East Peoria turned to one of its own to take over the volleyball program.
Maris Barclay, a 2023 graduate, was approved as the Raiders new head coach at Monday’s school board meeting. She replaces Katelyn Romeo, who spent five seasons at EP and posted an overall record of 60-115.
Last season, Barclay was an East Peoria assistant coach as the Raiders went 14-22 overall and 3-11 in Mid-Illini Conference play.
“We are extremely excited to have Maris step into this role,” East Peoria athletics director Denee Menzione said in a release. “Her connection to East Peoria, combined with her volleyball experience, enthusiasm for developing young athletes and her ability to build relationships with her athletes will have a positive and lasting impact on our program.”
Since graduating from East Peoria, Barclay, who is a junior at Bradley, played two seasons for Illinois Central College, helping lead them to a pair of seventh-place finishes at the NJCAA Division II national tournament. She had a team-high 674 assists as a freshman and was named team captain as a sophomore.
Barclay returns to the M-I school following three standout years on the varsity level. During her senior campaign, she was named all-Mid-Illini first team and dished out more than 500 career assists.
EP will look to win its first regional title since a Class AA one in 2005, while likely returning all-Mid-Illini second-team selection Addison Duncheon for the 2026 season.
Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: East Peoria hires alum, former ICC standout as new volleyball coach
Reporting by Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
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