CHICAGO (June 5, 2019) – Former Loyola University Chicago men's volleyball libero Avery Aylsworth (San Jose, Calif./Saint Francis) has signed his first professional contract and will play for Raision Loimu in Finland this season. A 2019 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Honorable Mention All-America selection, the 6-foot libero joins former teammate Collin Mahan as Ramblers who have signed pro contracts this summer.
 
Raision Loimu, which posted a 14-18 record in 2018-19, is based out of the town of Raisio and competes in the Finland Volleyball League (Lentopallon Mestaruusliiga), which is comprised of 12 teams. Aylsworth will head over to Finland later this summer to prepare for a season that begins in September.
 
"I am very excited for the opportunity to play in Finland, especially for a storied club like Raision Loimu," Ayslworth said. "I have heard nothing but great things from a lot of different people regarding the team, the city of Raisio, the Finnish League, and most of all, the people. Since the eighth grade, it had always been a goal of mine to play professionally, so it is rewarding that after a long and eventful journey, I get an opportunity to continue it as a professional."
 
Aylsworth concluded his solid collegiate career this spring, earning Second Team All-Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) distinction, while ranking tied for eighth in NCAA Division I-II play with 2.33 digs per set. In helping the Ramblers to yet another 20-win season and a No. 9 ranking in the final 2019 AVCA Division I-II Poll, Aylsworth produced double-digit digs on 10 occasions, and his 609 career digs rank sixth in program history.
 
"Loyola has been instrumental in my development as a whole person and I couldn't have asked for a better staff and resources this year and seasons prior," Aylsworth said. "Even this year as a senior I saw my mental and physical skill-sets grow tremendously and have a lot of people to that for that."