Bates to join Rocky VB program

Former Billings Senior volleyball star Jillian Bates is returning home, transferring to Rocky Mountain College after playing for two years at NCAA Division I Eastern Michigan University.

Rocky head coach Laurie Kelly announced the signing of the 6-foot-2 outside hitter on Thursday. Bates was a part of three straight Class AA state championship teams at Senior and was an all-state performer.

“Jillian will make an immediate impact here at Rocky,” Kelly said. “I watched her play in many high school games. Jillian will bring size and experience to our program.”

Bates appeared in 28 matches — starting in 10 of them — for Eastern Michigan, which compiled a 5-28 record last season. She notched 105 kills and was in on 39 blocks.

“Coached by one of most successful high school coaches, Senior’s Jeff Carroll, she joins teammate Ashley Welborn, who transferred to Rocky (from Montana State Billings) last season,” Kelly noted. “Jillian’s experience in a high level of volleyball in Michigan will complement our veteran team. We landed an elite athlete from Billings and we are excited to get her on campus.”

In high school, Bates was selected to the 2007-08 AVCA All-American team, one of 32 high school seniors from around the nation to receive that award. Senior posted 31-0 marks during her junior and senior years.

She played in 26 matches as a freshman at Eastern Michigan, starting in three of them. She compiled 42 kills and 19 blocks for the 10-22 Eagles.

Kelly said Bates is completing her sophomore year at Eastern Michigan, located in Ypsilanti, and will join the Rocky program in the fall.