2015 Fox Valley All-Area Girls Volleyball Team

By John Lemon

jlemon@dailyherald.com

Claire Anderson, St. Charles North

The co-captain of this year's All-Area team who will be playing at DePaul next year, Anderson finished off her 4 years playing varsity volleyball with a bang. Led her team to 34-4 record and another Upstate Eight River and regional championship with 362 kills, 33 aces, a .337 hitting percentage and 121 digs after a team-high 252 kills while also making All-Area as a junior. "Claire is probably the most dynamic and versatile player I've had the pleasure of coaching," Hawkins said. "What makes me the most proud is to have seen how far she's come and how hard she's worked to get to this point."

Ally Barrett, Geneva

Committed to the University of Connecticut before her junior season, Barrett was a consistent force in the Geneva lineup throughout the season. The Vikings went 33-4 with Barrett blasting 280 kills with a .273 hitting efficiency. She added 29 total blocks, 187 digs and 30 aces. Kept Geneva rolling even with fellow powerful outside Grace Loberg sidelined. "With Grace out I thought Ally stepped up and did a really nice job for us all-around," Geneva coach Annie Seitelman said. "Her passing, her attacking, she elevated her play. Other teams never get a rotation off."

Frankie Cavallaro, Dundee-Crown

As a junior Cavallaro led Dundee-Crown to its best record in two decades. This year the Chargers switched from a 5-1 to 6-2 and Cavallaro handled the change smoothly. She led the team in kills with 178 kills while also totaling 437 assists, 137 digs, 31 aces and 34 blocks. Last year in the 5-1 she had 581 assists; her 1,512 career total missed the school record by 39. All-tournament at Jacobs. Hasn't decided on where she'll play college volleyball. "She's been an all-around solid player for us," Chargers coach Christine Hopkins-Muehl said. "Running a 6-2 for her this year gave her more notice as a hitter too. There were a couple matches where she was our kill leader."

Lexi DeWaard, Burlington Central

DeWaard began high school in Colorado, moved to Wisconsin her sophomore year and wound up in Illinois this season. It's a good thing for Burlington Central as DeWaard stepped right into the lineup and took over the setter job. She directed the Rockets to a 31-6 season with 665 assists and 157 digs while leading an aggressive serving team with 73 aces and 206 points. "She's really hard to read," Rockets coach Marv Leavitt said. "She gets to so many balls. She distributed the ball evenly so everyone gets involved in our attack. We have to give a lot of credit to her."

Ally Dion, Huntley

Huntley coach Karen Naymola called Dion the team's best all-around player and it's easy to see why. The junior totaled 271 kills while also playing great in the back row with 162 digs and serving tough with 62 aces. All-conference selection for the 24-14 Red Raiders. "Ally Dion is a great leader for us," Naymola said. "She is an extremely smart player and is definitely a go-to player for us. We rely on her a lot. She's the most well-rounded player on the team. She's got an aggressive serve."

Katelynn Fegan, Batavia

The senior Upstate Eight all-conference selection switched to libero in her third year on varsity. Only missed 4 serves for 98.5 percent, fired 20 aces, led Batavia with 152 points, a 90 serve-receive percentage and 263 digs. Made all-tournament at Waubonsie Valley and finishes in Batavia's career top 10 for serve-receive, serving percentage and digs. "Katelynn has filled some big shoes," Batavia coach Lori Trippi-Payne said. "She is a huge reason why we have been competitive. She leads by example with her hard work ethic. Many opposing coaches have come up to me to compliment how well she plays. She comes up with some plays that you would think were down."

Kendall Kilberger, Crystal Lake South

Kilberger is one of the most versatile players in the area who did whatever coach Jorie Fontana asked. The senior made all-tournament at Autumnfest and led the Gators to a Class 4A regional championship with 9 kills, then slammed 15 more in the sectional semifinals. Despite setting the first quarter of the season, Kilberger headed into the sectional championship with 305 kills, 50 blocks, 140 assists and 366 digs. "A true leader, she was a right side backup setter last season to a setter and now outside hitter due to injuries this season," Fontana said. "Whichever role she filled, she has excelled and been a scouting target for many teams."

Martha Konovodoff, Rosary

This junior already is a two-time All-Area selection. After finishing with 509 digs and 59 aces as a sophomore Konovodoff again kept things steady in the Royals' half of the court with 452 digs, passing at 2.1 and 39 aces through the sectional semifinals. "First contact we tend to forget about," Rosary coach Rachel Fox said. "We get so excited about the kills, the kills, the kills. It's so important that first ball and she does such a good job. We're starting to recognize that. She's been great the last 3 years. She keeps us in plays until we start figuring it out and putting balls away."

Daley Krage, St. Charles North

Few in the area supplied the size and power of this future Northwestern Wildcat. Another 4-year varsity standout at St. Charles North, Krage entered sectional play with 34 aces, 257 kills, a .377 hitting percentage and 132 digs. Also made All-Area last year with 233 kills. "Daley is amazing," North Stars coach Lindsey Hawkins said. "She is a phenomenal player who obviously is very explosive. You can't teach tall. She is peaking at the right time. I always knew she was going to be a good player but if you told me as a freshman she was going to be this good? Now she's amazing, and such an asset for us because she's a six-rotation player. I'm excited to get to watch her at Northwestern."

