Kedzie ready to lead at Rolling Meadows

The Rolling Meadows boys volleyball team is expecting Ryan Kedzie to step up and be a team leader this season.

It's a challenge the senior is ready and willing to take on.

The outside hitter has been an integral part of the Meadows squad since his call-up to varsity in his sophomore year, and was named an all-conference and all-area player as a junior.

Kedzie was a force on the floor in 2008 for the Mustangs, finishing with a kill efficiency of .340. The Arlington Heights resident led the team in kills with 200, had 32 blocks, served at a 95 percent rate, had 13 aces and 200 digs.

"Being his first year on varsity," said Meadows coach Janet Opels, "I think that was a warmup year for Ryan. I look for an even more dominating player this year.

"I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Ryan steps up and becomes more of a vocal leader. He's more of a quiet player who leads by example. I'm hoping he takes this on, fights for it and becomes our go-to player."

Kedzie relishes the opportunity.

"I think the younger players look up to us," Kedzie said. "I hope to be a role model to them, and to the new seniors on the team as well - to show them what Meadows volleyball is all about.

"We've got a good combination of younger players and returning starters this year. I'm looking for us to do well and our goal is to win conference."

Kedzie is anticipating an exciting year not only on the court but off the court as well.

The senior, who hopes to study medicine at the University of Illinois, is serving an pharmacy internship and is also involved in a med-chem program at Meadows, in which students spend one day per week at Northwest Community Hospital immersing in the study of medical procedures.

Community service and the National Honor Society will also be a focus, but in the athletic realm, doing whatever he can to make himself and the Mustangs volleyball team succeed will be priority one.

"We have to play as a team to be successful," said Kedzie, "and I hope to show the way, lead by example, and live up to expectations."