By Eric Stock

NORMAL – Machayla Leonard considers herself solid as a rock when it comes to helping a team keep its composure on the volleyball court.

“I bring to the team a steadiness, I’m not superemotional on the court,” the Illinois State redshirt-sophomore said.

Few college athletes have endured what Leonard already has in life. It was her father’s sudden death last October that prompted the Normal Community alum to consider moving closed to home.

Leonard transferred after her sophomore season at Toledo to ISU in the spring.

“There’s definitely a sense of family here,” Leonard said. “Everyone is here to support you. Everyone has your back.”

Her father Ken, who was an actuary at Willis Towers Watson, ran track and later coach track and field at ISU. Her mother Lana played softball at ISU. Her sister Mackenzie has committed to ISU for soccer.

Leonard is one of six newcomers on the Redbird volleyball roster and not the only transfer who came to town after Melissa Myers’ sudden resignation as coach in June.

Senior Juma Armando, a native of Toronto who was born in Angola, came to ISU in March after planning to transfer from Chicago State.

“It was a bit shocking when (Myers) left here, but the staff here are great,” Armando said. “(New coach Leah Johnson) and I are both coming into a new environment and we’ve adapted well to it.”

Armando grew up in Toronto with her aunt and uncle, which her parents remain in Angola.

(My aunt and uncle) will be here for senior night but hopefully more games they will try to come out,” Armando said.

ISU opens the season taking on UC-Santa Barbara at 4 p.m. Friday in Waco, Texas. The Redbirds’ home opener is Sept. 8 against Dayton.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].