Huntley's Dion picks Maryland

The University of Maryland women's volleyball program has strengthened its defense for years to come.

Huntley junior libero Amy Dion, one of the top defensive players in the state of Illinois, gave her verbal commitment Friday to play college volleyball for the Terrapins.

Also recruited by North Carolina and Texas Tech, Dion said her final decision came down to Maryland or Colorado State. The defensive whiz, a two-time all-Fox Valley Conference selection who finished with an area-best 380 digs last season, called the Maryland staff Friday to confirm her choice.

The 16-year-old Algonquin resident visited the campus in College Park, Md. over the Columbus Day weekend, a trip that ultimately swayed her decision.

“It definitely came down to the coaches,” said Dion, who was named an All-American last summer when her Sky-High 16-U club team won the AAU open national championship in Orlando, Fla. “On the court they are all business, but off the court they're easy to get along with, a lot like my club coaches. They're a close team, like a family, and I want to be a part of it.”

A three-year varsity starter, Dion is a leader for a Huntley squad that finished the regular season with a record of 31-4. Her defense has helped the Red Raiders reach Class 4A sectional title matches two years in a row. She hopes to bring similar success to Maryland.

“I'm excited because no team is really dominant in (the Atlantic Coast) Conference,” Dion said. “It seems to go back and forth. Hopefully, Maryland can get to the top and stay there. It would be awesome to be a part of a team that makes a statement like that.

The Terrapins are getting a winner, according to Dion's high school coach.

“She's a great leader, all-around hard worker and plays great defense,” Huntley coach Michelle Jakubowski said. “She's a game-changer as far as I'm concerned.”