CHAMPAIGN — An already-big 2017 recruiting class has grown for the Illinois volleyball team with the commitment of 5-foot-7 defensive specialist Emmaline Walters.
The Huntington Beach, Calif., native (by way of Kettle Run High School in Nokesville, Va.) is the ninth commit to the 2017 class for coach Kevin Hambly’s Illini. Her Huntington Beach High School team went 25-4 overall last fall, with a 10-0 mark for a Sunset League title.
Illinois will lose seven players following the 2016 season, necessitating a large 2017 recruiting class. Walters is one of three incoming defensive specialists along with Morgan O’Brien (Libertyville) and Lexie Smith (Lucas, Texas).