Key Takeaways from Big Ten Volleyball Media Days

Key Takeaways from Big Ten Volleyball Media Days

Volleyball season is just a couple of weeks away. Wednesday, August 2nd, was Big Ten Volleyball Media Days. Head coach Chris Tamas, outside hitter Raina Terry, and setter Brooke Moshner represented Illinois Volleyball. For both players, it was their first time at media day. Last season, the Illini finished seventh in the Big Ten (10-10). With nine players returning from last season’s roster, the Illini are looking to play in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021.

Tamas, Terry, and Mosher discussed several topics during their time at volleyball media days. Here are some key takeaways.

Mosher moves to setter

Sophomore Brooke Mosher took a redshirt in 2021. When she got on the court for the Illini, it was as an outside hitter. If that wasn’t her natural position, it was hard to tell. Mosher was second on the team in kills and third in aces. Heading into this season, she’s entrenched as the starting setter for the Illini. “The only thing I’m going to try to focus on is getting my leadership up,” Mosher said. “That’s really about it. I think it’s a great opportunity for me to be able to lead this team and really get everyone going.”

Mosher was an All-Big Ten Freshman as an outside hitter. This season, she’ll have to replace the production of Diana Brown, who was the setter the last two seasons. Mosher is more than eager to prove herself against some of the best competition in the Big Ten. “I think the biggest challenge really is playing a different position,” Mosher said. “It’s definitely the position I’m a lot more comfortable with. It’s the one I was recruited as, so I’m really excited to get into that role.”

Chris Tamas likes the combination of returning talent and newcomers.

The Illini return a lot of talent from last season’s team. In addition to players returning from the 2022 squad, the Illini brought in four first-year students and one graduate transfer. Tamas likes the chemistry and the feel of this season’s team.

“It’s a really fun group to be around,” Tamas said. “It’s always a fun group, but I think this one specifically. They’re very competitive in the gym. They really love one another and playing with each other on the court. They gel really well. It’s kind of always been a staple of ours to be kind of feisty and to be competitive. I think you’re gonna see that even more so this year, and I’m just looking forward to it.”

Tamas continues to build a winning culture with high expectations. Players like Raina Terry help instill those expectations in the younger players. “I just try my best to lead by example in practice every day, in the weight room, and when we’re doing our conditioning,” Terry said. “Those freshmen that have come in, they’ve done a great job living up to those expectations that we hold for each other, so they’ve done a really good job.”

After an exhibition against Eastern Illinois on August 16th, Illini Volleyball officially opens its season against Northern Illinois in Rockford.