CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois volleyball team and head coach Chris Tamas have announced the addition of three student-athletes to the roster on Tuesday (May 7) as Alyssa Eske (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) and Madison Chi (Irvine, California) will join the Illini for the 2019 fall season, while Bruna Vrankovic (Split, Croatia), who practiced with UI during the 2019 spring semester, will also be eligible in the fall of 2019. 

Alyssa Eske // Milwaukee, Wisconsin // Rufus King International High School // Sky High Volleyball Club // Libero/Defensive Specialist // 5-5
Notes: Four-year Milwaukee City Conference First-Team All-Conference honoree … Two-time Monona Grove Varsity Volleyball Invite All-Tournament Team as the top libero at the tournament … Helped lead her Rufus King International School volleyball team to four-straight City Conference Championships in the Milwaukee City Gold Division … Registered 466 digs and averaged 4.8 digs per set to help lead RKIHS to an undefeated record in City Conference action, earning first play in the City Tournament and advancing to the Regional Finals for the first time in school history … Was named a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 'Notable Player' as her Rufus King International School volleyball team was named Team of the Week … Two-time team captain for her RKIHS team … Named a Notable Volleyball Player by PrepDig Wisconsin as a senior … Also rank track at RKIHS and helped led her team to three-straight City Conference Championships and was a WIAA Track & Field Sectional Qualifier as a freshman, sophomore and junior … Has held the No. 1 class ranking and has been a high honor roll honoree throughout her high school career … Has helped lead her Sky High Volleyball Club and High Velocity Beach Club teams to multiple championships.

Why Illinois?
"I chose Illinois because the minute I stepped on campus, I instantly fell in love with the environment and the school itself. I knew right away that this was going to be my second home! The coaches here are amazing and welcoming, as well as the team; it is just one big family. Everyone from the coaches, players, families, and professors have already made me feel a part of this family! For these reasons, the decision was easy. The way that the coaching staff has turned around this program is absolutely incredible and I cannot wait to play for them. I have always dreamed of playing in the Big Ten and now I get to live it. The academics at the University of Illinois are outstanding and will allow to me challenge myself and live out what I want to become: a veterinarian. Having high standards and expectations for myself both academically and athletically I know this the best place for me to excel and shine in both! I love everything about Illinois, but one thing that stands out to me is how the students and supporters pack the stands to cheer on their sports teams. I am super excited to play in front of the crowds as this is what fuels my energy and brings out the best in me!"

Coach Tamas on Eske
"Alyssa is a fighter. She is a tenacious defender and loves to compete. She will be a great addition to our backcourt and exemplifies the qualities we are looking for in being an Illini."

Madison Chi // Irvine, California // Arnold Beckman High School // A4 Volleyball Club // Libero/Defensive Specialist // 5-8
Notes: Earned the Gold Medal at the 2016 Junior Nationals 15s … Collected the MVP Patriot Award from her Beckman High School in 2015 and helped lead BHS to a runner-up finish in the 2016 California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division 2 Championship … Helped lead BHS to the 2018 Pacific League Championship … Earned Bronze medals with her A4 volleyball club at the 2017 Pacific Northwest Qualifier and the 2017 JVA West Coast Cup … Earned the Gold Medal with her A4 club team at the 2018 Triple Crown Tournaments Open Division, as well as leading A4 to Junior Nationals in both 2017 and 2018.

Why Illinois?
"I chose Illinois because the volleyball and the science programs are the best in the country. From the faculty to the coaches to the players to the fans, the spirit of Illini is extremely special. I am very proud to be a part of it."

Coach Tamas on Chi
"Madi impressed us at camp last year. She is technically sound in the back court and has a great serve, which is important as ever in our game. We look forward to Madi joining our team in the fall."

Bruna Vrankovic // Split, Croatia // Gimnazija Benedikt Kotruljevic Zagreb (High School) // Neruda Volley Club // Outside Hitter // 6-2
Notes:  Was a member of the Youth, Junior and now Senior Croatian National Team … Named the 2016 MVP of the Croatian Junior League … Helped lead her team to a runner-up finish in the 2016 Cro Cup and League … Won the 2016 World Grand Prix …. Has played for HAOK Mladost, Ok Marina Kastela and Neruda Volley club teams … Father is an Olympian and won a bronze medal with the National Team in both World and European Championship … Father Josip is an Olympian and won a bronze medal with the National Team in both World and European Championships ... Uncle Stojko Vrankovic is a decorated basketball player that played in the NBA and won numerous medals from multiple competitions, including FIBA World Cups, European Championships and Olympic Games.

Why Illinois?
"From the first moment I talked to the coaching staff, I knew Illinois was the place I wanted to be at."

Coach Tamas on Vrankovic
"Bruna is a solid all-around player and has played and practiced at some of the highest levels in the world. She has a heavy arm and has the ability to develop into a great six-rotation player. Beyond her skill set, Bruna has a passion and knowledge of the game that is impressive. We look forward to her contributions wearing the Orange and Blue."

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