With trustworthy Hartman, LZ's all set

There's a certain comfort level for a volleyball coach when you have complete trust in your setter.

That may not have been the case last year when Alexis Hartman was in her first season as a starter, but it is certainly true now that she's a senior at Lake Zurich.

"As a former setter, it's fun to watch her run the offense," coach Matt Aiello said. "She's thinking the game so well. There's a lot I don't have to worry about on the court because I know she can take care of it."

Aiello could tell from the first day of practice that Hartman was a different player.

"I don't know the last time I've seen that much improvement," he said. "I know there are a lot of good setters in our conference, but I'm willing to take Alexis over anybody."

Hartman, a four-year varsity player, spent her first two seasons backing up Lydia Bauer.

"She was my role model," Hartman said. "I tried to learn as much as I could from her."

Hartman challenged herself in the off-season by playing for the Sky High Volleyball club.

"That got her out of her comfort zone and forced her to be at her (best) every day," Aiello said. "She faced some top-level competition in tournaments and really challenged herself."

Junior outside hitter Amanda Orchard said Hartman has more command of the court.

"Setters bring the team together," Orchard said. "She's gotten a lot better and I think that will have a (positive) impact on the team."

Hartman has a wealth of players she can distribute the ball to.

"It's so exciting to know I don't have to get the ball to the same person all the time," she said.

Of course, if Lake Zurich needs a point, there's a good chance the ball will be headed in Orchard's direction. Aiello, who also coaches the Buffalo Grove boys, said Orchard keeps getting better and better.

"I've coached some special players at both schools, and she's working to be the best pure volleyball player I've ever coached," he said. "She's already one of the top ten players in the state in the state, and she makes it look effortless."

Hartman loves setting Orchard and the rest of her teammates. In fact, she likes the sport so much that she is determined to play at the next level. No wonder she is so driven to improve.

"I'm working on (bringing) it all together," Hartman said. "Volleyball is pretty much my life."