Rockets' Zasada commits to ISU

Burlington Central senior Meghan Zasada should feel right at home at her college choice: Illinois State University.

The ISU coaching staff first took notice of the 18-year-old Elgin resident when Zasada and her Burlington Central teammates reached the state finals in Class 3A, where they eventually finished second to Joliet Catholic.

"They saw me play at Redbird Arena, liked what they saw and they contacted my coach (Marv Leavitt)," Zasada said. "Then they saw me more at (Club) Fusion matches. I'm ecstatic that I got the opportunity. To play at that level is going to be amazing. I can't wait."

Zasada is currently competing with the Club Fusion 18-black squad as a defensive specialist. At Burlington Central she played right-side hitter and was a left-back defender. The ISU coaching staff told her she would likely be used as a defender next fall.

"I'll probably be a DS, so I'll just work hard and, hopefully, be playing right back or wherever else they need me," Zasada said.

With her commitment to ISU, Zasada becomes the third Burlington Central player from the state runner-up to commit to high-level college volleyball, joining teammates Molly Turk (Northern Iowa) and Stephanie Holthus (Northwestern). Getting a scholarship to play in college is a dream come true for a player who spent years perfecting her sport in both the high school and club volleyball arenas.

"Out of all the (Fusion) girls, even the 17s, I was the last one uncommitted," Zasada said. "Being able to make this decision takes a huge weight off my shoulders. Now I don't have to worry about it and I can just focus on getting ready for playing down there and not having to worry about where I'm going."