CHAMPAIGN — February 10, 2017.
The date is seared into Chris Tamas' memory. It was the day he was announced as the eighth coach in Illinois volleyball history. And the first day he got to truly sit down with his new team and map out his vision for what the Illini could be.
"They were all kind of huddled around the table with somber looks on their faces," Tamas said, remembering that first meeting. "I said, 'Hey, if you guys stick with me this is going to be a good ride.' Here we are two years later, and they've been doing great.