BLOOMINGTON — The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is proud to celebrate the 50th editions of both its Girls Volleyball State Finals and Football State Championship games in November of 2024.
Both milestone events will occur on the campus of Illinois State University (ISU) in Normal, as ISU’s CEFCU Arena will host the 2024 IHSA Girls Volleyball State Finals on November 15-16, and the eight state championship football games will unfold at Hancock Stadium on Thanksgiving weekend (November 29-30).
To help commemorate the past 50 years, the IHSA will release the Top 50 Volleyball Programs and Top 50 Football Programs from the State Series era (1974-2024) for both sports throughout the fall. A group of current and former high school coaches, administrators, and media members from around the state served on the committees to select the Top 50 programs in each sport.
“Releasing the Top 50 Programs is a celebration of the rich history and tradition of high school girls volleyball and football in the state of Illinois,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “It will be a fun way to remember many of the great teams, players, and coaches who have helped make high school sports in Illinois so special.”
Prior to the passage of Title IX in 1972, high school sports for girls in Illinois were conducted by the Illinois League of High School Girls Athletic Associations (commonly referred to as the GAA). Most GAA competitions were non-traditional in comparison to current IHSA formats, as they generally consisted of “festivals” where multiple area schools would gather to play contests in several sports.
“So much has changed since 1974,” said NFHS Hall of Fame Coach Peg Kopec, who won more matches (1,248) and state titles (12) than any other coach in state history during her 42-year tenure as head coach at St. Francis High School in Wheaton.
“But what hasn’t changed is the amazing high school volleyball being played in Illinois. Just look at the all the players from Illinois on the USA Women’s Volleyball National team.”
“It is amazing to see how the game has grown over 50 years and I am so happy for the opportunities that the young women who play and coach the sport have today,” said Nancy (Wichgers) Pedersen, who won nine state titles while coaching at Mother McAuley High School in Chicago from 1983 to 2004.
“I am thankful I got to participate in that growth and contribute to what it has become today. I encourage all of the players today to give back to the sport however they can and never take these opportunities for granted.”
