Girls volleyball: Behrendt was always there for Lakes
No broken fingernails to sideline her. No television show to watch. No nagging colds to keep her home.
Yes, perfect attendance for Lakes senior Megan Behrendt.
That is, volleyball-wise.
She never missed a game in four years. OK, once she felt sick but came back to finish the game. She never missed a practice, ever.
Behrendt, a starter for the Lakes volleyball team for four seasons, became a major star for this 30-game winner this fall. And as her coach, Kate Cheek, pointed out, she was more than an offensive star for the Eagles.
"Megan is not only the top hitter in the area, but she is arguably one of its best defenders," Cheek said. "She is a senior that every girl in the program looks up to."
For her splendid performance in leading her Eagles to the Class 4A Libertyville sectional, Behrendt is the captain of the Daily Herald Lake County All-Area team.
"I always wanted to better myself," Behrendt said. "I started when I was 12. And I didn't know what I was doing. But a coach helped me."
This season, Behrendt and teammates had big goals. After all, Behrendt and her setter for seven years, Maddie Demo, were back for another season.
"Right from the beginning, our goal was to get to state," Behrendt said. "My coach (Cheek) did such a great job and everybody wanted it."
Behrendt wasn't the only weapon for Demo, but this senior still managed 301 kills and - get this - 307 digs. She was also effective at the serving line with 40 aces.
Cheek saw her star play defense all year long.
"She is the best defensive player in the area," Cheek said. "I can't think of a libero that plays better defense than her. She also has gotten better each year in leadership skills and ability."
Max Prep's site picked ranked Behrendt as the eighth-best hitter in the state.
The mighty twosome of Behrendt and Demo played their last match in high school Tuesday night, as top-seeded Libertyville beat Lakes in two competitive sets.
"We've been on the same team since sixth grade," Demo said. "Our sixth through eighth grade teams were undefeated. Megan and I have always connected. It's like telepathy. Even if we are out of system, we find each other. It's instinctual."
Yet, the hard-hitting and hard-charging Behrendt has no major universities after her talents. And why is that?
"I'm 5 feet 8," Behrendt said. "I've got the hops. I could be a libero. Maybe I can go Division III so I can play six rotations. I just never want to come out of the game."
Behrendt is Lakes' reigning MVP for three years running. Her 2015 summer included making an AAU All-American team and helping her team to third place at Nationals."
Also popular at school, Behrendt was nominated by her teachers for an Eagle Pride Award. She received an athlete of the month award.
Behrendt will continue to mull offers for her volleyball services. And she will stay in shape with the help of the Wisconsin Juniors club team.
"What a great player," Cheek said, "and great girl."