Morgan Kull, St. Charles East

While speaking of the Saints, another Upstate Eight Conference River coach noted how much better St. Charles East's offense looked when Kull was on the court. Kull watched several of the team's best hitters and passers go in and out of the lineup with injuries all season, yet finished with 328 assists, 148 digs and 14 aces. "Morgan is a competitor," Saints coach Jennie Kull said. "She loves to win, and pushes her team to do so. She was chosen as a captain this year by her team because she cares about each player and wants them to succeed."

Grace Loberg, Geneva

A bout with mono might have slowed Loberg early in the season, but this three-time All-Area selection returned with a vengeance. Despite missing 7 matches, Loberg totaled 275 kills on a .331 hitting efficiency with 48 blocks, 185 digs and 22 aces after posting 330 kills, 215 digs, 42 aces and 27 blocks as a sophomore. "I know that was tough for her," Geneva coach Annie Seitelman said. "Luckily she is healthy and we got her back full-fledged. It's nice to see her taking those aggressive swings in the clutch where a year ago I don't know if I would have seen Grace do that. Her passing game has elevated and hitting she is staying aggressive in those tight moments and not letting nerves affect her."

Erin Olson, Cary-Grove

Co-captain of this year's All-Area team, no setter was able to take a tough pass and turn it into a perfect set quite like this Bradley-bound senior. Incredibly heads-up player who has an uncanny knack of being able to find the best hitter to set or a hole in the defense. Through regionals, Olson has 708 assists, 49 aces, 138 kills, 170 digs and 76 blocks. Also had over 700 assists while making All-Area as a junior. "Erin studies the game," Cary-Grove coach Patty Langanis said. "She's really a student of volleyball. She has been for years. She feels and senses when things have to be done. She knows when it's open. When we keep her in system she's tough to stop."

Jordyn Poppen, West Aurora

The Blackhawks rose to the top of the Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division, and this powerful outside hitter was one of the main reasons why. She blasted 257 kills and added 46 aces, 17 blocks and 73 digs. Planning to walk-on at Iowa. "Jordyn played a lot of off-season ball," West Aurora coach Kevin Mortlock said. "She had a good connection with (setter Kelly) Townsend. They found a rhythm in most matches. We look to her at the end of those games so we can pull forward. She does it for us. She'll find a way to break through the clutter and put the ball down. Jordyn was a phenomenal player for us."

Mikayla Robinson, Harvest Christian

The junior outside hitter already committed to South Carolina entered the postseason with 194 kills, a 42 kill percentage and 66 blocks. Made the all-tournament team at Oswego East. A 2-time All-Area choice had over 200 kills and nearly 30 solo blocks and 25 block assists as a sophomore. "Mikayla is a key member to our program," Harvest Christian coach Carissa Oelke said. "She brings a lot of energy and heart to our team. She has made great strides this season playing both outside and middle."

Riley Schumacher, St. Charles East

Few teams dealt with as many injuries this year as St. Charles East, but this senior middle did her part to keep the Saints rolling. She earned all-conference honors with 111 kills, a .306 hitting percentage, 71 blocks and 52 digs. "Riley is a wonderful leader," St. Charles East coach Jennie Kull said. "She has done an outstanding job this year being a senior leader. She always keep us on our toes because she has such a lighthearted demeanor. She always brings fun to the court."

Alli Splitt, Cary-Grove

Splitt formed an impressive combination in the middle with setter Erin Olson while totaling 277 kills with a .453 kill percentage, 203 blocks and 31 aces through regional play. "It's a dangerous combination with Erin being such a deceptive setter and Splitt being so quick," Cary-Grove coach Patty Langanis said. "When she gets rolling she's pretty much unstoppable. She's worked on her footwork to get more deceptive. She can build momentum for us so fast, and she's deadly behind the service line. Defensively teams will always try tipping her and she does a great job in the back court. She's a really solid, consistent player."

Jaclyn Taylor, St. Charles North

North Stars coach Lindsey Hawkins tells a funny story about Taylor, a 2-time All-Area pick headed to Creighton. "We always tease she wanted to play middle, she wanted to be a libero, she switched to outside, then to right side," Hawkins said of the player who ended up being a setter with myriad skills who totaled 25 aces, 61 kills and 111 digs for the North Stars, who finished 34-4. "The fact she has only been setting for two years is even more amazing," Hawkins said. "She's improved so much. She's always been a very smart girl. In terms of her knowledge of the game she knows the court so well that's always so beneficial."

Lexie VanHiel, Burlington Central

A repeat All-Area selection, VanHiel has been in the middle - literally - of 62 Burlington Central victories those two years. That includes a 28-0 Big Northern record. VanHiel saved some of her best moments for her senior season with 221 kills (. 375 kill percentage), 52 block kills, 53 aces and 161 digs. "She's a great leader as well, not just as a player," Rockets co-coach Meghan Blahnik said. "Lexie is one of the best middle hitters we've seen anywhere this year," Rockets coach Marv Leavitt said. "She's just done everything for us. She can run any type of play. She's just very powerful and quick. She usually comes through with big plays."

