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WEST CHICAGO – Freshman libero Jennifer Bonilla barely has started her college volleyball career, but Illinois already has lined up a potential successor.

Julia Conard, a 5-foot-9 junior at West Chicago High School, orally committed to the No. 3 Illini last week.

Conard plays outside hitter for the Wildcats and for Marengo-based Club Fusion Volleyball. However, she agreed to UI coach Kevin Hambly's plans to utilize her – because of her modest height – as a libero and/or defensive specialist in college.

"Truthfully, I would be happy anywhere on the court," Conard said Tuesday. "I just love to be out there. ... Whether it's hitting a great kill or just passing a great up – just whatever it is – I love just being in the moment out there and contributing whatever it is."

That sentiment became clear to Conard's club coach when he raised this discussion point: In order to play at a top-tier Division I program, she likely would need to become a back-row specialist.

"A lot of schools were looking at her as an outside hitter – the higher Division II's and smaller Division I's," said Mike Bui, Conard's coach at Club Fusion for the past two years. "We talked last year about the possibility of her being a libero (in college), and she was open to that. She loves hitting, but she'd love to play in an environment like the University of Illinois."

Conard earned All-America honors in the 16 Open division at the 2010 AAU Junior National Championships at Orlando, Fla. In 2009, she was selected as the Outstanding Player in the 15s division at the Prepvolleyball.com Classic in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. That same year, Conard was an all-tournament pick in the Junior Volleyball Association Championships at Louisville, Ky., after leading the Club Fusion 15 Black team to the 15 Open Division title.

"She's been my stud outside hitter," Bui said. "The kid can play at a high level. She's extremely explosive and has a great knowledge of the game. She was a big part of us winning the national title in 2009."

Conard, who attended "three or four" Illini volleyball camps while growing up, was back on the UI campus Aug. 31 for a tour. One day later, she decided to accept a scholarship offer previously extended by Hambly.

"Just felt very at home there," Conard said. "They've been a pretty dominant school that I've wanted to go to. The coach is phenomenal and completely honest. I just see them going nowhere but up from here."

On the way
 
A list of Illinois volleyball recruits who have orally committed:
Class of 2011
NAME    HIGH SCHOOL    POSITION
Jocelynn Birks    LaGrange Lyons    Outside hitter
Morganne Criswell    Decatur Lutheran    Middle blocker
Liz McMahon    Lakota West (Ohio)    Middle blocker
Allison Stark    Mount Vernon (Iowa)    Right-side hitter
Class of 2012
Julia Conard    West Chicago    Outside hitter
Madeline Mayers    Fort Wayne (Ind.) Bishop Dwenger    Middle blocker
Alexis Viliunas    LaGrange Lyons    Setter
Class of 2013
Katie Roustio    O’Fallon    Outside hitter
NOTE: Positions listed are current for players’ high school/club teams