2019 Under Armour Honorable Mention All-America … Listed as PrepVolleyball.com Senior Ace No. 89 … Three-time Ohio High School Volleyball Coaches Association (OHSVCA) First-Team All-Ohio selection … Three-time OHSVCA Central District First-Team and two-time Central District Player of the Year as a senior … Three-time Knox Morrow Athletic Conference (KMAC) Player of the Year and First-Team honoree and sophomore … Earned Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference (MOAC) Second-Team honors and was named OHSVCA Central District Honorable Mention as a freshman … Helped lead HHS to three-straight KMAC championships as well as a MOAC championship as a freshman … Helped lead Highland High School to District and Regional championships as a senior and a freshman, with HHS making their first Final Four appearance in school history in 2016 and earning a State runner-up finish during the 2019 season … Named to the 2019 Ultra Ankle JVA All-National Team for the Class of 2020 with her Mintonette Sports club team … 2019 AAU 17 Open National Champions and USAV 17 Open Runner-up with her Mintonette Sports club team.
Why Illinois?
"Illinois is the perfect college town that makes me feel comfortable. The academics are amazing and I know I will succeed in that sense. The volleyball program is one of the best in the country and the coaches are absolutely amazing."
Coach Tamas on Terry
"Raina's competitive mindset is the thing that stood out as we went through the recruiting process. It has shown in her results with all of the successful teams she has been on. Knowing how to play in big moments is an important skill to have and Raina already has vast experience in big matches. We are excited to add her to the roster today and she is a great addition to the Orange and Blue."
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