Girls volleyball notes: Vernon Hills' Spiglanin excited about new job at alma mater

Ten years ago, Max Spiglanin was the MVP for the Vernon Hill boys volleyball team, twice earning Daily Herald All-Area recognition.

Now, the former captain for the Cougars is the head coach of the girls volleyball team at his alma mater which is beginning play in the Central Suburban North this week.

The first-year girls coach says his mission is to cultivate an environment where growth and camaraderie flourish, all while ensuring a healthy dose of enjoyment along the journey.

It's Spiglanin's second year coaching in the girls program after he led the junior varsity team to a 22-13 record last fall.

"I am honored to take on the role of Vernon Hills varsity coach, supported by a fantastic coaching team including Chris Curry (Cougars head coach from 2020 to 2022), Abbie Gutzmer (Cougars head coach from 2009 to 2013), Sarah Pearson, Julia Simmons, and Maddie Grouzard," Spiglanin said.

Spiglanin's own journey in volleyball started with a 'thrilling' five-year experience on Adversity VBC's premier team, spanning from 2010 to 2014.

Two of those years were under the guidance of the current Vernon Hills boys volleyball junior varsity coach Kyle Muldoon.

"During that period, I honed my skills across various positions, gaining a deep appreciation for high-level play," Spiglanin said. "I also earned a prized spot on the varsity lineup at Vernon Hills."

A three-year letter winner, he became an all-stater as an outside hitter.

He said the mentorship of then boys coach Curry during enriched his understanding of teamwork, camaraderie, and personal growth.

In college, Spiglanin joined forces with fellow teammates to elevate the University of Iowa Men's Club Volleyball team into a premier program within the Midwest.

"I embraced dual roles as both a player and coach/president, which provided me with invaluable insights into coaching dynamics and program management," Spiglanin said. "Concurrently, I made contributions as a manager and practice player for the university's D1 women's team."

After completing his academic journey in 2019, Spiglanin transitioned into coaching at Adversity VBC, dedicating his efforts to the girls' program, a commitment he has maintained since.

In 2021, he became the head coach at Woodland's Academy of the Sacred Heart, leading the team through a transformative year.

"That journey led me back to Vernon Hills High School in 2022 when coach Curry extended an invitation for me to rejoin the ranks," he said. "Taking over the junior varsity girls' team last fall reignited my connection with the vibrant volleyball community. Now I am thrilled to take on the role of head coach for the entire program."

Obviously Spiglanin is well-acquainted with the grind and countless hours spent in the gym, on the road, and the hustle of practices and tournaments.

"Volleyball has made me into who I am today," he said. "I am eagerly looking forward to passing these invaluable lessons to the next generation. My focus revolves around enhancing player skills, fostering a cohesive team spirit, and instilling a robust work ethic during practices and matches. In the upcoming year, rest assured that I am committed to elevating these aspects even further."

Pats power:

Stevenson earned the championship of the Niles West Invite this past weekend, winning all five of its matches in two sets: 27-25, 26-24 over Buffalo Grove; 25-12, 25-17 over Maine West; 25-18, 25-15 over Lincoln Park; 25-13, 25-12 over Niles West and 25-18, 25-23 over York.

The Patriots (16-3) were led by Brynn Smith (36 kills, 8 aces, 28 digs), Mija Jegers (36 kills, 11 aces, 34 digs), Ava Wysocki (25 kills, 4 aces, 7 blocks), Cayla Weisner (12 kills, 7 aces, 14 blocks), Adriana Voshtina (10 kills, 8 blocks), Ryler Bondad (9 aces, 22 digs) and Kyra Costabile (8 aces, 84 assists).

Top Mustangs hitter:

Rolling Meadows senior Lucy Pufundt put down her 576th kill last week when the Mustangs took a three-set victory visiting Conant in a Mid-Suburban League crossover match.

College row:

Stevenson recently added another D-I recruit when middle hitter Cayla Weisner committed to Davidson.

The 6-2 senior middle hitter has made big strides from last season.

"She is a very skilled middle," said Stevenson coach Tim Crow. "I'm just so pleased at how her game and confidence have gotten so much stronger from last season to this season."

The other two D-I recruits are 5-10 senior outside Mija Jegers (Iona) and 6-1 senior OH Brynn Smith (Northeastern).

Hustlin Hawks:

Hoffman Estates is enjoying its best starts in six seasons under coach Pat Moran.

This past weekend, the Hawks posted a 3-0 record for first place in pool play at the Niles West Invite, giving them an 11-2 record at the time. Hoffman posted wins over Joliet Catholic (9-25, 25-20, 15-10), Prospect (25-10, 25-15) and Niles North (25-13, 22-25, 15-11).

In the Hawks opener this fall, a 25-16, 25-27, 25-20 win over Glenbard North, they were led by Bhavya Muthu (21 digs), Phoebe Kim (19 assists, 4 aces, 6 digs, 3 kills), Peyton Young (12 kills), Ziya Cooks (6 kills), Nadia Nowak (6 kills), Izzy Troyer (4 kills, 7 digs, 3 aces) and Arianna Giammarino (5 kills, 3 aces).

Fillies rolling:

Barrington is off to an 11-1 start after notching a 25-7, 25-14 win over Prospect last week. Leading the way for the defending MSL champs were Molly Kozak (2 digs, 1 ace, 4 points), Whitney Mall (4 kills), Gwen Adler (6 assists, 1 digs 5 points, 1 kill), Jenna Meitzler (7 assists, 11 points, 1 block), Addie Brookbank (2 kills, 2 digs, 5 aces, 17 points), Berkeley Ploder (1 block, 2 kills), Hope Regas (4 kills) and Sarah Jensen (1 point, 2 digs).