Spain and Turkey may be far from Bloomington but two players are making it their home. Candela Alonso-Corcelles and Melisa Ilter are both freshmen on the Indiana volleyball team. Corcelles is from Madrid, Spain and Ilter is from Bursa, Turkey. Both made a quick impact on the Hoosier team.

Corcelles played with the Spanish National Team for three seasons. She was also named MVP of the Madrid League three times in 2017, 2018 and 2021. Corcelles helped lead the team to two gold medals in 2016-2017 and 2018-2019.

The IU volleyball team traveled overseas in Europe for the foreign tour. Corcelles met the team in Europe. Even though she didn’t know everyone yet, the team made it easy.

“I feel like I was part of that team,” said Corcelles. “I didn’t know anyone, but I feel like I know everybody.”

Melisa Ilter played for Bursa Providence and led the team to a first place finish in 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 seasons.

Ilter started playing volleyball six years ago because her family encouraged her to because of her height. Her friends also played, which made Ilter become more interested.

“My parents is helped me a lot about my improve volleyball skills,” said Ilter. “They want me to play volleyball because it’s helped me to like communication skills.”

Corcelles and Ilter have connected with the team on a personal level.

Itler spoke about her question marks coming to IU but the team made her feel welcomed.

“Before I come here I feel like it was going to be so hard because I don’t know the team and the team chemistry,” said Ilter. “After I arrive the team, very great, they always help each other.”