Matters Returns to Alma Mater as Redbirds Continue Strong Start

Image courtesy of Illinois State University

Redbird Volleyball Head Coach Allie Matters had an emotional return to her alma mater at the Seton Hall Tournament.

The weekend started off rocky as the team’s flight out of Chicago was delayed for almost 11 hours. After the delay, the team flew into Philadelphia and then rode a bus for an hour and a half to New Jersey, causing the team to not get to bed until around 4 a.m.

Matters attributes the loss to Seton Hall that morning to the teams’ difficult travel day.

“So unfortunately, against Seton Hall, like we didn’t play well at all, and I think if we would have played Seton Hall on like a regular good night’s rest, I think that we would have won, but here nor there, it was out of our control.”

However, the trip was not all bad as Matters was inducted into the Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Fame. Matters spent three seasons playing at Seton Hall, setting numerous records and leading the Pirates to their first Big East Championship appearance in 15 years as a senior.

“My parents were there, and my wife and my daughter were there, so, like, it was just a really cool thing, my roster was really excited, and it was just a tough trip, a long trip, but it was a really rewarding trip.”

Following the loss to Seton Hall, the Redbirds were upset with their performance.

“They were just like, ‘wow’, like ‘we never want to feel that way again. ‘Like, we did not play good volleyball.'”

This being the first match of the season, no one had film of each other’s style of gameplay either. Since NJIT and FDU both played before ISU played them, they were able to get film on those teams. The team knew that following the Seton Hall match, it had to change its mindset.

“We’re operating on minimal sleep, but like we’re going to go back to the hotel. We’re going to eat and we’re going to rest. And like, we have a crack at this tomorrow, and I’m like, it’s a new day, and we woke up. We played well. We went to bed again and then we woke up and played well again.”

The roster is also adjusting to five freshmen and five transfers connecting with its returners.

“I think our freshmen were like ‘oh, this is my first time doing this.’ For our transfers, like ‘oh, this is my first match in the Illinois State jersey, that means something.’ And then we have returners that are seniors that are like ‘oh, been there, done that.'”

Despite the adjustment, the team is getting along well.

“Our transfers and our freshmen are like awesome people. Everyone’s getting along. It’s like it’s the best team unit that I’ve had here since being the head coach at ISU.”

Ruth Ziegler has been a huge highlight so far this season for the team, not only on the court, but off it as well.

“You think like she has such a heavy arm. She’s such an amazing athlete and she’s just so fun to watch. Ruth opens her mouth and it’s like, she wants to own a bakery someday. She brings in warm chocolate chip cookies, like her parents, her sister, they’re just wonderful people and Ruthie is the most warm and fuzzy person you will ever meet. She’s so easy to root for. She played really well at the Seton Hall Tournament and she, you know, was able to get, you know, player of the week for the Missouri Valley Conference.”

Jillian Gregory, a transfer from Wyoming, also played very well at the Tournament recording 14 kills in one match.

“Jill is just someone that’s, it’s just the type of person that she is to be competitive and to root for others and just really be like a solid addition for us. So, Jill’s awesome.”

Coach Matters is also excited to soon be playing in front of a home crowd. The Redbirds will return to CEFCU Arena this weekend for the Linda Herman Volleyball Classic.

“I think this team is just a special one and there, there’s a lot of depth and a lot of talent, so I’m just, I’m excited for this weekend, but I’m even more excited, you know, for our home tournament and to get, you know, in front of our fans and things like that.”

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