Volleyball standout set to play NCAA Division I

EAST PEORIA — Reilly Dunne looks to ignite a new chapter in her volleyball career.

The Illinois Central College sophomore will transfer to Western Illinois and continue her playing career as an invited walk-on. There she will major in fire science.

“Reilly has a tremendous work ethic,” ICC coach Sue Sinclair said. “She’s one of those individuals that not only works hard for you on the court, but off the court.”

“Reilly, without a doubt, is extremely deserving, because she gives you everything you want out of a player and this is mentally and emotionally.”

The two-year starter helped guide the Cougars to back-to-back appearances at the NJCAA Division II national tournament. As a sophomore, Dunne also earned Region 24 first-team honors.

She finished the season with 427 kills, 224 digs and 125 blocks.

The 5-foot-9 middle hitter will be forced to change positions. Dunne will likely become a utility player and is very capable of handling the transition, Sinclair said.

“For her, the biggest thing is going to be working on back-row skills,” Sinclair said, “because she hasn’t had the opportunity to get as many reps in the back row in competition, although she does some in training.

“It’s not that uncommon for athletes to switch positions when they move from one level to the next level.”

In May 2012, Dunne became a volunteer firefighter for the Bartonville Fire Department. It was then that she decided to pursue a degree in fire science.

“I just really enjoy (being a volunteer firefighter),” Dunne said. “I like to help people out and it is really rewarding for me. There has got to be something after my volleyball life and it’s going to be fire science.”

The 2012 Limestone High School graduate looked into schools such as Texas A&M and Oklahoma for their fire science programs. Ultimately, Western was much closer to her Bartonville home.

So when Leathernecks head coach Kelly Richardson offered her a walk-on spot, Dunne immediately said yes.

“Work hard and your time will come,” Dunne said. “Never give up on something you love.”

Western Illinois is a Division-I school in Macomb and a member of the Summit League. In 2014, the Leathernecks were 6-23 and 4-12 in conference play. Dunne will play for Richardson, who was hired after a season as assistant coach at the University of Texas-Arlington.