2019 Fox All-Area Girls Volleyball Team

Grace Franz, Kaneland

A clutch outside hitter for the 29-9 Knights who won a Class 3A regional title and shared the Interstate Eight Conference championship, this senior had 356 kills, 47 aces, 34 blocks, 244 digs and 2.10 service reception. After being named all-conference honorable mention in 2018, was an all-conference pick this year. "Grace was our go-to hitter this year," Kaneland coach Cyndi Violett said. "She earned a six-rotation spot for the season."

Maddie Gorniak, St. Charles North

The North Stars upset Geneva to win a Class 4A regional title, and this senior libero was a big reason behind the North Stars' success. She totaled 35 aces and 372 digs this season to finish with 66 aces and 751 digs in her career. Will play next year at Winthrop University. "Not having Maddie in the gym next year will be so incredibly weird," North Stars coach Lindsey Hawkins said. "She has made such an impact on this program and holds a special place in my heart as well. Maddie is one of those players who has really come into her own, especially this last season, so it has been wonderful to see her prove wrong some of the doubters and those that counted her second best."

Lauren Greenwood, West Aurora

The senior libero for West Aurora, Greenwood earned all-conference for the second straight season with totals of 336 digs, 49 aces and 28 assists. Kept the ball in system for the Blackhawks who finished 26-10. "Teams just don't serve Lauren, because when they do we are almost always in system," West Aurora coach Kevin Mortlock said. "Having a player who you can depend on in serve-receive day in and day out is invaluable to our program."

Grace Hinchman, Geneva

This two-time All-Area selection compiled 557 digs and served 34 aces for the 23-13, DuKane Conference champion Vikings. Will play college volleyball at Loyola. "Grace reads the court so well," Geneva coach Annie Seitelman said. "Her defense is outstanding as she makes some unbelievable digs. Her serve receive and defense have been a vital part of our success this year."

Taylor Jakubowski, Huntley

This senior setter and Seton Hall recruit will leave with the third most assists in Illinois history, according to the IHSA website. With 793 as a freshman, 734 her sophomore year, 895 last season and 786 this season - all four years making All-Area - Jakubowski leaves with a staggering 3,208 assists. Also served 65 aces this season for the FVC and sectional champion Red Raiders. "One of the best athletes I have ever coached," Huntley coach Karen Naymola said. "Her ability to lead at all times and in all different situations is remarkable."

Emma Konie, Huntley

A junior outside hitter, the left-handed hitting Konie led Huntley with 333 kills and was second with 49 aces and 210 digs. Had 7 kills in Huntley's supersectional loss to WW South as the Red Raiders finished the season 34-6. "Emma has been our quiet leader, who just leads by example," Huntley coach Karen Naymola said. "She's our go-to player and is such a smart hitter. Always finds a way to score for us when we need to. She is a key contributor for this team and is one of the most focused players I have coached."

Sarah Konovodoff, Rosary

This senior libero has been a fixture in Rosary's back row. Missed conference MVP by one vote after compiling 319 digs, 40 aces and 63 assists with a 2.14 serve receive rating for Bill Allen's Royals. Finished with over 1,000 digs at Rosary. "As her role of being a two-year captain, Sarah has pushed us all to be better," Allen said. "I love the competitiveness, the will to win, and the passion she brings to the gym."

Kyla Lannert, St. Charles North

This senior will play volleyball in college next year at New Jersey Institute of Technology after leading the North Stars to a regional title this season. Finished with 33 aces, 314 kills and 412 assists, bumping her career totals to 74 aces, 502 kills and 825 assists. Very versatile player. "Kyla has been a blessing to me - she is one of those rare players who has really helped me grow as a coach, and has had a huge impact on our program," North Stars coach Lindsey Hawkins said. "Kyla is a National Merit Commended Scholar, so clearly she is very intelligent, and I believe her intelligence is very evident in her play on the court as well. She has one of the highest volleyball IQs I've ever coached and the way she sees the game will be a thing I truly miss."

Evynn Layshock, Cary-Grove

This senior outside hitter and team captain put down 256 kills and had 250 digs, 28 aces and 2.036 serve-receive rating. The four-year starter ends her career No. 2 on the Trojans' all-time kills list, behind only Kelly Lamberti. Trojans finished 24-10 and reached a Class 4A sectional final. "Evynn controlled the team on the court, both mentally and physically," Cary-Grove coach Patty Langanis said. "She brought muscle to our front court and we counted on her game after game to excel. She gave everything of herself for the team success this season, both on the court and off."

