Huntley's Jakubowski picks Seton Hall
When Taylor Jakubowski sees an opening on the volleyball court, the Huntley setter isn't afraid to send a quick tip back at the defense for a winner.
When the sophomore sees a college that is a perfect choice, she's also not afraid to make that decision.
With two years of high school volleyball left, Jakubowski wrapped up her college recruitment last week, selecting Seton Hall.
"I just loved the campus and it's so pretty there and the coaches were so nice to me and it's just a family kind of feel," Jakubowski said. "I just love it there."
Jakubowski picked the Pirates over Louisville and Northern Illinois. She said Louisville wanted her as a defensive specialist which was a deal-breaker for her.
"Being a setter is a big part of me," Jakubowski said. "It's taught me to be a leader and work hard for everything I've got."
A lifelong Huntley resident, Jakubowski's older sister Taryn plays soccer at Creighton, and she has brothers Jake who is a freshman and TJ is a sixth-grader.
With her dad Andy, a baseball player and now the head baseball coach at Huntley, and her mother Michelle, a volleyball player, both college athletes, it's no surprise about Taylor's love of sports. Her mother, the head coach at Barrington and the former athletic director at Huntley, also coaches at the Sky High Volleyball Club, where Taylor started playing when she was 6 years old.
"I just kind of fell in love with it," Jakubowski said. "She kept teaching me and teaching me. I kept getting better and better and kept working at it. My sister is a great influence too because she showed me how to work hard and push myself no matter what anyone says."
With her dad the Huntley baseball coach, Taylor said she gave softball a try growing up before settling on volleyball.
"I love having a team sport and knowing you have people to back you up," Jakubowski said. "I love having that feeling in your heart when you get out on the court and start playing. And I love being a leader."
Jakubowski is the third Division I player Huntley's Karen Naymola has coached joining twins Kara and Amy Wehrs who went to Kansas.
"I am very excited for Taylor," Naymola said. "I think Seton Hall is extremely lucky to have her, because she is one of the most humble, hardworking athletes I have coached."
Naymola wasn't surprised Jakubowski made her decision early.
"She fell in love with everything about Seton Hall and it is just a great fit for her," Naymola said. "I am fortunate to have her for the next two years and I know she will continue to accomplish more before she begins her college career."
Jakubowski already is a two-time All-Area selection. As a freshman, Naymola named Jakubowski a captain.
She led Huntley to a regional championship and 26-win season this fall with 702 assists, 59 aces, 71 kills and 299 digs.
The Red Raiders only graduate one senior from that team, and expectations will be high the next couple years with Jakubowski leading the way.
"She's the type of athlete that is bound to be successful in whatever she does or wherever she goes because of her work ethic and discipline," Naymola said. "I am so excited and happy for her. She is a great role model to have in our program."