Scouting Fox Valley area girls volleyball teams
Bartlett Hawks
Coach: Brandon Mueller (second season)
2009 record: 24-12 (7-3 Upstate Eight)
Top returning players: Seniors Jacki Gulczynski (5-1, RH), Kelly Kraft (5-9, OH), Lauren Hartford (5-9, OH), Lauren Caruba (5-7, DS-Lib.), Briana Kulbeda (5-10, MH), junior Tori Burke (5-9)
Key newcomers: Seniors Megan Zmich (5-11, MH), Shannon Quigley (5-6, DS, Lib.), Jennifer Krick (5-11, MH).
Outlook: Mueller's team has experience on its side this season. "I'm very excited about the group of young ladies we have this year," said Mueller, a former boys volleyball standout at Bartlett. "We are an experienced group that I feel can compete with anyone in our conference. I believe we will be one of the top teams in our conference this year." Mueller lists serving and defense as two of the team's strengths. "We have some very athletic players that move very well on defense," said Mueller. Passing and are hitting are two skills the team continues to work hard at to improve upon. "Our passing is a little inconsistent right now, but I feel it will get better in upcoming weeks as our passers get used to passing next to one another," said Mueller. "And with our hitting, we just have to terminate more balls."
Burlington Central Rockets
Coach: Marv Leavitt (sixth year)
Conference: Big Northern East
2009 record:
Top returnees: Seniors Audrey Djukic (OH), Molly Harrison (S), Katie Maleski (OH), Sydney Sand (MH); juniors Samantha Bohne (DS), Kaitlyn O'Reilly (S), Stephanie Sipinski (DS), Brenda Thasavong (MH); sophomore Hannah Yoder (MB)
Top newcomers: Juniors Hayley Brake (MH), Kali Cramer (S), Amanda Ritchie (OH) Laura Thompson (OH); freshman Allison O'Reilly (DS).
Season outlook: The Rockets graduated two elite hitters: 2009 All-Area honorary captain Stephanie Holthus (Northwestern) and Taylor Scully (Niagra). But nine athletes who won varsity letters and played key roles return for the defending Big Northern-East co-champs. Three players enter their third year as varsity starters: Bohne, Djukic (5-10) and O'Reilly (5-11), an all-BNC setter. Thasavong (6-1) returns a solid block to the middle, while Maleski and Sipinski join Bohne to form the heart of an experienced back row. "We relied heavily on our outside attack last year," Rockets coach Marv Leavitt said. We will need to keep improving our offense and become a much more balanced team this season than in the past, when we depended mainly on outside hitters to carry the load. We have a lot of the basics, but we're learning how to put the ball away."
Cary-Grove Trojans
Coach: Patty Langanis (16th year)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2009 record: 36-4, 10-0, Class 4A state champions
Top returnees: seniors Kelly Lamberti (OH), Sam Mainzer (L), Colleen Smith (S); junior Ashley Rosch (MB)
Top newcomers: senior Allison Whimpey (RS); junior Melanie Jereb (MB), Sheila Wilhelmi (MB); sophomore Mallory Wilczynski (MB)
Season outlook: The Trojans return four starters from last season's state title team: Kelly Lamberti, Sam Mainzer, Colleen Smith and Ashley Rosch. Lamberti (Ohio) is a ferocious spiker who proved last season she is one of the top all-around outside hitters in the state. She finished with 402 kills, 90 blocks, 97 aces and 197 digs. Mainzer (127 digs) staked a claim at libero after switching positions in the middle of the 2009 season. Smith (Indiana) is a highly skilled setter who inherits the position from Abbey Heredia. Rosch is a key part of a front-line defense of six-footers across the net. Allison Whimpey (Tennessee-Martin) steps into the lineup this season. The Trojans have eyes on another Valley Division title on their way to what they hope is a shot at a second consecutive state title. Coach Patty Langanis said the intangibles and gutsiness of last year's team needs to be matched by this group if they are to make a bid at a repeat. "That's where we're going to have to see where this team's going to measure up," she said.
Crystal Lake South Gators
Coach: Jorie Fontana
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2009 record: 26-11, 7-3
Top returnees: seniors Hannah Burkle (MB), Taylor Granell (OH), Fallon Meyer (DS)
Top newcomers: senior Maureen Johnson (MB); juniors Emily Oraham (S); sophomore Katie Meyers (DS)
Season outlook: All-Area middle Hannah Burkle (6-2) returns to lead a roster of 10 players. She recorded 130 kills, 59 blocks and 28 aces last year. Burkle provides the Gators with a defensive presence at the net combined with sharp offensive skills and leadership ability. Oraham takes over as setter for graduated All-Area performer Chelsea Sirovatka. Fallon Meyer brings experience to the back row as a senior. She will be a key figure in CL South's plan to excel on defense. "We will be a scrappy yet tall team, a young team in regard to varsity experience," Gators coach Jorie Fontana said. "I am going to be looking at some fresh faces that will be stepping into some newly appointed leadership roles. We will be making defense our No. 1 priority with so many talented players to defend against in our conference."
