Former Okemos volleyball star Allison Ianni found her way home when she returned to the Lansing area earlier this year.
Ianni grew up following MSU athletics because she lived minutes from the campus. Her father, Greg Ianni, is MSU's senior associate athletics director and was an MSU baseball letter-winner in the 1970s.
After leading Okemos High School to a 136-33-10 record from 1999-2003, Allison Ianni hoped to continue her career as a Spartan. But she wasn't recruited by former MSU head coach Chuck Erbe, so she had to look elsewhere to play.
"It's always been her dream to play here," Greg Ianni said. "When that didn't happen, it was disappointing."
Instead, Allison Ianni, a 6-foot-2 setter, began her collegiate volleyball career at Pacific in California. Last season, she racked up 1,358 assists and 134 kills in 113 games and received a Big West all-conference honorable mention. She also moved into eighth on the school's career assists list with 1,557.
But Ianni always longed to come home. So when Cathy George took over as MSU's head coach last season, it opened up an opportunity for Ianni to become a Spartan.
Now, Ianni is making an impact as MSU's starting setter. She entered the week with a team- and Big Ten-leading 13.84 assists per game.
On Tuesday, she recorded 35 assists, seven kills and three digs in the Spartans' sweep of Oakland. The win brought MSU's record to 8-1, the best start for the program since 1995.
"Allison is making a huge impact on our team," George said. "She's started in a collegiate scene before and brings a wealth of experience to the team. It's great to have her."
Ianni said she has a better relationship with the MSU coaching staff than she did with her coaches at Pacific and is enjoying the family atmosphere of the team, including eating pregame meals together.
"I love the coaching staff. I love my teammates. I really can't say enough about everyone here," she said.
Her family is excited to have her back, as well.
"It's awesome having her so close to the family," Greg Ianni said. "We get to go to all of her games now.
"The first time I saw her in an MSU uniform, it made my heart jump. I was so proud. It's awesome to have her here."
