Girls volleyball: Lake County all-area team

Emily Anderson Grayslake Central

The Rams used it take slow. Then they found the driver to take them to exciting places. Anderson has Grayslake Central volleyball on the right track, steering them from 23 losses last season to 23 wins during this year's regular season. The senior setter has dished out 509 assists. “She led the charge in our change from a static and slow offense to a dynamic and fast offense,” coach Jason Janczak said. Anderson is a three-year starter and a player her coach will miss. “She really embraced what we were trying to accomplish in the program,” Janczak said.

Rachel Baader Stevenson

Nothing bad about Baader. After an all-area season as a freshman, the sophomore outside hitter built on her success. Her regular-season numbers included 187 kills, 4 aces and 216 digs. “Rachel is our best all-around player,” coach Tim Crow said. “She is the hardest-working kid on the team and has been more of a vocal leader with our team this season. Her all-around play has been significant reason for our success this season. She also steps up in big matches for us.”

Klaudia Basierak Grayslake Central

Klaudia clobbers kills. The 6-foot junior middle hitter racked up a school-record 320 during the regular season for the 23-match winners. She also delivered 64 aces in a repeat all-area campaign. She smokes serves, too. “That kid can take over a match,” coach Jason Janczak said. “She's just a dynamic, great player. And her character has as much volume as her play on the court.”

Carlee Berland Stevenson

Her switch to the outside 10 matches into the season got the Patriots moving. The senior quickly developed into a dominant hitter, and Stevenson became a better team as a result. She piled up a team-best 225 kills during the regular season, helping the Patriots to a 27-8 mark. “She was a force in the middle last year as a junior,” coach Tim Crow said. “She has stepped up in many big matches this season. She can put the ball away as well as any kid we have had. She is a wonderful teammate that all the girls look up to.”

Chanae Brown Round Lake

What can Brown do for the Panthers? A lot. The senior outside hitter/setter did a lot of everything and did it with an infectious smile. A great athlete, she's played varsity basketball since her sophomore year. “Chanae's attitude and work ethic are contagious,” coach Amanda Allen said. “Her enjoyment of volleyball reminds me every day of what it is “a game”that should be played and be fun. Her pure athleticism has made her a force at the net and on defense.” Brown served at an 88-percent clip with 21 aces, dished out 86 assists, slammed 138 kills, posted 26 blocks and racked up 207 digs.

Brittany Busscher Mundelein

The junior has been getting recognized. Just last week, for example, she received a North Suburban Conference sportsmanship award, while also being inducted into National Honor Society. A year ago, the outside hitter was named the volleyball team's most improved player. Now, she's a first-time all-area choice in her second season as a starter. “She' very intense and absolutely loves the game,” coach George Dressen Jr. said. “She's passionate, and she leads by example. Her teammates really look up to her on and off the court, and she's a very likable person, even with as intense as she is.”

Karen Chin Mundelein

Don't let the smile fool you. On the volleyball court, Chin is all business. If she were a pitcher, Chin might deliver chin music. “You won't see her smile too much on the floor,” coach George Dressen Jr. said. “Usually, she has a serious face.” A postseason call-up last year as a sophomore, Chin assumed the starting setter position this year and impressed with her approach and accurate passes. “She's very focused, very energetic and knows the game very well,” Dressen said. “She's a great motivator who's constantly talking to her teammates. And she was our floor captain all season.”

Amber Dalgaard Antioch

Dalgaard guards. She kept balls alive and kept the Sequoits looking alive on the court. “She has been the backbone of the team this year,” coach Glen Heitman said. “She has handled almost 50 percent of our serve-receive opportunities and has almost 50 percent of our digs. She has been one of the motivational leaders in a season where we have struggled at times with staying positive.” The senior libero leads Antioch in digs (475), serve-receive attempts and serve-receive average (2.1 on a 3.0 scale). An 89-percent server, she ranks third in aces (33). “She has done everything asked of her,” Heitman said, “is a great teammate and works as hard as anyone.”

