Illinois volleyball (18-13, 10-10) is entering a new era with the departure of graduate student outside hitter Raina Terry. Two returners can step into Terry’s role and lead the program for the next four years.
These two are freshman outside hitter Laynie Smith and freshman middle blocker Ashlyn Philpot. Smith and Philpot had a history together before joining the Illinois program, as they both played for the Triangle Volleyball Club organization. The two will have expanded roles next season, but their experience should have them ready.
What is Triangle Volleyball Club?
The club is a volleyball team that allows high school players to compete with others hoping to get into the Division I level. Triangle Volleyball has been around since 2003 and produces successful men and women at every level. Its alumni have attended 160 different colleges and universities from Division I down to the NAIA level.
In the class of 2024, the club saw three players commit to Big Ten schools. Smith and Philpot were the first two, and freshman outside hitter Kiki Horne went to UCLA.
Illinois and UCLA faced each other on Nov. 23, where Illinois fell in four sets. Horne had a big performance against Illinois, putting up eight kills. Smith played well for Illinois, with 12 kills, while Philpot got five.
“It was great to play against her,” Smith said. “She did a great job, obviously, but it was good to see her again. Wish we had a different outcome, but it was good to see her.”
How many play at the Division I Level?
The Triangle Volleyball class of 2024 saw 15 players go to the highest level of competition across both men and women, including the three players mentioned above. Smith and Philpot each spent four years in the program. On the other hand, Horne only spent two.
“It just means the world,” Smith said. “I love Triangle, and I love what they do there. By seeing a lot of Triangle players on the big stage, it just promotes the club and shows how good of a club it is and how grateful we are for Triangle.”
Illinois hopes that its two players from the Carolina club grow into the leaders the program needs going forward. UCLA’s Horne will still have time to help develop her into a leader in the conference after her great freshman campaign.
The club has garnered coaches’ attention nationwide with its early Big Ten success. As more Triangle Volleyball players play well at the highest level, the best coaches in the nation will turn to the club when recruiting.
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