St. Francis' Robinson picks Tennessee

Kelsey Robinson fell for the family atmosphere at the University of Tennessee.

Watching people gather at 8 a.m. for a Tennessee-Florida football game, she felt right at home.

"I'm a big fan of St. Francis because we have so much support," Robinson said, "kind of what it is like at Tennessee. It feels like the whole state is behind the school."

Robinson will be at the receiving end of that affection now. The St. Francis junior outside hitter committed to the Tennessee volleyball program this week. Robinson, among the top 50 recruits nationally in the Class of 2010 according to PrepVolleyball.com, chose Tennessee over Nebraska and Michigan.

"I felt they were the right fit all along," Robinson said. "It was an easy decision."

Robinson, All-State according to the Champaign Daily Gazette and Daily Herald All-Area last fall, finished with 341 kills, 183 digs, 40 blocks and 68 aces in leading St. Francis to a share of the Suburban Catholic Conference championship and a Class 3A sectional title.

"She wanted to go to a school where she has a chance to make a difference right away," St. Francis coach Peg Kopec said, "and Kelsey certainly has the potential to do that. She's a super competitor. She ranks right there among the best we've had here."

Tennessee is coming off a 22-10 season and berth in the NCAA Tournament, doubling its win total of a year ago. The Vols have won 20 or more matches five times since 2002.

"I wanted to go to a school where I would feel comfortable," Robinson said, "and a school that had a chance to go to the Final Four."

Robinson, who plans to major in broadcast journalism at Tennessee, saw her recruitment heat up after joining the Sports Performance 16Elite team as a sophomore. Now she plays on the 18Elite team with area standouts Jessica Jendryk (Benet), Emily McGee (Naperville Central) and Amanda Peterson (Glenbard East).

Robinson joins a strong recruiting class at Tennessee. Front-row player Leslie Cikra of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, ranked 11th in the nation, already has committed, as has outside hitter Carly Sahagian of Bartlett. Sahagian and Robinson are best friends - Robinson lives five minutes away in Bartlett.

"It's definitely exciting to have your best friend going with you to the same school," Robinson said. "We know each other so well on the court."