Saints give coach Kull reason to smile
When athletes have a bad day or need to turn to someone, chances are, one of the people will be their coach.
But what happens when the coach needs support?
In the middle of the season, St. Charles East girls volleyball coach Jennie Kull suffered a devastating loss when her father passed away.
Dealing with death is never an easy thing, but Kull relied on the other coaches, fans, players and their parents to help her get through the tough times.
The tough times appeared to be momentarily forgotten about Monday night, as St. Charles East is going to the Class 4A state tournament after beating Prairie Ridge in 3 games at the DeKalb supersectional.
With the win, the Saints are heading to Illinois State University in Normal, where they will play their first match Friday.
"This all wouldn't be possible if I didn't have the most supportive parents in this group of kids, then obviously, the fans too," Kull said. "I got to tell you, it was extremely hard, but the parents took pressure off me, the kids, they all wanted to do it. Every time I'd ask, they'd get it done.
"The last time I remembered my dad standing up was at Illinois State (University). That was the last time he was really able to walk, so this is kind of a sweet place. I get to go back and remember him up in the stands, so that's nice. That will be good."
Kull missed a few games while assistant coach Mike Bui took over. She still, however, showed up at the tournament the Saints were hosting in mid-October, just to see her team play.
"It was good for her to come back to us," said senior Alex Coello. "We are family, and for her to come back to us as a family and not have to think about it, surrounding her with smiles, laughter and good volleyball … I think that's something that she really benefited from, and to give her that was awesome."
Throughout most of the season, the Saints have given Kull lots to smile about. They just missed winning the Upstate Eight Conference title, but since then, the Saints have played their best volleyball.
The Saints won a regional title, upset one of the best teams around in Wheaton Warrenville South for the sectional crown and are heading to state for the first time since 2001.
The "downs" are a thing of the past. The Saints are definitely on "up" mode after the big win.
"I'm ecstatic, this is like a dream come true," said St. Charles East setter Laura Homann. "I don't think it's set in yet. It's just such a cool feeling."
Ever since last year, this group of Saints knew they'd be close this season. Throughout the postseason, their motivation to win has been simple -- let's keep winning so we stay together.
"We are so close now, no one wants the season to be over," Homann said. "The greatest thing now is that we get to go in the gym (Tuesday) and practice."
"Our team is so close, anything can happen with us," senior Mattie Boyd added. "We are extremely excited. I don't even know what to say. I don't think it's sunk in yet."
These Saints aren't just teammates -- they are friends. They've spent the last three weekends hanging out at each others' houses, watching movies and ordering out. They began the season on a team-bonding trip rock climbing in Wisconsin.
And now? The Saints get to end their season together, win or lose, at Redbird Arena in Normal.