Junior Jaelyn Keene has been selected to train as part of the U.S. Collegiate National Team. She earned a spot on the squad this spring after competing against 231 collegiate players at the USA Volleyball Women’s National Team Tryouts.
She was one of 36 players chosen for the squad, which is part of USA Volleyball’s High Performance pipeline and considered a second tryout for the U.S. Women’s National Team.
“I am so grateful to be chosen. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am really excited,” said Keene, who is an accounting major.
A two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference First-Team and American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Region selection, Keene has been a key member of the Illinois State volleyball team the past two years.
She registered 336 kills and 99 blocks during the 2015 season, while starting every match for the Redbirds. In 2014, Keene tallied 364 kills and 127 blocks as a freshman. She helped guide Illinois State to MVC regular-season and tournament titles before the team advanced to the NCAA Tournament’s second round. Keene was named the 2014 AVCA North Region Freshman of the Year.
