Top of the hill for Hersey's Lill

To be able to participate in four Mid-Suburban League girls volleyball championships, and start in three of them, is quite a special feat.

Katie Lill did exactly that, but she got to experience it from a viewpoint not many high school athletes receive.

Katie got to play each year for her mother Nancy, one of the winningest coaches in the IHSA.

And Katie, the Daily Herald all-area honorary captain, would not have wanted it any other way.

Nor would her mother.

"It's been awesome, so much fun," said Nancy, who has won 713 matches in 26 seasons, 22 at Hersey. "It's rare to be so passionate about what you're doing, and to be able to share it with my daughter has been a real blessing."

And they've teamed up for so much success, including two MSL titles, three regional crowns and nearly 100 victories.

"To have had the success we've had and to have Katie a big reason for it, makes it even more special."

This season, Katie has led the Huskies in the regular season 272 kills while hitting at a .404 clip which is rare for an outside hitter.

Katie was also first on the team in serving (94 percent), second with 274 digs, second in serve receive (401 passes with an outstanding 2.21 ratio) and third in aces with 39.

Nancy also spent much of her high school and volleyball careers at Riverside-Brookfield and the University of Illinois as a 5-foot-9 outside hitter.

"I wish I could have seen her when she was playing," said Katie, who was also honored as this year's Mid-Suburban East Player of the Year.

"But it's been awesome being able to play on her teams. I don't know how else to say it. My mom is such a large part of my life, and to share all this with her, has just been amazing.

"To be able to spend so much time with her, traveling to matches with and always being able to talk to her about things, has been wonderful."

Katie is leaning toward studying physical therapy at Marquette University in Milwaukee.

"I've sprained my ankle a bunch of times through the years and I know how frustrating that can be," she said. " So I think it would be great to help other people when they are trying to get back on the floor from an injury."

Lill says two of the most exciting times she's had on the high school volleyball floor were at this year's championship of the Hersey Invite and in the MSL title match at Fremd.

"I would have to say the most exciting was when we defeated Lake Zurich this season in the championship of our invite," Katie said. "That was probably the most exciting match I've been in.

"There was so much tension from losing to them in the championship match a year ago. And I have so many friends on their team.

"And winning the conference match this year was great because of all the recognition you receive and all our great fans being there. Hopefully, they'll keep supporting us through the state tournament."

Katie said her dad, Jamie, has also been a great supporter of her volleyball career. Jamie played three sports at Prospect High School.

"My dad is there for encouragement and support," Katie said "My mom teaches me about technique and the game."

Put it together and you have one of the top players of all time in the tradition-rich Hersey program.