Girls volleyball: Northwest all-area team

Stephanie Alesia Fremd

Alesia just quietly went about her job and proved to be one of the most productive players in the Mid-Suburban League. "Stephanie does her job so well, that at times, she blends into the background of a match and until you look at the final stats you don't realize everything she did," said coach Curt Pinley. The 5-foot-7 junior outside hitter, placed in the top three for Fremd in every statistical category except setting. She was second in attack (350-415, 51 kills), third in hitting efficiency (.207) and serving (334-368, 66 aces), was second in digs (308) and led the team in serve receive (283-302). "Stephanie took it upon herself to lead by example," Pinley said. "She is a player who is involved in so much of our game, we could not compete without her. Stephanie is our most complete player on the team."

Lauren Angotti Buffalo Grove

Illness and a knee injury kept Angotti away from the floor for the final two weeks, but she was all over the court the rest of the time. The 5-foot-11 senior and two-year team captain led the Bison with 68 kills (415-476 and 225. hitting efficiency) while also collecting 167 digs, 54 blocks and 14 aces. "She has done all the little things behind the scenes and on the court to make the team successful," said coach Marianne Mendoza. "Lauren has been our go-to hitter for 2 years and really came on in the second half of the season hitting .422 against the MSL East opponents. Her direction and leadership will be hard to replace."

Gabrielle Blackwell Schaumburg

Blackwell, also a talented basketball player, was one of the most powerful attackers in Mid-Suburban League volleyball. The 5-foot-10 senior led the Saxons with 265 kills along with 208 digs, 56 blocks and 24 aces. "Gabrielle is beastly in terminating the ball," said coach Jeanette Pancratz. "Her power and desire combined with her enthusiastic attitude creates havoc for the opponent. They must respect her." Blackwell also knows how to motivate her teammates. "Her attitude is contagious and governs our team," Pancratz said.

Heather Bolger Schaumburg

Bolger was a three-sport athlete through her sophomore year but chose to make volleyball her priority. This season, the 5-foot-7 outside hitter was one of the key seniors who helped lead Schaumburg to 30 wins and regional title and MSL titles. "It certainly has paid off," said coach Jeanette Pancratz of Bolger's decision to concentrate solely on volleyball. "Because of her relentless pursuit of excellence and her fierce competitive attitude she has developed into a solid all-around player. She can get to any ball and make it look easy. She thrives in the battle of tough competition where her athleticism really shines." Bolger (126 kills, 254 digs) had a serve efficiency of 94.8 percent.

Jackie Carbery Rolling Meadows

Carbery stands only 5-foot-7, but she played like she was 6-7. Carbery put down 152 kills and collected 44 blocks. "For her size, she came up with some big kills and blocks in our big matches," said coach Janet Opels. "Jackie became our go-to hitter. She has really come a long way. She's not a huge middle hitter, but she is solid. That's what is so impressive. She's very consistent and puts the ball in play most of the time."

Ann Carroll Hersey

In her first full season as a starting middle blocker, Carroll established herself as one of the best blockers in the area. The 6-foot junior was an intimidating force at the net. "She led our team with 94 block kills for the season, and added 143 kills while hitting .307," said coach Nancy Lill. "Ann is a tremendous jumper and will continue dominating at the net for the Huskies next season."

Lauren Dembkowski Hersey

A four-year starter, Dembkowski led the Huskies with 331 kills this fall and a .329 hitting efficiency. "What a career," said coach Nancy Lill. "She's a great all-around player. It's fun to look back at how she improved from her freshman year into her senior season." The 5-10 outside hitter also had 303 digs, 51 blocks and was the top passer in the back court. "She could do it all," Lill said. "She has been our go-to person and just a pleasure to have on the team. Opponents did everything to keep the ball away from her." Dembkowski ended her outstanding career with 815 career kills.

Anie Fitzpatrick Elk Grove

Fitzpatrick's strong attack was one of the reasons Elk Grove posted another 20-win season under coach Joe DiSilvio. The 5-foot-9 senior outside hitter (171 kills with a kill efficiency of .189) moved into fifth on the all-time single-season kills list for Elk Grove. "Anie has grown into a player who has stood out the past two seasons," DiSilvio said. "She provided kills for us in key situations this year and was one of the reasons we were able to achieve the level of success we attained. Anie continued to improve throughout the season and still has a great deal of potential." Fitzpatrick also finished the season with 54 blocks, which was second on the team this year.

