The Big Ten Conference announced its foreign volleyball tour on Wednesday (May 10) with rising-junior setter Jordyn Poulter set to represent the Fighting Illini on the Big Ten Volleyball Foreign Tour Team, which will travel to the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Italy and Austria from June 17-28.
"We are happy to have Jordyn compete this summer for the Big Ten Volleyball Foreign Tour," said head coach Chris Tamas. "The travel experiences she will have will be memorable. Furthermore, the playing experiences she will gain will be valuable to her and our team heading into next season. We are excited for her and we appreciate that the Big Ten Conference is able to do this for the betterment of Illinois, our conference, and for volleyball in the United States."
"I am grateful and excited to have the opportunity to represent the University of Illinois this summer on the Big Ten Volleyball Foreign Tour Team," said Poulter. "I look forward to my experiences both on and off the court."
Poulter, who garnered AVCA All-America Honorable Mention and All-Northeast Region Team honoree as a sophomore, averaged 10.63 assists per set to rank sixth in the Big Ten and 51st in the NCAA after totaling 1,190 assists on the season and leading the Illini to a .251 hitting percentage, which ranked 47th in the nation following the conclusion of regular season.
An All-Big Ten selection, she upped her game in league play and finished fifth with 10.89 assists per set in Big Ten matches. One of the most consistent players for the Illini, Poulter ranked second on the team with 112 blocks, was fifth with 166 digs and was efficient in the attack with 79 kills in 164 swings and only 22 errors for a .348 hitting percentage. The Preseason All-Big Ten honoree also garnered all-tournament accolades at the Illini Classic and the Nike Invitational and earned Big Ten Setter of the Week honors on Oct. 17.
Maryland's Steve Aird will serve as the head coach of the Big Ten Volleyball Foreign Tour Team. Minnesota's Alexandra Dunphy will serve as the Director of Operations, Iowa's Cari Gold will be the Communications Director and Scott Campbell of Penn State serve as the Athletic Trainer. Jessica Palermo, Assistant Commissioner of the Big Ten Conference, will also travel with the party.
In addition to competition on the court, the 14 students in attendance will have the opportunity to participate in community service initiatives, study foreign languages with local students and visit some of Europe's most historic cities, including Vienna, Austria, Maribor, Slovenia, and Venice and Milan in Italy.
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