Emerson Eeten will be playing NCAA Division-I college volleyball.
The Illini Bluffs junior announced via social media on Sunday, Oct. 18 her commitment to Illinois State, deciding on a future with the Missouri Valley Conference program prior to the Class 1A postseason beginning. She choose the Redbirds after visits to Gonzaga, Bradley and Southern Illinois-Edwardsville.
"I am SO excited to announce my verbal commitment to Illinois State University to continue my academic and D1 volleyball career," Eeten posted, adding a note of thanks to the ISU coaching staff for the 'incredible opportunity.'
"I would like to thank my teammates and coaches who have shaped me into the player that I am today. Thankful to my family for the love and support throughout my journey."
During her junior season, the 6-foot-1 outside hitter achieved a career milestone with her 1,000th career kill last week. Eeten and the Tigers (22-4) open postseason play on Monday, Oct. 26 as the No. 2 seed at the Heyworth Regional.
She was named a 2024 Journal Star All-Area First-Team selection, recording 339 kills, 124 digs, 31 blocks and 27 aces as a freshman.
Illinois State is 15-4 overall and 6-2 in MVC play as of Tuesday, Oct. 20. The Redbirds head to Carbondale on Friday, Oct. 23 for a league match against Southern Illinois.
Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Illini Bluffs star commits to Missouri Valley Conference volleyball program