Richards to further volleyball career at Millikin
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TAYLORVILLE — Taylorville High School 2023 graduate, Elle Richards, signs onto Millikin university on Thursday, May 11. The Richards Family from left to right: Bill, Elle, Jennifer and Jett Richards.
(Submitted Photo)
Lucas Domonousky
Breeze-Courier Sports Editor
TAYLORVILLE — Taylorville High School senior Elle Richards signed an official Letter of Intent to continue her volleyball play at Millikin University on May, 11.
Richards lead a stellar 2022-’23 volleyball team to a 30-11-1 overall record, Regional Championship, Sectional Championship, Super-Sectional Championship and a fourth place finish at the IHSA Class 3A State Finals. She shared just a few of her favorite aspects of being a Tornado.
“The friends I have made and the relationships I have built with the teachers.” Says Elle. “For volleyball, making school history and how far we have come as a team.”
The accomplishment of reaching State for the first time in Taylorville High School history was just the cherry on top of a magnificent season for Elle. She was dominant at the net leading the team with 373 kills, averaging 4.1 per set. She also collected 1st team All-Apollo nods and 2022 WCIA 3 Volleyball Player of the Year.
“It was fun seeing how some of the younger players look up to you and the community supporting you as a leader.” The Taylorville hitter said.
As for her career playing her sport for the Big Blue she says she’s only just now beginning to tap into her potential.
“I feel I have not reached my peak and ability to play.” Richards says. “My goal is to improve and meet new people while being in a new setting. Competitive wise I want to make it to nationals and try to help the team in any way they can to reach nationals.”
For Elle, the choice was simple.
“Abby Heberling (2022 THS grad) told me that it is a fun time and it is nice to be close to home so family and friends can attend games.” Said Richards. “Talking with Coach Kiick at Millikin, she told me about how competitive the competition is and I want to focus on getting myself better by playing tougher competition.”