Dundee-Crown Chargers
Coach: Tracy Williams (17th year)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2009 record: 9-25, 0-10
Top returnees: Seniors Alexis Holm (OH), Lauren Mosher (OH/RS), Brittany Schultz (MB), Tanna Svec (L), Rebecca Wika (RS); junior Rebekah Hischke (MH)
Top newcomers: juniors Tess Barnes (S), Carlin Faulkner (L), Alexa Shemanske (OH), Cassie Sommers (L)
Season outlook: The Chargers will attempt to fill the voids left by the graduation of Katie Cutinello, Lindsay Mosher and Alyssa Sarrazine with last year's improving reserves and three junior newcomers. Alexis Holm and Lindsay Mosher provide the Dundee-Crown attack with experienced hitters on the outside. Junior Tess Barnes inherits the setter position from Cutinello. Hischke, a junior middle, enters her second season with the varsity. "We will look to make improvements in every match," veteran coach Tracy Williams said. "We are small and will count on defense. We don't have much experience, and we have a lot of young players."
Elgin Maroons
Coach: Dr. Nick Bumbales (first season)
2009 record: 11-23 (4-6 Upstate Eight)
Top returning players: Senior Jen Fulton (5-7, OH), junior Rachel Roth (5-5, Lib.)
Key newcomers: Senior Heather Gawaluck (5-11, S), junior Briana Hamilton (6-0, MB)
Outlook: Bumbales has added head girls volleyball duties to his Elgin coaching docket. "Doc" is also the Maroons' head girls basketball coach. He inherits a team that returns only one full-time varsity player in Fulton. Roth played with the team at the end of last season. "The kids are committed to getting better," said Bumbales. "They are being pushed very hard by a strong JV and sophomore group. They are very coachable. Despite an 11-win season last year, they played for a regional championship and hope to return to play for one again." Bumbales said the team is concentrating on defense and fundamentals. "We are young and inexperienced," he said. "We have some younger players that we hope can compete for some spots as the year goes on." Bumbales is also stressing a winning culture. "We need to expect to win rather than hope to win," said Bumbales. Elgin is in the UEC River Division that features three regional champions from a year ago in St. Charles East, St. Charles North and league newcomer Geneva.
Elgin Academy Hilltoppers
Coach: Roy Velazquez (first year)
Conference: Independent School League
Top returnees: Senior Caitlin Ward (MH); junior Angie Martinez (S)
Top newcomers: Sophomores Casey Bishe (S), Claire Flugel (OH), Ellie Johnson (MH), Brigitte Keslinke (OH), Siyona Rabi (MH)
Season outlook: The Hilltoppers have a new coach with a strong volleyball background. Roy Velazquez was an assistant coach at Elgin High for a decade and coached for several years at Sports Performance in Aurora. He will try to mold an extremely young team; the roster of nine includes six sophomores and a freshman. Caitlin Ward is the team's only senior. "I honestly think it's going to be a good season, but at the same time it's a learning process for the girls," Velazquez said. Bishe has a nose for defense, is a strong server and good passer. Martinez, the squad's only junior, is gaining confidence as a setter. Keslinske is the team's power spiker. Ellie Johnson, a bright student picking up volleyball for the first time as a sophomore, could be "a diamond in the rough," her coach said. She joins Rabi in the middle. Flugel plays club volleyball and adds more skill to the team. The Hilltoppers will be more organized on the court than in past seasons when they mostly tried to bump the ball over the net. "They're not used to running a system, but I've already seen a huge improvement in the first few weeks," Velazquez said.
Hampshire Whip-Purs
Coach: Karen Whitehouse (fifth year)
Conference: Big Northern East
2009 record: 32-4, 9-1
Top returnees: seniors Melanie Bonk (MB), Alex Dumoulin (MB), Leigh-Anne Libby (S), Tia Incapreo (L), Alyssa Kissane (DS or RS), Elly Jakubowski (OH), Kelly Meathe (DS)
Top newcomers: juniors Michelle Dumoulin (MH), Jordan Foss (DS), Dana Seger (MH); sophomore Jenny Dumoulin (RS).
Season outlook: Libby, an all-BNC selection, returns to set the Whips. She has endured two back injuries and will leave her playing days behind after her senior year. "If Leigh-Anne stays healthy, we'll be pretty good," said Hampshire coach Karen Whitehouse, whose team shared the Big Northern East title with Burlington Central last year. "This team is scrappy, and our ball control looks good." The Whips don't have the luxury of height this season, but they are a versatile squad. "I think one of the nicest things this year is we have some different options with people who are able to play many positions," Whitehouse said. "I definitely think this team will be competitive."
