Coach: Glenbrook South boys volleyball having quite a season

One of the problems with the more limited space in today's era of journalism, and in particular the covering of high school sports, is there sometimes is simply not enough space or staff to cover all that needs to be told.

There are so many great teams and programs to cover, many of which come with wonderful stories of surprise, inspiration, personal victories, and amazing performances. Often we just can't get to them all, which is unfortunate, because the kids and the coaches and the programs certainly deserve the recognition.

With that as a preface, let me throw a belated apology to the Glenbrook South boys volleyball team. It's been a long time coming for them, but better late than never, I guess.

Holy smokes what a season! 33-1!

Let's repeat that because it looks so good in print: 33 wins and just 1 loss! Wow! Sprinkle in three different invitational tournament championships, a tough quad championship, a CSL South conference championship (first since 2010), a ranking of No. 4 in the entire state and, to cap it all off, a No. 1 seed in the currently ongoing Glenbrook North sectional. That, my friends, is what we call getting it done.

This Titans squad has taken some nice early preseason positive expectations and blown them all to smithereens - succeeding way beyond what anyone thought possible.

"I thought we had a chance to be pretty good," says third-year head coach Annie Kotsadam. "But, to be honest, I didn't really envision all that we have accomplished. That has been a bit of a surprise, but it is a credit to the kids for sure."

Make no mistake, there was talent returning this season - a couple of key seniors who played last year, and especially the mostly previously untapped potential of five juniors who were promoted to varsity as sophomores a year ago.

So the potential was there. But who would have imagined the heights they have reached?

"It started on the first day of practice," Kotsadam says. "We had a team meeting that very first day and talked to all the guys about buying into what we are trying to do. Not just the volleyball skill part, but doing all the little things. We explained to them that everything matters. We stressed to them how keeping the closets clean, the locker rooms clean, picking up cups around our chairs after the game, keeping up on schoolwork, showing up on time for practices - all those little things put together - they were part of who we were going to be"

"They all bought in," says coach, "and from that first day we just took off."

Speaking of "taking off," many of the players on the team from last year have elevated their games dramatically.

There's no better example than star senior Chance Shampine, who has had a spectacular season playing the right side position and is a legitimate all-state candidate. Shampine battled injuries last year and struggled to make a full impact. But this year, as a senior, he has been stellar, leading the team in kills and providing a solid defensive blocking presence at the net.

Another significant senior has been Alex Rupprecht, who has started on the varsity since his sophomore year and would have played varsity as a freshman if not for the canceled COVID season. Rupprecht plays the outside hitter position and uses his athletic jumping ability to provide another offensive threat opposite Shampine. And as a naturally vocal kid, he has kind of taken the leadership role for the team.

Shampine will be playing at Queens College in South Carolina next year, while Rupprecht will be attending Indiana University, where, rest assured, the Hoosier Club Volleyball team will come calling.

One final senior, and a key contributor as well, is Nathaniel Betts, a 6'2" middle blocker who has accepted his role and provided much-needed lift off the bench.

The outstanding junior group is headed by setter James Ganzorig, who runs the offense like a maestro conductor leads an orchestra. Ganzorig almost has a sixth sense of who to get the ball to in certain situations, and he passes, blocks, and digs with equal effectiveness.

Kris Blumburg is another big force up front, maybe the best power hitter of the bunch, specializing in what I call the "woodchipper," meaning he hits it so hard that when the ball makes contact with the gym floor the wood starts to chip. Blumberg is an excellent passer as well, and his rapid improvement has added yet another force in the Titans' attack.

Manning the middle for the blue and gold is Jaki Erdene, a quick, athletic shot blocker at the net who also adds a deadly service and some much-needed offense from the middle. Also playing the middle, and providing a real spark, is 6'4" junior Zach White, whose blocking and general court enthusiasm have proved contagious - and almost always give the Titan team a big lift when they need it most.

No volleyball team is complete without the all important libero position, and junior Chris Lee mans that key defensive position while diving and saving would-be opponent points from all areas of the court. Lee is also one of the Titans' most effective servers.

All told, some quality individual talent, no doubt. But put all together under the guidance and inspiration of Kotsadam and her longtime coaching partner Eryk Krzyzak, they have been nothing short of sensational. The sum is, no doubt, much greater than the individual parts.

Can they put the topping on the already incredible season and take a shot at getting to the Elite Eight? Only time will tell.

"All in," is our motto right now says coach, and we are going "one game at a time."

The Titans won their first regional game Tuesday, taking down Von Steuben 25-12, 25-9. They will be playing Notre Dame at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 25, for the regional championship at the Titan Dome. If they win the regional? New Trier and Glenbrook North may be waiting once again in the sectionals to be held at Glenbrook North.

"Exciting," may be a severe understatement for what's to come.

• Jon Cohn of Glenview is a coach, retired PE teacher, sports official and prep sports fan. To contact him with comments or story ideas, email jcsportsandtees@aol.com.