Volleyball players statewide will have to wait another day to learn whether their participation in high school sports will not be jeopardized should they also compete in club events simultaneously. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) The IHSA Board of Directors decided Monday to put off a decision whether to allow student-athletes to compete for their high school volleyball teams while simultaneously participating in club and travel sports this spring and summer.Current IHSA eligibility rules state that students who choose to participate in non-school...
Fremd, Wheeling rebuild after key losses; St. Charles North banks on experience
St. Charles North coach Todd Weimer is counting on his team's experience to compete in the DuKane Conference and start a new streak of regional championships. Note: Although Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzer’s most recent “stay at home” order extended school closings until April 8, Illprepvb.com will continue to publish content relevant to the 2020 high school boys’ volleyball season in the hope that it will be resumed at some point this spring. School: Fremd Coach: Curt PinleyConference: Mid-Suburban WestLast season’s highlights: 18-13 over...
150 reasons to watch boys' high school volleyball in the spring of 2021, Part II
Metea Valley's Chad Luckinbill (9) was a pivotal part of Sports Performance 16 Elite's highly successful club season and should help the Mustangs when they return to the court in the spring of 2021. (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 be...
1st Alliance VBC presents an early look at some of Illinois' top boys club teams – 17s
Sandburg and Ultimate Volleyball Club's Gavin Kissane (1) returns from a 16s team that enjoyed a successful run during last year's Palos Point Series. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) Boys’ volleyball clubs throughout Illinois (and southeastern Wisconsin) got some bad news last week when Palos Courts was forced to postpone the start of the 2020-21 Palos Point Series due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So while they wait for a possible January reboot, it’s never too early to look at what the boys’ club scene will look like in 2021. Most clubs – but...
Jaworski, inspired to play by her brother, follows her mother's lead to Carbondale
Naperville North and Sports Performance setter Anna Jaworski (left), who recently won two EVP Beach Volleyball events with her partner, Wheaton Warrenville South's Zayna Meyer, will attend her mother's alma mater, Southern Illinois University, next fall to continue a playing career inspired by her brother. John Jaworski was a stellar performer during his career at Naperville North and inspired his sister to carry on the family tradition. By Matt Le CrenSpecial to Illprepvb.comEven though both of Anna Jaworski’s parents played volley...
After 40 years as head coach, former Lockport boss Hudson hangs up clipboard
Former Lockport head coach Julia Hudson retired from coaching after wrapping up an eight-year career at Evansville North High School. Julie Hudson led Lockport to the 1993 IHSA Class AA title with a team that was unbeaten against opponents from Illinois. By Randy WhalenSpecial to Illprepvb.comJulia Hudson was interviewed nine years ago as she prepared to enter her last season as girls’ volleyball coach at Lockport. “Please don’t use the word, ‘last,’” Hudson said at that time. “Please find another word, because that sounds so final....
Providence provides pioneering former Brother Rice coach with new start
Paul Ickes' 2007 Brother Rice team, led by Sun-Times Player of the Year Josh Scaletta (back row, fifth from left), was 39-0 heading into the IHSA quarterfinals before being upset by New Trier, a team it has defeated earlier that season. By Randy WhalenSpecial to Illprepvb.comPaul Ickes is going back to his roots, and the former Brother Rice volleyball coach could not be happier.Ickes, 56, who won 552 matches and took five teams to the IHSA state finals, is now at Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox. He is a theology teacher and wi...
Illprepvb.com's look at the 2020 boys high school volleyball season starts today
Rockford Boylan's Nikos Zydakis (11) is one of four key returnees from a team that went 35-3 and reached a sectional semifinal last season. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) The 2020 IHSA boys volleyball season officially kicks off with the first day of practice on Monday, March 9. Illprepvb.com begins its look at the 2020 boys' high school volleyball season today with our first set of team previews. Illprepvb.com will continue to provide the best in boys high school volleyball coverage throughout the season.School: Bolingbrook Conferenc...
Tested, Tall, New Trier wants it all; Marmion eyes another league title, more
Colin Heath and New Trier are one of the top teams in Illinois this spring and seek the school's first boys' volleyball championship since 1996. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) Note: Although Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzer’s most recent “stay at home” order extended school closings until April 8, Illprepvb.com will continue to publish content relevant to the 2020 high school boys’ volleyball season in the hope that it will be resumed at some point this spring.School: Marmion AcademyConference: Chicago Catholic League WhiteHead coach: Barb EbertLast ...
Don't mess with Hinsdale Central; WW South, Naperville Central, and more
Wheaton Warrenville South's Josh Gottlieb (left), who is committed to Loyola, will reunite with Zeo Meyer as the Tigers look to reverse last season's fortunes. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) Note: Although Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzer’s recent “shelter-in-place” order extended school closings until April 8, Illprepvb.com will continue to publish content relevant to the 2020 high school boys’ volleyball season in the hope that it will be resumed at some point this spring.School: ElginConference: Upstate EightHead coach: Andy LeGoffLast season’s...