Rochelle senior Sylvia Hasz has aspired to become a Division I volleyball player since she first took the floor for the Lady Hubs three years ago. Hasz made that dream a reality on Saturday, when she committed to continuing her academics and athletics at Eastern Illinois University.

“I chose EIU because I liked the size of the school and how close it was to home,” Hasz said. “The head coach also really stood out to me and I’m looking forward to working with her. I’m also looking forward to playing at a higher level with new teammates and a new environment.”

Hasz spent four years with the Rochelle Lady Hub volleyball program including three seasons with the varsity team. A three-time Interstate 8 All-Conference First Team honoree, Hasz received Most Valuable Player honors during her sophomore season, leading the Lady Hubs in both aces (35) and digs (243) while finishing second in kills (205). Hasz returned as the team’s starting outside hitter during her junior season, leading Rochelle with 239 kills and 98 digs.

“Sylvia is a fantastic teammate and person,” head coach Molly Sly said. “She has been a very influential player in our program for the last four years. The underclassmen have looked up to her and learned so much from her leadership on and off the court. She has a very high ceiling with her work ethic and her coachable attitude. I’m excited for her and I’m looking forward to seeing what she can do at the college level over the next four years of her volleyball career.”

Hasz eclipsed Rochelle’s all-time career kills record during her senior season, finishing her varsity career with 644 kills. Despite her success at the outside hitter position, Hasz said she plans to play the setter position, which she plays for her VC United club team, for the Eastern Illinois University team. Hasz, who said she’s considering studying business while playing volleyball for the Panthers, totaled 198 kills and a team-high 42 aces for Rochelle this season.

“RTHS has helped me develop my all-around skills by being able to play all different positions,” Hasz said. “EIU recruited me as a setter and that’s what I hope to play, but I want to help the team however I can. EIU will be getting a player who’s ready to come in and work for a spot.”