Anna Loberg, Geneva

An all-conference and all-tournament selection at Glenbard East's Autumnfest, this junior setter totaled 720 assists while adding 239 digs, 65 kills and 55 aces. Geneva finished 23-13 and won the DuKane Conference championship. "Anna has done a great job of taking charge of our offense," Geneva coach Annie Seitelman said. "She is so good at bettering the ball as she delivers a very consistent set to our hitters. Every year she keeps getting better and better. We are looking forward to a great senior year with Anna at the helm."

Bria Lomax, Bartlett

This middle hitter burst on the scene as a freshman, leading Bartlett to a 19-win season. The Hawks only have stats for their Upstate Eight matches, and in those Lomax had 49 kills, 12 block kills, 15 blocks and 8 aces. "Bria was an absolute force in the middle for us this season," Hawks coach said Bob Schwantz. "She showed us what she was capable of the first day of summer camp and we knew she would be a starter for our varsity team after just a few minutes of watching her. She's very smart and knows the game so well. If we need a big point or a defensive stop, she is one of our main options to go to."

Hayley Martin, Harvest Christian

This 5-foot-11 junior outside hitter played a key role in the Lions winning their ninth straight regional championship with 370 kills. All-conference selection for the 26-11 Lions. Led both teams with 13 kills in a sectional loss to Montini. "Hayley took on the lead offensively for us," Harvest Christian coach Mike Bui said. "She stepped up in some big matches. Very excited to see her future in this sport."

Chloey Myers, West Aurora

A 6-foot-2 outside hitter, this junior is a three-year starter who led the Blackhawks to a 26-win season against a difficult schedule. Served 30 aces, put away 249 kills, blocked 26 balls and had 151 digs with a .270 hitting percentage. All-conference and all-tournament at Autumnfest. "Chloey is a force on the outside and from behind the serving line," West Aurora coach Kevin Mortlock said. "This is her best year yet, earning Under Armour Phenom status."

Angie Negron, South Elgin

The only returning starter for the Storm, this senior outside hitter and four-year varsity player led South Elgin to the Upstate Eight Conference championship and school-record 28 wins. Finished with 282 kills, 294 digs and 31 aces. "Her four years of varsity experience were invaluable to this year's team's success," South Elgin coach Joni Plach said. "She was able to lead the team mentally and physically to our school history breaking 28 wins. Game after game she would make plays in the front row and back row to win matches."

Anita Prybel, St. Charles East

A junior middle for the Saints, Prybel served 32 aces, had 137 kills with a .268 hitting percentage, 26 blocks and 53 digs. Was selected to the all-tournament team at Glenbard East's Autumnfest and also made all-DuKane Conference. "Anita was chosen as a captain as a junior because she is very mature for her age," Saints coach Jennie Kull said. "She loves to practice, and loves to compete. We are so lucky to have Anita back next year, because she keeps our team on task and has that winning attitude."

Josie Schmitendorf, Huntley

Sometimes overlooked for a Huntley team that went 34-6 and won Fox Valley Conference and sectional championships, this senior libero got to all kinds of difficult balls in the back. The four-year varsity player totaled 495 digs. "Josie has always been such a great team player for us," Huntley coach Karen Naymola said. "She will genuinely do anything and everything she can for the team. She works so hard every day. She has an attitude and mindset on defense that nothing is going to hit the floor without her getting to it. I know that's typically every libero's mindset, but Josie actually follows through."

Jenna Splitt, Cary-Grove

Only a junior and an Iowa commit, Split set 304 assists, had 202 kills plus 271 digs, 61 aces, 65 blocks and a 2.13 serve receive rating. "Jenna led the team as a setter, server, a top attacker and our top serve receive passer," Cary-Grove coach Patty Langanis said. "I have never had a player that we asked to do everything from set, serve, serve receive and attack. She embraced the role and had a wonderful season. Her work ethic and belief in herself and the team goals fuel her to work very hard everyday to be the best that she can."

Emily Stallman, St. Charles East

This all-DuKane Conference selection was a steadying influence as a libero for the Saints, who reached a Class 4A sectional championship game before losing to Huntley. Stallman served 28 aces, had 72 assists and 391 digs. Will play college volleyball at North Central College. "Emily has been a great role model for the other players," Saints coach Jennie Kull said. "She always came into practice to get better. She is a fighter. North Central College is very lucky to get her. I am going to miss her greatly, but am excited that I get to watch her still play."