Brianna Grant Antioch

The junior outside hitter's versatility and natural volleyball ability have made her a force at the net, whether using her 5-foot-11 frame to block or deliver an attack from the outside. “She can play any position,” coach Glen Heitman said of the repeat all-area choice, who's played both middle and outside hitter. “(She) has a tough serve, but is still learning to be a go-to player.” Grant leads Antioch in kills (154) and aces (49), is second in blocks (48 solo) and, Heitman said, “has become one of our primary serve-receive passers and defenders.”

Alexis Hartman Lake Zurich

Hartman has heart, man. Lots of volleyball and leadership ability, too. The senior runs the offense for a Bears team that counts 23 wins, despite coming into the season with only two returning starters. “Alexis has gotten steadily better and better since her arrival at LZ,” coach Matt Aiello said of his two-year starter. “She thinks the game so well and works to make great decisions on the court. She was given the responsibility of taking the reigns of a very young team this year, being one of only three seniors on the entire roster.” Hartman has lofted 686 assists, while also piling up 40 kills, 174 digs, 63 blocks and 36 aces. “She is the type of setter that tries to deflect any pressure off her teammates and never complains about a bad pass or a hitter's error,” Aiello said. “She has been a pleasure to coach.”

Erinn Hellweg Wauconda

Coach Bob Taterka calls the junior outside hitter “The Hammer.” And this might have nailed down the nickname: Earlier in the season, one of Hellweg's big hits, Taterka explained, gave a teammate a concussion. Hellweg quickly adjusted to her new role as outside hitter, Taterka said. The 6-footer, who's played varsity basketball since her freshman year, finished the regular season with 203 kills, 40 aces and 138 digs. “When she gets it going, she can dominate a match offensively,” Taterka said. “Her jump serve is a second threat that is consistently dangerous.”

Paige Hopper Libertyville

Hopper has hops especially after celebrating a kill. Despite missing eight matches with an injury, the senior outside hitter rang up 200 kills during the regular season. She also piled up 148 digs, 19 aces and 18 blocks. She is a repeat all-area selection. “Paige has a real intensity about her that carries our team often,” coach Greg Loika said. As a junior, Hopper started the season playing right side but moved to outside hitter to fill in for an injured player. She never relinquished the position from there. Since returning from a midseason injury, she has been “rejuvenated,” Loika said, and has led the team in kills. A team captain, she was named all-tourney at the Stevenson Invite.

Katie McGrath Grayslake North

Coach Nikki Kirchway calls her junior middle hitter one of the best athletes in the Knights volleyball program. McGrath is one of the best athletes, period, at Grayslake North. The varsity basketball team's point guard since her freshman year, McGrath earned all-area soccer honors as a sweeper last spring. “Not only is she hardworking, but she never settles, and always strives to be better,” Kirchway said. “She is a role model for her teammates both in attitude and play. Her drive and determination push her teammates.” McGrath finished the regular season as the Knights' leader in kills (95), aces (50) and blocks (59)

Becca McMullin Grant

No Mulligans for McMullin. She didn't need them. When the powerful senior middle hitter got an opportunity at the net, she usually drove the ball with authority. She was an absolute force in delivering 252 kills, with 20 “dink” kills included, coach Sue Thompson noted. McMullin also had 50 solo blocks, served at a 93-percent clip with 23 aces and dug 52-of-78 attempts. She was named a North Suburban Conference sportsmanship recipient, as well.

Shannon Nugent Vernon Hills

Nugent rocks. The sophomore middle was a star with 151 kills (. 324 hitting efficiency), 59 blocks and 50 aces during the regular season. “Shannon has done an excellent job of not only improving on her hitting from last season to become one of our go to players,” coach Abbie Gutzmer said, “but has also spent the off-season developing a jump serve that makes her our top player in that category.” Just a sophomore, Nugent probably hasn't peaked as a volleyball player. “I look forward to watching her not only continue to get better on the court,” Gutzmer said, “but also become a leader for the future, as well.”