Huntley Red Raiders
Coach: Michelle Jakubowski (fifth year)
Conference: Fox Valley
2009 record: 29-10, 6-4
Top returnees: senior Kadie Lowry (RS); juniors Sam Boesch (OH), Amy Dion (L), Jaina Jackson (MH), Taylor Nepermann (OH), Ashley Smith (OH).
Top newcomers: Junior Eli Manning (S); sophomores Corey Levra (S), Hailey Vitacco (MB).
Season outlook: After making appearances in two straight sectional title matches, the motto this year for the Red Raiders is "third time's the charm." Huntley coach Michelle Jakubowski considered moving all-FVC and All-Area libero Amy Dion to setter to replace the graduated Amanda Carroll. However, another option emerged this summer when Elizabeth "Eli" Manning transferred to Huntley from Marian Central. She set for the Hurricanes' sophomore team last year. Mannings arrival allows Dion, an all-FVC and All-Area selection who led the area with 380 digs, to remain at her natural and best position. Jakubowski will run a 6-2 offense for the first time as a high-school coach with Manning and Corey Levra as her setters. Levra played JV last year as a sophomore. The Raiders have height with Ashley Smith (5-10), Hailey Vitacco (5-11), Jaina Jackson (6-1) and Sam Boesch (6-0). That front line, combined with the best back row defender in the conference in Dion, gives the Red Raiders a formidable defense. Is it enough to break through to a supersectional the third time around? "It's going to be tough to get back there because there are a lot of good teams in (Class) 4A," Jakubowski said. "DeKalb and Prairie Ridge moved back into 4A, so it's going to be even more difficult, but we'd like to get back there and then I think anything can happen. I think our all-around hitting is stronger than last year. We could be a stronger team, but it'll depend on what the girls want to make of it."
Jacobs Golden Eagles
Coach: Lisa Dwyer (sixth year)
Conference: Fox Valley
2009 record:
Top returnees: seniors Taylor Lesner (OH), Quinn Leuhring (S), Mattie Stearns (DS); juniors Rebecca Jobst (DS), Nikki Madoch (MB); sophomore Alyssa Ehrhardt (OH)
Top newcomers: seniors Sarah Demkovich (RS/MB), Clara Moravec (RS/MB)
Season outlook: The Golden Eagles return experienced firepower at the net with outside hitters Taylor Lesner and Alyssa Ehrhardt (5-10) and middle Nikki Madoch (6-1). Sarah Demkovich (5-10) and Clara Moravec (6-0) "will also add offense as well as extra blocking at the net to give us a well-rounded front line," Jacobs coach Lisa Dwyer said. The hitters already enjoy good chemistry with returning setter Quinn Luehring. Rebecca Jobst and Mattie Stearns provide experienced defense behind the tall front line. Jacobs hopes to improve on last season's playoff run after pushing Barrington to 3 games in a 2009 regional semifinal. "We're looking to come back strong this season with our usual tenacity on defense and never-say-die attitudes," Dwyer said.
Larkin Royals
Coach: Marcin Dybka (first season)
2009 record: 2-29
Top players: Freshmen Olivia Kofie (MB), Brianna Stewart (MB)
Outlook: Dybka, Larkin's new coach, is stressing a culture of confidence with his team. "My goal for this season is to change the mentality of the players to have them believe, 'I can do it.' (I) can move faster, pick up more balls, stop that hitter and eventually can win." Dybka would also like to create a competitive atmosphere. "I also want to establish permanent positions for each player and set up the environment in which they compete among each other for these positions," he said. "I want to set up players' minds to have them learn to always work (in) game-like (situations)." Dybka has been pleased with the team's chemistry. "That helps the team to achieve its goals and will eventually lead, I strongly believe, to a lot of success," he said. While Larkin is playing in the retooled Upstate Eight Conference, Dybka is stressing to his players to remain focused on their side of the net. "I know that probably most of the teams have a higher ranking than we do, but I'm not worried about it," said Dybka. "We just want to be able to play our game regardless of the teams standing across the net. That has to do with the mentality of the players, willing to change their state of mind, accept changes and keep them in mind while working hard - always game-like - and getting maximum focus off and on the court. If we can line up all of these (changes), I am sure we will be playing good volleyball."
