The text was simple: "Can I use you as a reference for a job interview?"
Chris Tamas quickly accepted the offer, always willing to help his student-athletes even after they finish their playing careers and graduate from Illinois.
This text was different, though. It served as an icebreaker for the unexpected return of fifth-year Jessica Nunge, who will represent the Orange and Blue for the final time during the 2023 season.
"At the end of last season, I was like, 'I feel good about my career. I'm done. I've left it all out on the floor, and I'm just ready to move on to the next steps,'" Nunge said. "I was playing beach volleyball a lot this summer, and it made me really miss competing. Now, I've had to almost shift my mentality back. It's kind of unreal. It feels like a dream that I'm actually getting ready to play another season."
Nunge planned on wrapping up her collegiate career after the Illini's 2022 campaign to move on from volleyball and pursue other opportunities in her career. After studying abroad during her the spring semester, Nunge pushed back her graduation date to December, meaning she would still be on campus during Illinois volleyball's 2023 season.
She initially envisioned her role to be rather minor, offering to help the time by serving as a practice player in her last semester of college. When Tamas offered her the opportunity to return as a full participant on the 2023 roster, though, Nunge immediately knew her answer.
"It was almost no hesitation. I was like, 'Yeah, count me in,'" Nunge said. "The people that Chris has brought in here have really helped me to grow on a personal level. It's been the reason that I've had the confidence in who I am. They all push me to be a better volleyball player, but they also challenged me to improve my social skills and be a more caring and considerate person."
Nunge transferred to Illinois in 2021 after spending two seasons at Florida State and immediately made her mark with the Orange and Blue. Playing in all 34 matches and recording nine starts, Nunge ranked third in kills (323), aces (33), and points (376.5) and sixth in digs (128) during her first year in Champaign.
Despite missing one month and dealing with an injury that continued to impact her playing time throughout the 2022 season, Nunge still finished third on the Illini in kills (173) and aces (29) and fifth in digs (83)Â while making 12 starts.
Now 100% healthy, Nunge is re-acclimating herself with the team after arriving back on campus later than the rest of the squad. Despite her delayed arrival, Tamas is optimistic about her role this season and has worked hard to re-integrate her into the team both on and off the court.
"It's like every player that walks through the door:Â Everyone gets an equal chance," Tamas said. "I think Jess is a little bit different in that she's played in our jersey before. We know what she's capable of. We know that she can add a lot on the floor. I teach my teams to be flexible about what we're going to do and just be ready. If I need you to do one thing this match, then go do it. If you need to do something else in another match, then go do it.
"I see this as a pretty seamless transition by bringing someone back who's a known entity who has been nice to have back in the gym. A lot of good things can happen when you think you're done, and you come back, and you want to play again. It gets some of that stress off you, and you can just playing freely. I'm excited to see where she fits in."
Spending time at both opposite and outside hitter, Nunge brings versatility, flexibility, and veteran leadership to the Illini in 2023. Though her return came as a surprise to the entire team – including, perhaps, herself – and coaching staff, she is excited to take advantage of the additional year and prove herself again against some of the best teams in the country.
After first starting her volleyball career in fifth grade, Nunge is making the most of her unexpected fifth season in college. Her initial text to Tamas unlocked a path she did not previously think was possible, but Nunge intends to finish her time at Illinois on a good note.
"I've come back with a little more fight this year because when I think about last season, I did leave it all on the court, but I was also injured for a lot of the season," Nunge said. "This year, I'm gonna stay healthy, and I'm just gonna keep competing at the highest level. I'm gonna bring that fight, and I'm gonna fight alongside everyone on the team."
Nunge and the Fighting Illini battle Wichita State at Huff Hall on Friday night. First serve is slated for 5 p.m.
