Amy Schwem (far right) and Lemont won the Silver division championship at the Wheaton Classic during her senior season. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) Amy Schwem led Lemont to a 30-8 record and a regional championship as a senior. By Randy WhalenSpecial to Illprepvb.comSometimes something seemingly very insignificant turns out to be a bit of foreshadowing.Such was the case for Amy Schwem, a four-year varsity setter at Lemont and a second-team Illprepvb.com all-state selection, during Senior Night festivities on Oct. 17, 2019. Her larger-than...
Judson University is looking for a few good men for its young volleyball program
For information about Judson University's Men's Volleyball program, contact Irick Gardner at irick.gardner@judsonu.edu. https://youtu.be/A_rs4bpM2VM For admissions information, go to https://myjudson.judsonu.edu/ICS/Admissions/Admissions_Home.jnz?portlet=Traditional_Undergrad&formname=Undergraduate ...
150 reasons to watch boys' high school volleyball in the spring of 2021, Part I
Led by outside hitter KJ Glab, St. Francis should be among the top teams in the state next spring. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) The COVID-19 pandemic wiped out the 2020 boys’ high school season, shutting down what had promised to be a highly competitive and entertaining quest to crown the 29th champion since the IHSA began sanctioning high school volleyball tournaments in 1992. Although we regret that so many talented seniors were denied a better ending to their high school careers, it’s not too early to look ahead to next spring when ...
Georgetown-Ridge Farm coach recognized for efforts in and out of the classroom
Georgetown-Ridge Farm's Kim Fraser coaches volleyball and softball at the Vermilion County school of approximately 300 students. Congratulations to Georgetown-Ridge Farm volleyball coach Kim Fraser. Fraser was honored by the IHSA and Country Financial as part of of a program to recognize the efforts of educators and coaches/advisors who go beyond the call of duty to positively impact the lives of Illinois high school students inside and outside of the classroom. Fraser took over a program 11 years ago that had not won a match in fo...
Club directors face tough decision with nationals still scheduled to proceed
Amanda Rice (7) and Adversity G18 Adidas teammates are one of 16 girls teams from Illinois that have qualified for the 2020 USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship in Dallas, Texas, June 25-July 4, in the 15-18 age divisions. But will they go? (Photos by Dave Ruggles) (Updated Thursday, April 30)Should we stay or should we go?That is the overriding question facing Illinois volleyball clubs with the news that, as of today, USA Volleyball still plans to conduct its boys and girls national championships notwithstanding the COVID-19 ...
Illprepvb.com ranks the 10 All-Time Best Illinois Boys High School Volleyball Teams, Nos. 1-5
Wheaton Warrenville South's 2012 unbeaten IHSA championship team, which went 42-0 and dropped only two sets all season, was named the ESPN National Champion The COVID-19 pandemic denied high school volleyball fans a 2020 boys’ season, but we can still celebrate some of the great teams of the past by naming the 10 All-Time Best Boys High School Volleyball Teams.The boys' first sanctioned state tournament was held in 1992. Richards dominated the landscape that season, not only becoming the first state champion in IHSA history, but also th...
Illprepvb.com presents the 100 All-Time Best Illinois Girls Volleyball Players, Nos. 21-30
Benet libero Hattie Monson will go down as one of the best defenders in Illinois high school history and will take her considerable skills to Notre Dame in the fall. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) Today, we continue our countdown of the 100 All-Times Best Illinois Girls Volleyball Players with Nos. 21-30. Volleyball has come a long way since the IHSA began sponsoring a state tournament series in 1974. You might be hard-pressed to recognize the game. Not only have the rules changed, but so has the caliber of the athletes who compete.The growt...
Disney World or bust … USA Volleyball cancellation leaves clubs with only one choice (updated 5/31)
Marist's Ewalina Gacek and her 1st Alliance 17 Black teammates are on a short list of teams tentatively scheduled to participate in the AAU Girls Junior National Championships beginning July 14 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) USA Volleyball has made the decision easy.“I’m going to Disney World.”At least until further notice.Late last week, USA Volleyball announced the cancellation of the USA Volleyball Indoor National Championships for the 2020 season, including the Girls Junior National Championship in Dallas and the Girls 18s...
Helping teens get through loss, isolation and fear begins at home, expert says
Teenagers are experiencing more stress than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it's important for parents to encourage their children to share their feelings, support them, work through the difficulties together while also caring for themselves. Maria Rago, Ph.D., is a psychologist and president of Rago & Associates Counseling Services. By all accounts, 13-year-old London Bruns of Ridgefield, Washington, was a happy teenager. Her parents described her as a sweet and sensitive daughter with a kind heart and incredible artistic...
Illprepvb.com presents the 100 All-Time Best Illinois Girls Volleyball Players, Nos. 81-90
St. Francis setter Michelle Kocher led the Spartans to two IHSA championships and a runner-up finish, then guided Texas to the NCAA Final four twice. (Above photo courtesy of Texas Athletics, cover photo courtesy of Northwestern Athletics) Today, we continue our countdown of the 100 All-Times Best Illinois Girls Volleyball Players with Nos. 81-90. Volleyball has come a long way since the IHSA began sponsoring a state tournament series in 1974. You might be hard-pressed to recognize the game. Not only have the rules changed, but so ha...