Libertyville teammates net D-I futures

In the fall, the Libertyville girls volleyball team put together the best season in school history.

Libertyville's defense frustrated teams all year, so it should come as no surprise that two of the Wildcats' best defensive players are taking their games to the next level.

Libero Emma Melendez and defensive specialist Amber Bryant will play next year for Lehigh University and Dartmouth College, respectively. Both are Division I programs.

"It's definitely exciting," coach Chris Trzyna said. "They're great kids, quality volleyball players and outstanding students."

Melendez is excited about her chance to play immediately on a rebuilding Lehigh team, which competes in the Patriot League. She also hit it off right away with coach Jenny Maurer, who will be in her first full season as head coach.

"She told me I'll get a chance to make an immediate impact," Melendez said. "She has great knowledge of the game. As soon as I started talking to her, she immediately gave me feedback."

As a freshman at Libertyville Melendez played setter, but her future on varsity was at libero.

"She loves digging and the feeling of knowing she (could dig) against the best hitters," Trzyna said. "She was always the first one to get everyone pumped up and ready to go. She was so strong defensively and she brought up (the level) of the rest of the team. She was able to direct the defense and make everybody comfortable out there."

Melendez said she wants to be in the best shape of her life going into the season.

"I've talked to other players and I know how intense it is at the Division I level," she said.

Melendez was excited to see Bryant make such a strong contribution in her first varsity season. Bryant was one of many seniors who played the previous year on Libertyville's undefeated junior varsity team.

"She was always working hard and pushing herself," Melendez said. "She did a tremendous job in the back row."

Bryant had attended a Dartmouth volleyball camp and enjoyed the experience. She also liked the campus and Ivy League school's academic reputation.

"I pretty much fell in love with it," she said.

Trzyna said Bryant's drive will serve her well.

"You could always count on her to be one of our most consistent players," Trzyna said. "She's quiet but very aggressive. She just has a passion to play the game."