Kayani Turner did not expect top volleyball programs from all over the country to come knocking on her door.

Not when she has only two years of Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) volleyball experience, a must to be seen on the college recruiting trail.

"I am very overwhelmed," Turner said. "I never envisioned this myself because of my inexperience."

The Illinois volleyball community is now overwhelmed that Turner has verbally committed to play volleyball at Illinois next season. The highly touted Turner plays outside hitter at John Carroll School in Maryland.

"It was a very stressful process and I am glad that it is over," Turner said.

Turner's club volleyball team, Time Out Orange Crush, placed fifth in the USAV Junior National 18 and under tournament in 2003. At nationals Turner earned All-Tournament Team recognition. In 2002 Turner led the state of Maryland in high school kills with 331 (4.6 kills a game).

Illinois not only had to fight volleyball programs for Turner's skills, but basketball programs as well. Turner has played AAU basketball longer than volleyball. Turner could play for top teams in either sport at the collegiate level. In the end her family decided volleyball was her best option for college.

The Turner family said that while Kayani could play both Division I volleyball and basketball they anticipate that she will not have any interest in doing so.

Turner came down to visit Illinois on an official visit during the State Farm Illini Classic on Sept. 5 and 6 and fell in love with everything about the University.

"I thought the trip was awesome," Turner said. "I got to meet different advisors and that reinforced my beliefs. I had a pretty strong inclination about going there."

The sense of care from everyone involved with Illinois volleyball was the overriding factor why Turner, who plans to study pre-med, chose Illinois.

"There are no words to describe the warmth all the girls, coaching staff and parents showed," Turner said.

In the end Illinois won a recruiting battle against five Big Ten teams, three Pac-10 teams, two Big 12 teams and numerous ACC teams. The Turner family did not want to comment on which individual teams recruited Kayani.

Mike Turner, Kayani's father, said that while looking at colleges the people and the environment at each institution were the key factors.

"We wanted it to be a great experience for her," Mike said. "The farther from home the more important it was to use."

On the basketball court Turner has racked up as many awards as on the volleyball court. On Oct. 19 she will receive her second consecutive Maryland AAU Basketball Outstanding Athlete Award.

With all the success Turner has had in athletics — her high school volleyball team has won its last 28 matches — she sees success following her to Illinois.

"I believe we can make a Big Ten championship, set a good record for the NCAA tournament and make the NCAA Final Four with the right training," Turner said. "The existing team is great and if we add a little (we can make it)."