By ISU Sports Information
NORMAL – The Illinois State volleyball team has received signed National Letters of Intent from two players who will be eligible to compete for the Redbirds beginning in the 2016 season, head coach Melissa Myers announced Monday.
Illinois State will add to the depth and talent of its team with the signings of outside hitter Ella Francis (Prior Lake, Minn./Prior Lake HS) and outside/middle hitter Monica Miller (Ostrander, Ohio/Marysville HS).
“We are very excited to have Ella and Monica join our program,” Myers said. “They are both excellent students that work very hard, both academically and athletically. They are going to add more altitude to our roster, make the gym more competitive, and will be great contributors in continuing to build and shape our culture.”
Francis has been a two-sport standout at the prep level, earning all-state honors for both Prior Lake High School’s volleyball and track and field teams. She has served as a team captain in volleyball, where she has earned all-conference status three times while leading her team to a No. 1 state ranking in each of the past two seasons. Francis owns her high school’s all-time kills record, and has set a pair of conference records in track and field. Most recently, Francis led her team to a runner-up finish in the Minnesota Class AAA state tournament. She was one of five finalists for the Miss Baden Award, recognizing the best player in the state, and was also an all-tournament team selection at the state finals. In addition, Francis has been active in club volleyball, with M1 Volleyball.
A model student in the classroom as well, Francis has been a board scholar, as well as being named to the dean’s list. She plans to major in biology.
“Ella is a skilled athlete and competitor who makes others around her better,” Myers said. “She has been continually improving each season and, this past weekend, guided her team to the state championship finals. We’re excited to add someone with her drive, character, and work ethic to our program.”
Miller has been a four-year starter at the high-school level, and hasn’t missed a match during her prep career. She is a three-time team MVP, and has earned all-conference and all-district status in each of the past three seasons. As a senior, she has served as her team’s captain. A two-sport athlete as well, Miller was a district qualifier in track and field. In the club volleyball ranks, Miller has been a standout for the Elite VBTC program.
Recognized as a scholar athlete and named to the honor roll, Miller has been equally impressive in the classroom. She plans to study forensic science at Illinois State.
“Monica is a strong and versatile athlete that can block well and score at any position. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to make her team successful. It will be exciting to see how she continues to evolve as a player at the next level.”
Before Francis and Miller begin their careers at Illinois State, the Redbirds will look to finish the 2015 season strong. Illinois State (21-9, 11-6 MVC) will host Indiana State (17-15, 6-11) in its final match of the regular season Friday at 7 p.m., before heading to the conference tournament in Springfield, Missouri, next week.