Cara George St. Viator

When the Lions needed offense or a big defensive play, George often would be the one to provide it. She also provided steady senior leadership. "Cara was our team's vocal leader on and off the court," said coach Charlie Curtin. "She was also our go-to person when we needed a kill." George was the Lions' kills leader (462-for-519, 175 kills, .228 hitting percentage. 338 kill percentage) and digs (170) leader. "She was always looking for ways to improve her overall game," Curtin added. "She was an extremely hard worker." George was 101-of-115 serving with 8 aces and an 88 percent percentage.

Katie Goldrath Barrington

When it came to defense, Barrington relied heavily on the 5-foot-9 senior libero to protect the back row. Goldrath collected 465 digs and also served 40 aces this fall. "Katie is a great student, wonderful athlete, and great volleyball player," said coach Chris Bronke. "The best way to describe Katie is as the team's sparkplug. Our emotions and energy go where she will take us. She gives us the ability to pass in a two-person serve receive because she can cover so much court. A true winner, Katie has been instrumental in any success we have had this year, and last."

Altrese Hawkins Hoffman Estates

Prior to the season, Hawkins committed to the University of Memphis and then went on to help lead the Hawks' attack under first- year coach Dan Hutton. "Altrese was a valuable asset all year long," Hutton said. "She was a leader and a great role model for the younger players both on the court and in the classroom." The 5-foot-11 Hawkins finished with a team-high 226 kills, 96 digs and 11 blocks. "Altrese showed that with hard work and dedication good things come," Hutton said. "She was always striving to achieve more. She will be greatly missed."

Tracy Hefferan Prospect

As a 6-foot-3 junior right-side hitter, Hefferan had two assignments due this fall. Give her an "A" on both. "Tracy had only two jobs to do this year, hit and block," said coach Mike Riedy. "She did both very well." Hefferan finished with 161 kills and a team-high .271 hitting efficiency (332-388) and 42 blocks. "Her team-high hitting efficiency made her the 'go-to' hitter for our offense," Riedy said. "Tracy, combined with one of the middles, made for an imposing block for other team's outside hitters. As a senior next year, she will be a powerhouse in the front row."

Rachel Hunt Prospect

Hunt was the youngest player on Prospect's roster. But the sophomore was also one of the most valuable. The 5-foot-11 Hunt led the team with 169 kills (419-489, .202 efficiency) and was 250-of-280 serving with 31 aces (.893 efficiency). Hunt also collected 219 digs and 30 blocks. "Rachel proved to be one of the best hitters for us this year," said coach Mike Riedy. "Her smart hitting and aggressive serving made her one of the most valuable players on the floor. All this and she's only a sophomore. The future is very bright for Rachel."

Alexandria Jackson Schaumburg

When it came to blocking, Jackson certainly proved to be a roadblock for opposing teams. The 5-foot-10 senior led the Saxons with 86 blocks and also collected 157 kills and 39 aces. "Alexandria has a diabolical mystique at the net," said coach Jeanette Pancratz. "Her innate ability to touch a lot of balls is one of the primary reasons this is the best blocking team in Schaumburg's history. Her diligent, enthusiastic work ethic enhances the play of those around her. She is a complete player and a positive role model for our program."

Kate Kleiva Palatine

Kleiva made her presence felt as a solid contributor offensively and defensively the last two seasons. This fall, the 5-foot-8 senior led the team in kills (186) and serving (93.82 percent) and was second in aces (41) and digs (385). "But perhaps her greatest contribution was her leadership, intelligence and competitiveness," said coach Dan Gavin. "Kate's knowledge of the game is second to none and having her on the floor was like having another coach out there." Kleiva finished her career with 315 kills, 73 aces and 663 digs.

Michelle Kopecky Conant

It's off to West Virginia University for Kopecky, who played an instrumental role in Conant's run to a regional crown. The 6-foot senior outside hitter, a two-year varsity player, led the Cougars in attack with 331 kills and a .306 efficiency. She also had 57 blocks and 252 digs. "Michelle also accelerated her all around game learning what it takes to compete defensively at the varsity level," said coach Peggy Scholten.

Mary Kusner Maine West

Kusner enjoyed a solid senior season, especially at the net where she collected a team-high 113 blocks along with 106 kills. The 5-foot-10 senior also served 28 aces while making only 11 errors and collecting 162 service points. "Through her aggressiveness at the net, Mary could dominate a game," said coach Randy Tiller. "Her blocking abilities could take hitters out of their rhythm except for the most focused. As Mary developed her skills, so did her teammates, and so did their confidence in her. She raised the level of play of her teammates, which is what a coach really appreciates. And she made each match more fun to watch."