Bridget Wallenberger, Jacobs

Appropriately named, Wallenberger was indeed a wall for opponents trying to hit against Jacobs. This 6-foot-3 middle earned all-conference honors while adding to a career stat line that stands at 868 kills, 165 aces, 241 blocks and 224 digs. Had 296 kills, 60 aces, 71 blocks and 115 digs this year. Jacobs coach Lisa Dwyer was impressed with Wallenberger's work at becoming a more well-rounded player. "Bridget played all the way around this year and has added her offense to the back court," Dwyer said. "She also has become a consistent passer on receive and has protected the court with her defense. She has shown wonderful leadership this season and will be greatly missed." Will play next year at the University of Wiconsin-Milwaukee.

Dominique Washington, St. Edward

One of the most explosive hitters around, Washington put down 343 kills this year for St. Edward through regional play, averaging 5.8 a set and 10 a match. Also served 36 aces and had 211 digs. Those numbers are an improvement from her sophomore season when Washington also made the All-Area team with 185 kills, 34 aces, 128 assists and 56 digs. "Dominique has grown so much this year," St. Edward coach Jaime Dovichi said. "She has confidence and in turn, has become a great team leader. She has had to learn the mental toughness part of the game. Teams that know about us, know they have to stop her offense if they want a chance at winning. Dominique will have a huge club season. She has big and exciting things ahead of her."

2015 All-area roster

Player School Pos. Yr.

*Claire Anderson St. Charles North OH Sr.

Ally Barrett Geneva OH Jr.

Frankie Cavallaro Dundee-Crown S Sr.

Lexi DeWaard Burlington Central S Jr.

Ally Dion Huntley OH Jr.

Katelynn Fegan Batavia L Sr.

Kendall Kilberger Crystal Lake South S/OH Sr.

Martha Konovodoff Rosary L Jr.

Daley Krage St. Charles North OH Sr.

Morgan Kull St. Charles East S Jr.

Grace Loberg Geneva OH Jr.

*Erin Olson Cary-Grove S Sr.

Jordyn Poppen West Aurora OH Sr.

Mikayla Robinson Harvest Christian OH Jr.

Riley Schumacher St. Charles East MH Sr.

Alli Splitt Cary-Grove MH Sr.

Jaclyn Taylor St. Charles North S Sr.

Lexie VanHiel Burlington Central MH Sr.

Bridget Wallenberger Jacobs MH Sr.

Dominique Washington St. Edward OH Jr.

* - Honorary co-captains

Special mentionMegan Barth, St. Edward, OH/MH, sr.; Delaney Bayer, Cary-Grove, L, sr.; Meegan Hart, Rosary, MH, jr.; Gillian Jones, West Aurora, OH, jr.; Hollie Fedderly, Kaneland, S, sr.; Sam Lappin, St. Charles North, L, sr.; Rachel Priore, South Elgin, OH, sr.; Jordan Proszenyak, Crystal Lake South, OH, jr.; Summer Smith, Burlington Central, OH, jr.; Kyley Thompson, Geneva, RS, sr.

Honorable mentionKyla Augustine, St. Charles East, OH, jr.; Kayla Battle, West Aurora, MH, sr.; Kaitlyn Beebe, Aurora Christian, OH, fr.; Erin Burke, Rosary, OH, jr.; Amanda Cassidy, Harvest Christian, OH, so.; Ariana Chelini, Crystal Lake South, L, sr.; Jessica Daley, Streamwood, L, sr.; Jenna Garrett, Batavia, S, so.; Julia Gauthier, Rosary, S, jr.; Sarah Graham, Cary-Grove, OH, sr.; Kelly Harris, Bartlett, MH, sr.; Natalie Hayes, Aurora Christian, MH, sr.; Sydney Holt, Huntley, MH, sr.; Emily Huprich, Elgin, S, sr.; Natalie Kofie, Larkin S, jr.; Mikayla Lanasa, Geneva, S, jr.; Megan Lomas, Burlington Central, RS, sr.; Olivia Magnussen, Hampshire, RS, jr.; Katie Mahoney, Jacobs, OH, sr.; April McGhee, Larkin, L, jr.; Ally Mullen, Geneva, MB, jr.; Hannah Nauert, Kaneland, S/RS, jr.; Kathy Nguyen, Kaneland, L, sr.; Breanna Novak, Dundee-Crown, OH, sr.; Gina Pagano, Dundee-Crown, OH, sr.; Paige Queffelec, Jacobs, S, sr.; Andie Sobotka, Bartlett, L, sr.; Klaudia Sowizral, St. Charles East, OH, so.; Kelly Townsend, West Aurora, S, sr.; Gabriella Trippichio, St. Edward, S, sr.

- All-area selections and capsules by John Lemon