NORMAL, Ill. — Jamie Vasilou’s journey to collegiate volleyball player was unexpected. As a young child, Jamie was constantly on the move and dabbled in many sports. In 4th grade, she trained as a gymnast, but switched to volleyball after the pressure of the gymnastics began to wear on her. After learning the basics at Illini Elite Volleyball Club, Jamie played volleyball in high school and was named team captain and MVP her senior year at Normal Community High School. Jamie didn’t believe she was skilled enough to play in a Division-I program, so she opted out of the recruiting cycle and chose her college based on other factors. Coach Joe Sanders from Illini Elite knew an assistant at University of Louisville. Encouraged to attend their pre-season camp, Jamie impressed the team with her can-do attitude and earned a spot as Team Manager. The following spring semester, Jamie was awarded a spot on the Cardinals roster as a setter.

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