Illinois Volleyball’s Diana Brown selected for US Collegiate National Team

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again.

Illinois Volleyball will be A-OK.

There also may be a setter battle.

Redshirt-freshman Diana Brown was selected for the U.S. Collegiate National Volleyball team on Wednesday, a big honor for the setter who did not appear in a game during the Illini’s Final Four run last year.

A 6-foot native of Columbus, Ohio, Brown got to work under All-American Jordyn Poulter last year, and now has been named to the 12-player team to compete at the World University Games this summer in Italy.

“Thank you to USA Volleyball for giving me this opportunity to represent something larger than myself and to Illinois volleyball for providing me the opportunity to continue my volleyball career,” Brown told FightingIllini.com. “I am very grateful for all my blessings, and I cannot wait to wear the Red, White and Blue.”

Illinois also added setter Mica Allison this offseason, a local product who played for Auburn last season. With Poulter’s graduation, it’ll be up to Allison and Brown to fill the void, with both players well-positioned to do so.

From our Jacob Rajlich last month:

Technically a redshirt freshman, Brown did not play last season, but practiced with the team as a setter. Not only has Brown spent a year in the system, she also spent a year studying under one of the best setters in Illinois history — Jordyn Poulter.

With the experience Brown has gained at Illinois already, and four years of eligibility remaining, she can be an extremely valuable asset for an Illinois team looking to replace an All-American setter.

Illinois opens spring play on March 30 at Purdue.

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