Credit this duo for saying, 'Let's play two'

Living in a time where more and more high school athletes are opting to focus their attention on one sport, Geneva's Kelsey Augustine and Lauren Wicinski are going against the grain.

Before I move on, I have to applaud them for the decision they have made throughout their successful prep careers. Augustine and Wicinski share plenty of things in common: they both stand 6-foot-1, they're both seniors, and each of them has made verbal commitments to play collegiate volleyball next fall - Augustine at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and Wicinski at Northern Illinois University.

The frontline duo helped lead Geneva's volleyball team to back-to-back IHSA Class 4A regional championships and three straight 25-plus-win seasons. They've also spent the last five years as club volleyball teammates for the Kane County Jrs.

Given their overall commitment to volleyball, it probably wouldn't have come as a big surprise if Augustine and/or Wicinski had decided at one point to specialize in one sport.

Fortunately for Geneva's girls basketball team and head coach Gina Nolan, that decision never took place. Instead, Augustine and Wicinski are valuable frontcourt players and 3-year varsity veterans for the Vikings' girls basketball team.

"I'm certainly happy that they've stayed with basketball," said Nolan, who has guided the Vikings to 50 consecutive regular-season victories and 22 straight Western Sun Conference wins over the past 2 1/2 seasons.

"As freshmen, they both started for the 'A' team and by January as sophomores they were varsity starters.

"In addition to their height and skill, they both have contributed in terms of leadership and attitude. They're great teammates."

Augustine, who began playing organized basketball as a fourth grader before her club volleyball debut four years later, admittedly thought about being a 1-sport athlete at one point.

"It crossed my mind from a time scheduling standpoint," said Augustine. "But I love the game of basketball. It's completely different from volleyball in that it's more of an individualized game and it's more physical."

Augustine, who also somehow squeezed a spring soccer season into her freshman year, is glad she never had to choose between volleyball and basketball.

"It would have been hard to pick between the sports as a freshman," said Augustine, who set school volleyball records for highest kill percentage (.630), most points in a match (19) and aces for a season (73) this past season.

"Fortunately, the volleyball club welcomed girls who played more than one sport."

Players like Wicinski, who was recently named to the Under Armour High School All-America Second Team by the American Volleyball Coaches Association after recording 356 kills for the Vikings, who finished 35-3 overall and 14-0 in Western Sun Conference matches.

"I never thought about just playing one sport," said Wicinski, who plans to major in elementary education at NIU. "As a freshman, I knew I wanted to play volleyball, and basketball was still fun so I played that, too."

Since the club volleyball and high school basketball seasons often intertwine, both girls have become quite adept at time management.

"It is time consuming," admits Wicinski. "Some weekends we've got volleyball tournaments Saturday and Sunday, with a basketball game Friday or Saturday night. We've also got volleyball practice three times a week along with basketball practice.

"Certain days can be long, that's for sure."

"It can be stressful," said Augustine. "But I'm the type of person who wants to stay busy. If I've got time off for a week, I feel the need to do something."

Nolan realizes the sacrifices both players have made during their high school careers.

"I appreciate the effort they have put forth because I know their schedules are very busy in the winter," said the coach. "I certainly enjoy having them as part of our team."

Perhaps younger multi-sport athletes can follow the paths set by Augustine and Wicinski.

"I hope it sets a good example for others to follow," said Nolan. "Those two probably could've both played basketball at the next level - they're great athletes.

"I'm a big fan of high school sports and hope kids realize that it only comes once in life. I encourage high school students to try a variety of things, not just sports-related activities."

Armed with four Division I athletes on the girls basketball team - and a fifth signee likely to occur in the near future - Nolan welcomes multi-talented athletes.

"I love kids who play another sport," she said. "I feel that every time you test yourself as an athlete in pressure situations, it translates into something positive in the long run."

As their final high school basketball seasons draw to a close over the next couple months, Augustine and Wicinski hold no regrets.

"I definitely will miss basketball a lot," said Wicinski. "But at the same time, I'm ready to focus on one sport in college."

"I miss basketball even in the off-season so I can't imagine not playing (in college)," said Augustine. "I'll probably play pickup games when I can."