CHICAGO – Former UIC volleyball standout Kyisha Hunt joins the ranks of professional volleyball, signing a contract back in July to play with Halluin Volley Metropole from Sept. 1-May 5, 2018.

Halluin Volley Metropole is a professional volleyball team based on the border of France and Belgium. Hunt found the squad through a professional volleyball agency after making the decision to go pro, saying the process reminded her a lot of college recruitment.

Hunt has been residing in France while playing for Halluin Volley Metropole, and is enjoying the culture and food France has to offer.

The team is thriving with Hunt on their side, boasting a 6-0 record thus far, but Hunt feels the team still has room to grow as they continue to learn one another's tendencies.  

Hunt touched on the difference between volleyball in France versus the United States: "Volleyball here is different than back in the states," Hunt said. "Some rules are different so it took me a little to get used to, but volleyball is really big in France and all around Europe really."

Hunt was also grateful to her experience at UIC for its influence on her professional career.

"Volleyball at UIC helped me get after it," Hunt said. "Switching over to professional wasn't much of a difference I feel like I picked up where I left off from school. I would say they are different because back at school you were a student of the game, studying yourself and your opponent, but here the focus is you & the job you're supposed to do on the team."

During her time with the Flames, Hunt amassed over 900 kills and over 200 blocks, earning herself a spot on the Horizon League All-League First Team last year in her senior season.