Women's Volleyball | November 15

DeKALB, Ill.—The Northern Illinois University Huskies volleyball program will welcome six newcomers for the 2025 season as announced by head coach Sondra D'Amore.
 
The class represents the states of Illinois, Nebraska, Indiana, and Wisconsin.  
 
"We are all very excited for this group to join our program. These six young women come with a wealth of playing experience from top clubs across the country, as well as a strong desire to compete at the next level and specifically for NIU. I am confident their talent and passion will make an immediate impact," noted NIU head coach Sondra D'Amore. "I am excited for them all to help this program compete and move up the ranks within the MAC."
 
Naomi Dowd is slated to join the Huskies Volleyball program after competing at Waubonsie Valley High School. The Aurora, Illinois native posted 203 kills in her senior season while maintaining a hitting percentage of .261. Dowd tallied 30 blocks for the team while helping the Warriors earn the 2024 Scholastic Cup Bronze Championship. Dowd is a three-time all-conference honoree, a four-time academic all-conference member and four-year varsity letter winner for the Warriors.
 
D'Amore on Dowd: "Naomi will be a great offensive threat as a left-handed opposite, who has great potential to develop into an elite attacker at the next level."
 
Eva Finnessy comes to the Huskies from Sussex Hamilton High School.  The Pewaukee, Wisconsin native recorded 879 kills, 150 aces, 143 blocks and 804 digs while serving as a two-time team captain. Finnessy was a member of the team that placed third at state in 2023 and went 14-2 in two years of conference play. Finnessy earned Second Team All-State honors while claimed three All-Conference distinctions and earning a four-year letter in basketball.
 
D'Amore on Finnessy: "Eva completes the group as a well-rounded opposite with a ball control background and variety in her swings."
 
Savannah Gogel will join the NIU Volleyball program after competing at Heritage Hills High School. The Santa Claus, Indiana native broke the Heritage Hills High School record for most kills in a single match, achieving 33 kills in a game during her career. Gogel's senior season statistics include: 292 kills, .314 hitting percentage, 35 aces, and 150 digs. Gogel has achieved 125 blocks in a single season, which ranks second in the 3A class.
 
D'Amore on Gogel: "Savannah has the ability to be very terminal as a middle and her length as a blocker, will elevate our front-row play."
 
Isabel "Izzy" Junior comes to the Huskies after competing at Elkhorn South High School. The Omaha, Nebraska native tallied 1,1270 digs, 143 aces, and 224 assists in her career. Junior was a member of the team that was runner-up at state in 2024 and district champions that year. Junior was a 2021-22 state semi-finalist while earned academic honors in her career.
 
D'Amore on Junior: "Izzy will make us better on both sides of the game with her passing stability and defensive strengths."
 
Kiana "Kiki" Shields joins the Huskies after competing at Wheaton Academy during her high school career. The West Chicago, Illinois native is a two-time Jay watchlist and AVCA Phenom list honoree. Shields was a member of the team that was regional winners in 2023-24 and first team all-conference honors. Shields has been a Blocker of the Week for Illinois recipient while serving as a team captain for the Warriors.
 
D'Amore on Shields: "Kiana comes with a great work ethic and variety of roles played which will add versatility to our middle/right-side group."
 
Delaney Steers will come to NIU from Brownsburg High School in Brownsburg, Indiana. Steers garnered over 1,102 kills in her high school career and added 118 aces, 340 blocks, and 74 assists. Steers and the Bulldogs of Brownsburg High School, took ninth at state in 2024-25, claimed the sectional championship, and defeated the third ranked team that season. Steers is a three-year All-Conference honoree, including First Team honors, and was named Rookie of the Year her freshman season.  
 
D'Amore on Steers: "Delaney will add great depth in all aspects of the game as an ultra-competitive 6 rotation outside."
 
The Huskies conclude the regular season this evening (Nov. 15) at 5:30 p.m. CT against the RedHawks of Miami University.  
 
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