Amanda Orchard Lake Zurich

Bears coach Matt Aiello says there is likely not a better all-around volleyball player in the Northwest suburbs. Heck, there might not be a better all-around athlete. The junior has been playing three varsity sports since her freshman year and was an all-area pick in softball and volleyball as a sophomore. She has 307 kills, 221 digs, 51 blocks and 37 aces in 29 matches. “She is our first option on offense, serve receive and defense,” Aiello said. “She consistently faced double and triple blocks and developed into a very efficient hitter. She can use a power game or find the holes in a defense. Because of her strength as a hitter, her defense sometimes goes unnoticed, but she is a great defender. She can cover a whole lot of court.” Aiello loves the 6-foot-1 outside hitter's work ethic, too. “She pushes herself and her teammates day in and day out to be the best she and they can be,” he said. A middle hitter as a sophomore, Orchard plays her best against the best. She had 18 kills against Libertyville and slammed 15 against Batavia.

Taylor Pippen Carmel Catholic

The Corsairs have a special talent in the junior middle blocker, who might be more athletic than any player in the county. “She is a dominant player, both with her net presence and her athleticism,” said coach John Uhrik, noting that Pippen is being sought out by Division I schools. Pippen finished the regular season with 121 kills, 94 blocks and 39 aces, despite missing several matches. “Her numbers speak minimally for her, as we have spread things around all year,” Uhrik said. “Still, even with our offensive variations, she still managed to lead the team with kills, blocks and even aces. She is an extremely modest talent, and she is a quality young lady. Considering the fact that Taylor missed a tournament (five games) and a conference match, she still led the team in those three categories.”

Jenna Przybyla Stevenson

The Patriots have plenty of hitters who can drive attacks, and they someone they can trust to drive to their 6-2 offense. A three-year varsity starter, Przybyla has lofted a team-leading 357 assists this season. “She is our captain and really has made efforts to lead and organize team activities,” coach Tim Crow said. “Her development over the past three years has been tremendous, and she is one of the better defensive players on our team.”

Layne Self Lake Zurich

As the season progressed, the Bears became Self-conscious. They realized the sophomore's importance and started her getting her more touches. The middle hitter has 131 kills, 31 aces and 74 blocks as a first-year varsity player. “Layne is a major reason that we were able to withstand so many players graduating last season,” coach Matt Aiello said. “She has added an extra dimension to our offense. As the season has progressed, we have made Layne one of our top priorities on offense. When we can get her the ball, she is one of the top middles around. She is extremely athletic and is getting better and better every day. The future for Lake Zurich volleyball is very bright and Layne is a major reason for that.”

Rachel Sieracke Lakes

First-year coach Molly May wasn't set with her setter. So she moved the 5-foot-10 Sieracke to middle hitter. From setter to middle hitter? That doesn't happen every year. “She's one of our strongest hitters and blockers,” May explained. “I couldn't imagine her anywhere else.” The move paid dividends, as the versatile Sieracke had a breakout campaign in her junior season, after setting in a 6-2 offense last year. She finished the regular season as the Eagles' leader in kills (105) and blocks (55). She even occasionally set and played back row, too. “She's extremely coachable and will try anything that I ask her to,” May said. “She can play all over. She's one of our best passers.”

Catie Steffen Libertyville

It wasn't just the amount of kills she slammed or the big plays she made defensively. It was when she raised her game an extra notch. “Catie was instrumental in our biggest wins this season,” said coach Gerg Loika, noting matches against Hersey, Lake Zurich, Stevenson (twice), New Trier and Evanston. In leading the Wildcats to the North Suburban Conference championship and a 33-2 regular-season record, the senior outside hitter rang up 244 kills, 247 digs, 47 aces and 30 blocks and was 188 of 212 on serve reception. The best player on Lake County's best team during the regular season, she's the captain of the Daily Herald's Lake County All-Area team. “She played all the way around this season,” Loika said, “and made a huge addition defensively.”

Megan Tallman Wauconda

Tallman stands tall, man. The sophomore setter upped her game even more in her second varsity season. A repeat all-area selection, she finished the regular season with 441 assists, 123 kills, 66 aces and 152 digs. “Megan has had a tremendous year,” coach Bob Taterka said. “In addition to maturing as a setter, she has become an offensive threat from any rotation. Whether it's jamming down an overpass or pushing to a deep zone, she has a knack for getting us an important point. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of her game is her commitment to defense. Some players at her position just look to set the ball. With Megan, it's defense first, and she has made some amazing plays this year. It's just another part of her competitive nature.”

