DEKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University volleyball team held its first practice of the fall on Tuesday (Aug. 8) as first-year head coach Sondra Parys put her team through its opening workout of the 2023 season inside Victor E. Court at the NIU Convocation Center. 

The Huskies officially reported to campus on Monday, completing meetings and photos shoots before going through their first two-hour practice at midday on Tuesday. 

"I'm really excited about the future for this program, the determination, the effort, the focus, was the biggest thing that I saw today," said Parys. "They came in ready to go, which for a coaching staff is always exciting. It was a really good first day."

After being hired in January, Parys is ready for her first season as a collegiate head coach. 

"You come in and don't know fully what to expect," said Parys. "We spent a lot of time preparing. I have awesome mentors that said, 'you are ready, trust your gut,' and after going through the first day I definitely feel that. I feel the support around me, with the girls and with my staff, so I am excited to go."

The 2023 Huskie volleyball team will blend nine returnees with seven newcomers. Among the new faces for the Huskies are six transfers and one freshman (Sydney Robinson). 

"There is going to be a lot of teaching, because we have seven new faces, six true new faces and one that came at semester," said Parys. "We are going to have to learn quickly, really get our systems in place and get them caught up to speed with everyone else before our first match."

The Huskies will open the exhibition portion of their schedule in just 10 days' time as they host Wisconsin-Parkside on Friday, Aug. 18, at 3 p.m. in the NIU Convocation Center. The regular season will begin on Friday, Aug. 25, when the Huskies host Chicago State at 6 p.m. 

Season tickets for NIU volleyball are on sale now beginning at just $30 for general admission seats. A Huskie Four-Pack is available at $90 and additional seats can be purchased for $22.50 per seat. Courtside seats on the south side of Victor E. Court are available for $180, which includes a season ticket and Premium Seat License. All orders have a $5 handling fee. To purchase, click on the following link.