Illinois volleyball signs middle blocker Kristina Starostenko for 2026
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 29, 2026, 5:47 PM
Last updated Jun 29, 2026
VolleyballIllinois volleyball has finalized its roster for the 2026 season by signing middle blocker Kristina Starostenko. The 21-year-old Ukrainian, who played in France for the last two seasons, has a solid background in high-level volleyball. Starostenko was part of the team that claimed the French Championship, Coupe de France, and Super Cup in the 2025-26 season. She has previously achieved success in Ukraine and played for SC Prometey-2 and VK Bukovynka, earning multiple awards. Starostenko joins five other newcomers in Illinois as the program looks to enhance its competitive edge.
- •Kristina Starostenko joins Illinois from Volley Mulhouse Alsace.
- •She helped her French team win multiple titles this past season.
- •Prior professional experience includes playing in Ukraine from 2020 to 2024.
- •Starostenko has represented Ukraine at the U20 and U22 levels.
- •She is one of six new players added to Illinois for the upcoming season.
- 5:47 PMYahoo Sports — Illinois adds middle blocker Kristina Starostenko
"Jun. 29—CHAMPAIGN — Illinois volleyball rounded out its 2026 roster Monday by officially signing middle blocker Kristina Starostenko. The 21-year-old Ukrainian played professionally in France the past two seasons after starting her career in Ukraine. "Kristina has been around high-level volleyball for her whole career," Illinois coach Chris Tamas said in an official release. "She has a fast ...
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