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Buffalo Grove's Schnittker aims for more memorable moments in senior season

Two moments stand out for Buffalo Grove senior Zach Schnittker in his thus-far outstanding high school boys volleyball career.

The first is a big victory in last season's Mid-Suburban League championship match. The other moment also involved a big win but featured a very personal component.

As a junior, the setter led the MSL East champion Bison to a major upset in the title match last year over West champs Barrington.

The Broncos had lost only one match all season up to that point, and were the state's top ranked team - but Schnittker's 16 assists on that evening in late May helped BG score a 25-23, 25-23 win before a packed house on their home floor.

"We came in with an underdog mentality, so we had nothing to lose," said Schnittker. "We played really well that day."

The senior also recalls another big win against a heavy favorite, this time from his frosh season, and the victory was all the more satisfying because of a family connection.

"My freshman year we came into the playoffs like a 16th sectional seed and we beat Stevenson in three games," said Schnittker. "That was special for me not only because of the win, but because I was playing in the match with my brother Andy (who was then a senior), and I was setting for him."

In addition to Andy, Schnittker has another brother, Jamie, who starred on the volleyball court for the Bison, and both went on to collegiate careers.

Strong performances on the court - and also in the classroom - are what BG coach Tim Kosiek has come to expect, as Kosiek is not only Schnittker's volleyball coach but also is his teacher in AP Environmental Sciences.

"I believe Zach is going to make some headlines this year," said Kosiek, "either before or throughout the season. He is an outstanding volleyball player, and student.

"He's a tremendous athlete and will obviously have a significant impact on the success of our team this year. He's been on varsity for years, leading our offense with consistency and success."

Schnittker is a definite force at the setter position but also doesn't mind at all taking whatever role is given to him.

"With all the experience I have up to this point," said Schnittker, "I feel comfortable and I'm ready to pitch in wherever the team needs me, be it setting or on the outside."

The senior has his eyes on the future as well, as his plans right now are to enroll at Coker College in South Carolina next fall to play volleyball and study computer sciences.

But right now, he knows that he, as a senior, has to take on more of a leadership role for the Bison.

"It's something I look forward to," said Schnittker. "It'll be fun teaching the younger guys and it's something I take very seriously."

"This year I've already seen Zach display great leadership," said Kosiek. "I've watched him teach, encourage and rally around the success of other players. As we've discussed various lineups and offensive options, he has supported anything that will make our team more successful. Zach is less motivated by personal accolades or statistics. I'm impressed with him and believe this will be a great foundation for him beyond the volleyball court."

And although the senior may shy away from the spotlight, the accolades will be sure to come on what he hopes will be BG's most memorable year of his high school career.

"We're a young team, but we're talented," said Schnittker. "I'm excited for this season to begin."

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