May 8, 2007

Western Pennsylvania has long been known for producing outstanding athletes. The Illinois volleyball program has been blessed with having one of the best the region has produced in former U.S. National Team setter Jen (Flynn) Oldenburg. Oldenburg's name will stand alongside such greats as Arnold Palmer and NFL great Dick Hoak in the first Hall of Fame class of the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL).

Oldenburg will be inducted in a June 22 ceremony at the Embassy Suites in Moon, Pa. A native of Pittsburgh, she graduated from Baldwin where she won 12 varsity letters in volleyball, basketball and softball. She played on Baldwin's 1995 state championship and was named Female Athlete of the Year by both the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh Tribune .

A First Team All-Big Ten selection while starring at Ohio State, Oldenburg led the Buckeyes to four NCAA Tournaments. She was the setter for the USA National Team, leading the Americans to the Silver Medal at the 2002 World Championships. She was also a starter for the Grand Rapids Force of the WSPV and played on the USPV "Dream Team." Oldenburg has completed here third season as an assistant coach at Illinois.

Besides, Palmer, Hoak and Oldenburg, other members of the 16-person Hall of Fame Class include NFL lineman Bill Fralic and the NCAA's all-time assist leader in women's basketball, Suzie McConnell-Serio.

"I'm extremely honored and humbled by the whole experience," Oldenburg said. "Western Pennsylvania has a rich tradition in athletics, and to be part of the inaugural class is amazing to me."

Complete story and bios of inductees