NORMAL,ILL. – Illinois State Volleyball is set to host the Redbird Classic tournament this Friday and Saturday. Play begins for the redbirds tomorrow morning against North Texas at 10 a.m, followed by Illinois at 6 p.m. Last time ISU hosted this tournament was back in 2019, and the ‘Birds went 2-1.
For tomorrow night’s match against U of I, Illinois State will be honoring school legend Linda Herman with a banner lifted into the rafters. Herman served 30 years as an administrator, and oversaw over 100 valley championships during her time. She also coached ISU volleyball for seven seasons, and current head coach leah Johnson says her influence isl present to this day.
“You know what’s really neat is just how humble and generous she is,” Johnson said. “She doesnt come to the game in a way that makes me feel pressure, she comes to the game to remind me that no matter what you’re doing a great job. Like we’ve got your back and we will support you, just keep doing the work”.
Herman coached her teams to a 267-112 record, including a pair of national appearances. She was also named NACWAA District V Administrator of the year for her leadership within ISU athletics. In 2005 Illinois State athletics inducted Herman into its hall of fame.
Photo courtesy of goredbirds.com