New Oakton volleyball coach ready to rebuild

Oakton Community College first-year head volleyball coach Miguel Calvillo acknowledges he lives and breathes the sport. This season he is hoping his passion translates into wins for the Owls after winning one match in 2017.

Calvillo, 28, spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach for the Owls. His experience also includes starting in high school when he attended Naperville North High School and Plainfield High School. While at St. Ambrose University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in psychology, he played for the Fighting Bees.

"Volleyball is my life," Calvillo says. "I'm always training for volleyball, whether it's playing sand volleyball or beach volleyball. I bring that enthusiasm to Oakton. I'm all in to make sure the team improves from last season while also having fun in the process. I'm comfortable jumping in my new role right away and helping the team any way I can."

However, Calvillo doesn't have to shoulder the weight of rebuilding the Owls all alone. Assistant coaches Cyril Onate and Mandy Aragon are former players who are also "all in." Onate was an outside hitter for the Owls during the 2014-2015 seasons, and Aragon played as a setter in 2016 and 2017.

"I'm excited about giving back to Oakton," Aragon says. "I loved playing here, and now I'm filling a different role. I want to do all I can to help the program."

According to Calvillo, one of the key returners is middle blocker Yngride Jean-Philippe, one of the tallest players on the team with her 5-foot-11-inch frame.

"Yngride brings leadership and desire for us," Calvillo says. "That's going to be huge for us to have a successful season. She also has the capability with her athleticism to take over a game."

Calvillo adds that success for the Owls this season will run through the two setters. Sophomore Alena (A.J.) Alwan (Glenbrook South High School) and freshman Joi Easterling (Lake View High School) are slated at the skill position.

"My plan is to run a 6-2 offense," he says. "That scheme comprises using two setters and three hitters at all times. With our two good setters, that will be advantageous for us."

Talented recruits expected to make an impact for the Owls include middle hitter Francesca (Frankie) Lombardo (New Trier High School) and outside hitter Maria Skoufos (Maine East High School).

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