Lauren Wicinski is trading in her NIU red for Michigan State’s green.

NIU volleyball’s former two-time MAC Player of the Year has verbally committed to join the Spartans’ volleyball program, according to the Beacon News.

The Beacon News states Wicinski’s family confirmed her decision via email Sunday.

“It’s an awesome place,” Wicinski said to the Beacon News. “I loved the girls and the team and the staff is great. It just felt like the right place.”

In an Feb. 27 article in the Northern Star, Wicinski said she decided to request her release from NIU due to the “need for a bigger school.”

“I didn’t mean it exactly like it came out,” Wicinski told the Beacon News. “That, and there were other reasons I left [Northern] as well. But, yes, higher profile is a better way to put it.”

Wicinski was granted her release in March. The Geneva, Ill. native will not have to sit the year out and will be eligible to play for Michigan State this season.

The Spartans, who are coached by Cathy George, posted a 22-10 record last season, and made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Calls made to Wicinski’s cellphone were not returned at press time.