by Lisa Miller
Daily Illini sports reporter

Illinois volleyball head coach Don Hardin is a happy man.

With two new recruits, a transfer player and a contract renewal, Hardin said he only expects good things to come. On Thursday, Hardin announced the signing of two recruits to national letters of intent.

From Queen of Peace High School in Chicago, Melissa Vandrey has been signed to provide outside hitting, something the Illini might be lacking with the departure of seniors Tracey Marshall and Sara Sorrell. The six-foot hitter was named as the Chicago Sun-Times and Daily Southtown Player of the Year in 1999 in addition to being named to the Chicago Tribune’s All-State team as a senior.

“She’s an Illinois product, and all things considered equal, we always look here first,” Hardin said. “She came to summer camp to make a statement about her abilities and really wanted to make an impression.”

For Hardin, she did just that. At summer camp, Hardin had other more highly recruited players present, but it was Vandrey’s desire to be part of the Illinois team and her performance that impressed him.

“For that person who puts on that Illinois uniform and it means something to them, you get something special out of them,” Hardin said. “Melissa has that.”

Hardin found the desire to be part of the Illinois team in another recruit, Shelly O’Bryan. The 6-foot-3 middle blocker is a native of Louisville, Ky. and has a special connection to Illinois, Hardin said.

At Assumption High School in Louisville, O’Bryan played on four state championship teams coached by Ron Kordes, the father of Illinois assistant coach Anne Kordes.

O’Bryan was named first team Volleyball Magazine All-American, first team All-State and MVP of the state championship in 1999. In addition, O’Bryan racked up the honors of Kentucky High School Player of the Year and Gatorade Player of the Year in 1999.

“Shelly was an exceptional recruit; she’s so versatile. I think she was heavily recruited and most respected ... as an offensive player,” Hardin said. “She really pounds the ball and gets tremendous respect because of that.”

Another Kentucky connection can be found in Illini transfer Sarah Pomeroy, a two-year letterwinner as an outside hitter and defensive specialist from the University of Texas. Pomeroy transferred to Illinois for the spring semester and will have junior eligibility this fall.

Pomeroy was a club teammate of current Illini freshman Lisa Argabright and was also coached by Ron Kordes at Assumption High School.

Jared Peterson The Daily Illini

Dena Shorn, junior middle blocker, serves during the game against Wisconsin at Huff Hall on Oct. 9, 1999. She is not returning to the team.

“She’s making a smooth transition,” Hardin said. “I coached her when she was younger, so it is kind of a treat for me to coach her again.”

Not returning to the Illini line-up is junior middle blocker Dena Schorn.

“She notified me of (not returning) the first day of classes. You’ve got to have a tremendous commitment to compete at this level,” Hardin said. “Her commitment level with her direction on what she wanted to be doing was always an internal question, and we could tell that.”

Hardin said he is extremely pleased with the steps the team has been taking, including his contract extension through the year 2002.

“With my contact extension, I am really honored to be in such a competitive conference and at this school. Now that we’ve got things moving in the right direction, the best is yet to come — and I truly mean that.”