Magnificent finish for Mueller
Shelly Mueller accomplished what no Hersey volleyball player ever has.
The senior setter played in four Mid-Suburban League championship games.
Just two weeks ago, Mueller helped lead the Huskies to a 25-16, 25-17 victory over Conant in the MSL title game, giving her two titles in her four years along with the four straight East crowns.
"It's been great being able to play on a team that continues to win championships," said Mueller, the 2008 Daily Herald all-area honorary captain. "After winning that title as a freshman, (over Barrington), it feels great to win another in my last season."
Mueller has been another in a long line of talented setters for Huskies coach Nancy Lill.
"Shelly is the one who makes it happen for us," Lill said. "Everyone who sees her play, they're like, "she's awesome."
People didn't start seeing Mueller set until her junior year. She was a right side hitter as a freshman and sophomore.
But when Lill needed someone to replace Division I setter Annie Fesl two years ago, she challenged Mueller to step into the role.
Mueller came through with flying colors.
"Coach Lill and my club coach Peter Miramonti (Rolling Thunder) put a lot of time into me as a player and gave me a lot of opportunities," Mueller said. "I am extremely grateful to have had them push me into the player I am today."
Mueller collected 628 assists during the regular season while putting up 1,845 sets for a .336 efficiency. She added 33 blocks and 27 aces.
"Shelly is such an athlete," said Lill, who believes Mueller can play at a small Division I school or at the D-II level. "She contributed in ever aspect of the game. She will be sorely missed."
Four years ago, Mueller came in as a freshman with no clue where she would end up as a senior.
"I was just hoping to make the freshman team," said Mueller (5.1 GPA on a 5.0 scale), who plans to study physical therapy or athletic training in college. "It was my dream to play with Megan Fesl."
Of course, Mueller made the varsity that fall and as a freshman, got her chance to play with Fesl, who was the Daily Herald all-honorary captain that fall. "That was very exciting, the greatest honor I've ever had in volleyball."
Four years later, Mueller is the one honored as the 2008 Daily Herald all-area honorary captain.
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