September 6-10, 2021

Megan Cooney | Grad., Volleyball | Major: MA, Speech & Hearing Science

The Fighting Illini volleyball team went up against the No. 11 Washington Huskies in their first match of the Big Ten/Pac-12 Challenge at Huff Hall on Friday, Sept. 3. Graduate student Megan Cooney led all players and was one of four Illini in double figures with 14 kills, while adding 10 digs for her sixth-career double-double.

The following day, the Illini continued play in the Big Ten/Pac-12 Challenge with a matchup against unbeaten Colorado. Cooney, once again, led the Illini with team-highs of 15 kills on a .256 hitting percentage, six blocks and four aces, while adding nine digs. 

Cooney, a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and a second-team All-Big Ten selection last season, hails from Topeka, Kan., and is currently working towards her Master of Arts in Speech & Hearing Science.

2021-22 Scholar Athlete of the Week Winners