EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State head volleyball coach Leah Johnson announced the additions of Selin Aşlayan and Nil Okur to the class of 2026 on Wednesday. Aşlayan and Okur arrive in East Lansing after playing for Fenerbahçe Terrazzo in Istanbul, Turkey under head coach Emre Nur.
“Nil is as fast as they come, she gets on the ball quickly as an attacker and can close ground efficiently as a blocker,” Johnson said. “The ball just sounds different coming off her hand. Nil is humble and driven, and we can’t wait to start training her.”
Okur, a 6-1 middle blocker, is from Rize, Turkey and attended Ozel Sezin Okullari in addition to playing with Fenerbahçe Terrazzo.
“Michigan State is not just a team, it’s a family,” Okur said. “I chose Michigan State because I could tell that this is a family that will always support me. I can’t wait to get started with the Spartans!”
Aşlayan, a 6-4 outside hitter, is a native of Kadikoy, Turkey and attended Doga Acibadem Koleji while playing for Fenerbahçe Terrazzo.
“Selin’s imposing presence will be felt at the net right away,” Johnson said. “What sets her apart is her skill set. She’s an elite, smooth mover for her height and has an impressive attacking range. Selin’s experience as a 6-rotation player on both pins is going to be a big-time addition to our gym.”
Aşlayan has competed with Turkey’s U19 National Team.
“Michigan State has both a volleyball program with an amazing culture and strong academics,” Aşlayan said. “It’s really the best of both worlds. When I learned that MSU had everything I was looking for I knew I wanted to be part of the Spartan family.”
The additions of Aşlayan and Okur brings Michigan State to 12 newcomers for the 2022 season. Aşlayan and Okur join incoming freshmen Maradith O’Gorman, Evie Doezema, Lauren Schutter and Jayhlin Swain in addition to transfers Avery Horejsi, Zoe Nunez, Aliyah Moore, Nalani Iosia, Grace Kelly and Rachel Muisenga.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Michigan State University Athletics…