Sophia Trbojevich Grant

That's a lot of letters and syllables in the senior setter's name. She has a lot of something else, too: volleyball skills. Trbojevich lofted 472 assists (1,771-of-1,809 setting) and contributed in other areas as well for the Bulldogs. She had 31 kills, including 27 on dinks, recorded 122 digs and served at an 89-percent clip with 17 aces. She set for the Bulldogs as a junior, too.

Hannah Turner Carmel Catholic

If Turner is serving, don't turn your head. The senior outside hitter delivered 34 aces, and was delivering a big serve the second half of the season. “When Hannah is ‘on,' there is no stopping her,” coach John Uhrik said. “She has, by far, the most treacherous serve on the team, and she only started to really use it toward the middle of the season. If she started sooner with her jump, I am confident her ace total would be doubled.” Turner had 115 kills at the end of the regular season. That number could be better, too, according to her coach. “Plagued by the “mix-it-up” approach to our offense, Hannah's kill total is low for an entire season, though she surely is a force out on the court,” Uhrik said. “ She plays all the way around and has been our floor captain all season.” A team captain, Turner also had 137 digs.

Kristen Webb Libertyville

Coach Greg Loika calls the sophomore libero “a real student of the game.” She asks coaches questions, like, “What match you seeing tonight?” “She often wants to accompany our coaches on scouting trips,” Loika said, “and is very interested in the details of what teams do and what we do.” The repeat all-area choice has racked up a school-record 424 digs and 41 aces and is 342 of 378 on serve reception. She was selected as a team captain, voted by mostly seniors. “I think that says a lot about the respect she commands around this program,” Loika said. Webb received an NSC sportsmanship award and was selected all-tourney at Prospect, Stevenson and Glenbrook North.

Alisa Welter Vernon Hills

With Welter, there was never helter-skelter. The senior outside hitter didn't panic on the court. She provided veteran leadership for the North Suburban Prairie champs, finishing the regular season with 148 kills, 151 digs and 24 blocks. “Alisa has played each of the front-row positions for us, which has afforded us the opportunity to use her in a variety of offensive roles,” coach Abbie Gutzmer said. “What I am most pleased about is the development of her defense and serve receive as the season has progressed, making her a more well–rounded volleyball player.”

Cindy Zhou Libertyville

Zhou has wowed. The versatile, 5-foot-10 sophomore has had a breakout campaign in her second year as a starter. Her numbers include 555 assists (1,512-of-1,541 setting), 50 aces, 80 kills and 37 blocks. “She has done a great job putting our hitters into the successful positions they find themselves,” coach Greg Loika said. “She has gained a great deal of confidence out there and, consequently, makes very good decisions with the ball often. She finds weaknesses in the defense and has done a great job from the service line, leading our team in aces.”

Honorable mention

Allie Black (Grayslake Central, Sr., MH), Stefanie Cahill (Grant, Sr., OH), Jenn Claussen (Vernon Hills, So., OH), Dori Darras (Lake Zurich, Jr., MH), Kayla Huck (Grayslake North, Jr., L), Kaleen Iweema (Warren, Sr., L), Kelsey Klausner (Grayslake North, So., OH), Brianna Leon (Grayslake North, Sr., RS), Kailey Molloy (Lakes, Sr., S), Megan Mowery (Carmel, Jr., S), Cara Nance (Wauconda, Sr., OH), Erin Paterkiewicz (Carmel, Sr., MH), Libby Perrone (Warren, Jr. OH), Stephanie Pimpo (Grayslake Central, Sr., L), Jessica Ploss (Antioch, Jr. MH), Jessie Richer (Lakes, Sr., OH), Hannah Saia (Libertyville, Sr., DS), Scottley Sandnes (Grant, Jr., L), Chrissy Scott (Mundelein, Sr., OH), Emily Wickenkamp (Grayslake Central, Sr. DS)