Mandy Larsen Conant

A 5-foot-10 junior outside hitter in her second season on the varsity, Larsen played a key role in helping the Cougars to 22 wins and a regional title. "Mandy did an exceptional job for us, never leaving the floor," said coach Peggy Scholten. "As Michelle Kopecky's counterpart on the outside, Mandy accumulated 196 kills and 235 digs. She is a mainstay in the Conant offensive and defensive schemes. She also led our team with 93.3 percent on serve."

Katie Lill Hersey

Lill, a 5-foot-9 sophomore outside hitter, stepped into a starting role this year on the varsity and contributed in big ways. She finished second on the team with 180 kills while hitting .310. She contributed in the back row with 217 digs. Lill was also a 95 percent server. "Katie stepped up and found a way to put the ball down," said coach Nancy Lill. "She had a great mentor in fellow outside hitter Lauren Dembkowski (four-year starter and team's leader in attacks) this year."

Megan Maize Elk Grove

With her superb defensive skills, Maize made it like a maze for opponents to put down kills in the Elk Grove back row. The 5-foot-3 senior finished the season with 317 digs, which surpasses the single-season school record set last year by Jackie Rutter (314). Maize led all Elk Grove passers with a rating of 2.08 on a 3-point scale and served at 90.6 percent with 17 aces. "Megan was a nice surprise to our team this year," said coach Joe DiSilvio. "She had one of the best passing forms I have seen and showed a great deal of consistency for our team this season. There were many times that Megan kept us alive against some of the best hitters in the area with her amazing defense."

Jenna Milas Rolling Meadows

A lot of Rolling Meadows' success this fall was based on defense and one big spark was provided by the 5-foot-7 Milas. "Jenna was our primary passer," said coach Janet Opels. "Her defensive play was very solid. For her size, she is a very strong young lady. Without her passing and defense, we would have struggled." Milas led the Mustangs with 406 digs and 44 aces. "Jenna reads the floor real well," Opels added. "And she reacts very quickly to the ball. That is the key to her success. She has very good ball control."

Lindsey Mills Wheeling

Mills was an intimidating presence in the middle for the Wildcats. "Lindsey has worked so hard the entire season," said coach Rita Runyard of the 6-foot-3 senior. "She worked hard to be a better player and better leader and has done an awesome job at those things." Runyard was impressed by Mills' ability to handle outside activities as well. "It's amazing how she balances a heavy academic role with everything else. She is very active with church, community and math team. She manages to do well in everything. She really has a great disposition. She has been real positive all season even when we've struggled."

Bridget Morton Fremd

Morton was a captain this fall for the Vikings and coach Curt Pinley could not have asked for a better one. "Her leadership qualities have been one of the reasons for our success this season," Pinley said of the three-year varsity player. "Bridget brings her high energy to practice every day. In games she has been able to become that spark that we sometimes needed to ignite our team during a match." The 5-foot-9 senior was the Vikings' second-leading blocker (47) and led in serving by converting 145-of-153 for 21 aces. On attack, she was 246-of-286 with 120 kills and a .280 hitting efficiency.

Shelly Mueller Hersey

In her third year playing varsity, Mueller switched roles from right-side hitter to setter. The switch paid off as the 5-foot-10 Mueller filled the huge hole left by Annie Fesl's graduation. "Shelly had an outstanding season," said coach Nancy Lill. "She made the transition from right side to setter and did a really nice job." Mueller finished with 757 assists and an assist percentage of .378. She was the top server on the team (98 percent with 44 aces). She was also an outstanding blocker with 38 block kills. "Shelly will return to lead our offense next fall," Lill said.

Jackie Patmore Barrington

One of the most powerful attackers in the Mid-Suburban League, the 5-foot-11 Patmore led the Fillies with 268 kills while also collecting 37 blocks, 95 digs and 17 aces. "Jackie is mature beyond her years," said coach Chris Bronke. "She will do whatever is needed to make a team better, including playing three or more positions this year." Patmore's power was a major asset. "She is the muscle of the team," Bronke added. "Just ask anyone who has tried to block or dig her. Jackie started to come into her own last year in the IHSA playoffs, and we only hoped that this year will be the same. She is the key to our offensive and blocking success, and she was continually the leader of this team's off-court character."