3 more added to women’s volleyball

EAST PEORIA ­– The Illinois Central College Volleyball team has added three more players to the 2016 roster. Marisa Alferova of Morton, Kenzie Rhodes of Deer Creek-Mackinaw, and Taylor Shaw of Annawan will be joining the already signed recruits, Claire Milnes and Brooke Gardner.

Maria Alferova was a Mid-Illini First Team All-Conference libero for Morton this past fall. She posted 328 digs as well as 31 aces during her senior season to be the recipient of the Potters’ MVP award. Maria was also a part of the Illini Elite 16-Black team that was the 2014 National Championship runner-up in the club division. Alferova has a 4.5 GPA, is a National Honors Society member and plans on studying international business.

“Maria is a player with a high volleyball IQ,” Head Coach Sue Sinclair said in a statement.. “She has played almost every position on the floor which helps tremendously as a libero. With that kind of IQ, Maria will be able to see, direct and lead with ease from the back row”.

Kenzie Rhodes, a setter from Deer Creek- Mackinaw, earned 503 assists, 140 digs, and 37 blocks throughout her final season for the Chiefs, to earn a unanimous Heart of Illinois Conference First Team selection. Rhodes has led Dee-Mack in assists for three years and was a part of the 2013 and 2014 teams that finished third and first at the IHSA State Tournament, respectively. She will be pursuing nursing.

“Kenzie has experience playing and making tough decisions under pressure,” Sinclair said. “Running a 5-1 for a state championship winning team is no easy task and having that experience will help at this next level.”

Annawan’s outside hitter and two-time Lincoln Trail All-Conference First Team selection, Taylor Shaw, ended her senior season with 229 kills, 104 digs, and 31 aces. Not only was Shaw the Braves’ MVP, but she has earned accolades in the classroom as well. She is a National Honor Society member, is on the High Honor Roll and has been on the Lincoln Trail Academic All-Conference since her sophomore year in volleyball, basketball, and softball.

“Taylor is a talented, all-around competitor,” said Sinclair. “She is a six-rotation player with an incredible amount of athleticism. She has attended our camps in the summer, got a feel for what ICC Volleyball is all about, and we’re glad she decided to join us”.

All three athletes signed Dec.7 at the Illinois Central College CougarPlex, with the current team in attendance.

“The coaching staff and the team are all very excited to add Maria, Kenzie, and Taylor to the addition of incoming freshmen,” Sinclair said. “We have a talented group of student-athletes that makes everyone look forward to next fall.”

Cover photo by Marc Nycz.