Grace Vranicar, Kaneland

This senior libero served 30 aces, hustled for 388 digs and had a 2.18 serve receive rating. Earned all-conference for the regional and conference champion Knights after being named an AAU All-American during the club season. "Grace was our spark in the back row," Kaneland coach Cyndi Violett said. "She led the team in digs and had the highest service reception."

Samantha Wesoly, Crystal Lake South

This junior outside hitter enjoyed quite a debut varsity season, leading the Gators in kills with 234. Also served 21 aces, and had 209 digs and 42 blocks while being named to the Fox Valley Conference all-conference team. "She had an awesome season for her first on the varsity floor," Crystal Lake South coach Jorie Fontana said.

Honorable mention

Kendra Battle, sr., RS, West Aurora; Katelyn Bower, sr., MH, Huntley; Cassidy Brown, jr., OH, Geneva; Jenna Brown, jr., S, Dundee-Crown; Olivia Burtell, jr., MH, Kaneland; Priya Dave', sr., S, Batavia; MacKenzie Field, jr., MH, Dundee-Crown; Paige Gardella, sr., S, Rosary; Rylie Hahn, so., OH, Burlington Central; Maddie Hankins, so., OH, Bartlett; Taylor Hartman, sr., MH, St. Edward; Maeve Jackson, sr., OH, St. Edward; Kylie Jenkins, sr. OH, Huntley; Maya Jenkins, jr., OH, Harvest Christian; Dakota Johnson, sr., S, Bartlett; Ashley Konecki, sr., MH, Huntley; Jenna Millen, sr., S, West Aurora; Addison Nava, so., OH, Burlington Central; Olivia Oborne, sr., DS, St. Charles North; Lauren Passaglia, jr., S/RS, Cary-Grove; Madison Pfister, sr,. MH, Harvest Christian; Jenna Rhoades, sr., S, Crystal Lake South; Nina Scoliere, jr., S, St. Charles East; Mia Soltis, sr., L, Cary-Grove; Mariely Sotelo, sr., OH, Streamwood; Kielee Tondryk, sr., MH, Hampshire; Isabella Tusa, sr., MH, South Elgin; Maggie Wallenberger, jr., OH, Jacobs; Alexis Whelpley, sr., MH, Batavia; Alyssa Worden, fr., OH, South Elgin

Past captains

1995 - Jaime Johnson (CL South)

1996 - Stacy Barnett (CL South)

1997 - Vicki Lublow (Larkin) and Joni Melahn (Larkin)

1998 - Sarah Ahnen (Jacobs), Nicole Kwasniewski (Elgin) and Caroline Frede (St. Charles)

1999 - Marion Hansen (Huntley), Julie Malm (Larkin), Jorie Miguel (Jacobs) and Brooke Dodson (St. Charles)

2000 - Erin Borhart (Huntley) and Kelly Hopkins (St. Edward) and Lauren Harks (St. Charles East)

2001 - Erin Borhart (Huntley), Jamie Hastings (Cary-Grove) and Dani Nyenhuis (St. Charles East)

2002 - Meredith Stach (St. Edward), Aimee Knott (St. Edward) and Jaime Bevan (Geneva)

2003 - Brittney Aldridge (Hampshire) and Leslie Mansfield (St. Charles East)

2004 - Alyssa Groves (St. Edward) and Catherine Smale (Rosary)

2005 - Hillary Haen (Prairie Ridge), Paige Johnson (St. Edward) and Kim Nemcek (Geneva)

2006 - Hillary Haen (Prairie Ridge), Paige Johnson (St. Edward) and Emily Staples (St. Charles East)

2007 - Katie Post (Streamwood), Molly Turk (Burlington Central) and Laura Homann (St. Charles East)

2008 - Molly Turk (Burlington Central) and Laura Homann (St. Charles East)

2009 - Stephanie Holthus (Burlington Central) and Lauren Wicinski (Geneva)

2010 - Kelly Lamberti (Cary-Grove) and Lauren Carlini (West Aurora)

2011 - Amy Dion (Huntley) and Lauren Carlini (West Aurora)

2012 - Alyssa Ehrhardt (Jacobs) and Lauren Carlini (West Aurora)

2013 - Olivia Kofie (Larkin) and Taylor Krage (St. Charles North)

2014 - Carly Nolan (CL South) and Megan Schildmeyer (St. Charles East)

2015 - Claire Anderson (St. Charles North) and Erin Olson (Cary-Grove)

2016 - Grace Loberg (Geneva)

2017 - Katie Lanz (St. Charles North)

2018 - McKenna Slavik (St. Charles East)