Normal West Volleyball Star Lands DI Scholarship
By Randy Sharer, The Pantagraph, Bloomington, Ill.
Feb. 7–NORMAL — Pantagraph All-Area volleyball star Liz Heineman of Normal West High School has overcome long odds to land a Division I college scholarship.
Most Division I programs ask their defensive specialists to walk on, but Heineman, a 5-foot-5 libero, has committed to accept a full scholarship from Presbyterian College of Clinton, S.C. She will sign a national letter of intent during the April signing period.
Heineman, who plays for the Illini Elite Volleyball Club, was recruited by Chris Belshe, a former Illini Elite coach. Belshe’s program, which went 9-25 last season, will move from Division II to Division I prior to next school year.
“What they were weak at is ball control and serve receive,” Illini Elite coach Andy Erins said. “It works out to be a great fit for Liz. I would be surprised if she didn’t start right away. She’s one of the best defensive players to come out of this area in a while.
“They are getting a defensive player who can do everything and that’s exactly what they needed.”
Heineman chose Presbyterian over North Carolina State, Eastern Illinois and Illinois-Chicago among others. Her future teammates will include former Tri-Valley stars Rachel Lewis and Justine Lanchester, who will be juniors next season.
“I’ve played with Rachel and Justine,” Heineman said. “They are extremely friendly. I’ll be able to fly home with them and car pool.”
Heineman averaged 6.1 digs per game last fall as the Wildcats went 22-12 overall and finished third in the Big 12 Conference at 7-2. She was named her team’s most valuable player as well as a first-team all-Big 12 star.
Heineman, who plans to study business and marketing, is happy the college hunt has concluded.
“I was really stressing out about it,” she said. “In volleyball it can be tough to find a scholarship. They go with players with the most height and power. They want liberos to walk on.”
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Copyright (c) 2007, The Pantagraph, Bloomington, Ill.
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