South Elgin Storm
Coach: Joni Plach (sixth season)
2009 record: 15-18 (3-7 Upstate Eight)
Top returning players: Seniors Katlyn Stonecipher (DS), Courtney Sanocki (S), Erica Williams (DS)
Key newcomers: Freshman Ashely Oandasan (MB-OH) Outlook: Plach (nee Melahn) returns eight seniors from last year's squad. "It's my biggest group of seniors so far," said Plach, the dean of U-46 girls volleyball coaches. "Those are eight seniors that have been in the program for four years. They've seen what it takes to come together as a team. They respect each other as teammates and as individuals. We're looking forward to taking it to another level this year." Defense will be a major positive for South Elgin. "We've got three really strong DS's," said Plach. "It's hard to decide which one is the libero. Defense will be a strong suit this year." Plach would like to see her team get to that .500 mark this season. "I hope we're as competitive as last year. Hopefully, we're a little better," said Plach. "I'd like to be over .500 this year. We were 15-18 last year. If we can get to .500, that would be a good goal." South Elgin is in the Valley Division of the UEC. "I don't know who is not going to be tough," said Plach. "There is a strong club presence in our conference. A lot of girls play good off-season volleyball. We'll see how we put our stuff together this year."
Streamwood Sabres
Coach: Lisa Vazzana (first season)
2009 record: NA
Top returning players: Seniors Alyson Montemayor (5-7, S), Paige Donovan (5-8, MB), juniors Elizabeth Simonelli (5-2, Lib.), Maria Ranahan (5-7, OH)
Key newcomers: Senior Ashley Berrios (5-7, RS)
Outlook: Vazzana is one of three new girls volleyball coaches among the five U-46 schools. Vazzana feels her team will excel in the back row this season. "We will be solid in the back row," said Vazzana. "Our defense and serve-receive are coming along quite nicely. The girls have been putting in extra hours to master their serve-receive and create a solid impenetrable defense." Serving has also been a strength. "Their serves have been some of the most aggressive I have seen," said Vazzana, who added her players are learning to adjust to new players and new positions on the court in the early going of the season. Vazzana is looking for long-term improvement from her team. "If the girls continue to work hard and continue to give 100 percent, we will be a very competitive team," she said. "The girls are excited about this season. I feel we will rise to the competition and just might surprise a few of our competitors. Our goal is to continuously improve."
St. Edward Green Wave
Coach: Jaime Dovichi (seventh year)
Conference: Suburban Christian (Gold)
2009 record: 11-27, 0-10
Top returnees: seniors Margie Haggenjos (DS), Stephanie Igielski (OH), Annie Kelly (S), Kristina Kolodyzvk (DS), Enza Ranallo (OH); juniors Katie Ayello (DS), Sarah Norman (OH)
Top newcomers: juniors Callie Johnson (MB), Alex Lee (MH), Katherine Von Ahnen (MB/RS), Callie Johnson (MB)
Season outlook: The Green Wave aim for improvement with five starters returning from last season, including All-Area defensive specialist Margie Haggenjos and libero Katie Ayello. Haggenjos, a four-year varsity starter, played right side last season and finished with 42 kills, 206 digs and 233 serves received. Ayello led the team with 244 digs and 275 serves received. Defense will be a team strength. "It's something about St. Ed's volleyball," coach Jaime Dovichi said. "We just play that never-say-die defense. Kids just never let the ball fall." Annie Kelly returns to set a 5-1 offense. Sarah Norman is a talented hitter who hopes to remain injury free. Her first two varsity season ended prematurely due to a broken ankle and a back injury. Callie Johnson returns in the middle, where Katherine Von Ahnen (5-11) will also add to the block. "I think we'll need a couple of matches to get some of our bigger players comfortable on the court," Dovichi said. "By midseason we should be winning some matches."
Westminster Christian Warriors
Coach: Guy Lum (sixth year)
Conference: Northeast Athletic
2009 record: 24-12, 5-4
Top returnees: seniors Emily Bickford (MH), Hannah Graves (S), Katie Moeller (OH); sophomore Cara Tyrrell (RS)
Top newcomers: juniors Brittnie Feitlich (OH), Whitney Vanden Bos (L); Andrea Walsh (MH); sophomores Alivia DeHann (MB), Taylor Pedersen (OH); freshmen Claire Speweik (MB), Christina Cusumano (OH)
Season outlook: The burgeoning Warriors girls volleyball program has grown from 12 participants six years ago to a program of 35 players in 2010, meaning roughly one-third of the girls enrolled at Westminster play volleyball. "We had to buy more uniforms, but that's a good problem," said sixth-year coach Guy Lum, who has an assistant for the first time in Burlington Central alumna Holly Heinrich. Tyrell is the squad's most talented all-around player, Lum said. She, Hannah Graves and Emily Bickford provide leadership as team captains. Graves is an offensive-minded setter who loves to attack. She also led the team in blocks last year. Whitney Vanden Bos will set the varsity after training on the JV level a season ago. The Warriors will compete in their own growing tournament on Sept. 18 as well as tournaments at Somonauk and Christian Liberty. The Warriors aren't in top form yet, but Lum expects this team to get there. "Right now we're not as sharp as last year's squad, but if they work hard they can be as good," he said. "Their goal this year is to win regionals." The Warriors were knocked out of regional play two seasons in a row by Hinckley Big Rock.