How to improve your vertical jump and become a better hitter, blocker, server

There are a number of ways volleyball players can improve their vertical jumps and become a better attacker, blocker and server. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) Volleyball requires a combination of speed, agility and power. One of the most important skills in volleyball is the ability to jump high, also known as vertical jump. A higher vertical jump can give you an advantage in hitting, blocking and serving.So how can you improve your vertical jump?  Plyometric ExercisesPlyometric exercises are a great way to improve your vertical jump ...

College Recruiting Solutions: Tournament Season Checklist for Upperclassmen

Now that the high school season is over, uncommitted junior and senior student-athletes who want to play in college need to make communicating with college coaches a priority. (Photo by Jenny Butler/Fighting Illini Athletics) (Cover photo by Craig Pessman/Fighting Illini Athletics) Note: This article was provided by the Junior Volleyball Association.The high school season is over and it’s finally about time for in-person recruiting to get back into full swing. If you’re an uncommitted junior or senior and want to play in college, this arti...

Fast-growing Hybrid Advantage taps into rich talent pool on the southwest side

Hybrid Advantage 161 finished 33rd in the 16 Open division at the 50th AAU Boys National Volleyball Championship last summer in Orlando, Florida, the first year of the club's existence. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorLate last summer, the Nebraska women’s volleyball team drew more than 92,000 fans to Memorial Stadium to watch the Huskers play the University of Nebraska-Omaha.But the concept of playing a volleyball match outdoors at a football stadium may not have originated with Nebraska.At least that’s Brandon McGinnis’ stor...

Tuesday, October 3 results

Marist avenged an earlier loss to Benet Acadmey at the Wheaton Classic by defeating the Redwings, 25-15, 20-25,, 25-18, Tuesday in Lisle. Tuesday, October 3 results (updated 9:55 a.m., Wednesday, October 4)Argo def. Thornton Fractional South 25-23, 26-24, 21-25Thornton Fractional South (12-12 overall, 2-8 in the South Suburban Conference): Earehc’ Hill (4 aces, 5 kills, 3 digs).Athens def. New Berlin 25-22, 25-17New Berlin (12-9 overall, 2-4 in the Sangamo Conference): Kami Sheedy (9 kills), Marissa Heironimus (3 kills), Kaylee Cowhick ...

Joliet Catholic follows Zach Pekol’s lead, stays positive in win over Metea Valley

Bartosz Chmielewski (seen here last year at the Wheaton Classic) had 13 kills, but it was not enough as Metea Valley fell to visiting Joliet Catholic Wednesday. (file photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorJoliet Catholic could have folded after squandering four set points in set one and surrendering a 15-8 lead in set two Wednesday at Metea Valley.But …“Our main motto this year is stay positive and enjoy the ride,” said Joliet Catholic’s 6-9 rightside hitter Luke Pekol. “Volleyball is game of runs. Between set...

Presenting the 2022 Michio Chicago VBA/Illprepvb.com Special Mention Team

Oswego East's Vivian Campbell (far court) led the Wolves to a Southwest Prairie Conference title and one of the best seasons in school historty. On the home page is Joliet Catholic's Ava Neushwander. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) Today, we are pleased to announce the Michio Chicago VBA/Illprepvb.com 2022 Girls All-State Volleyball Special Mention Team. Coaches across Illinois were invited to nominate players to the all-state team. Team members were selected based upon their accomplishments on the court and in the classroom as high school stu...

Plainfield Central Blocktober Fest, other tournament results

At Plainfield CentralSt. Francis def. Yorkville 25-23, 25-19Edwardsville def. Yorkville 25-18, 25-16Yorkville (14-15 overall, 2-7 in the Southwest Prairie Conference): Keelyn Muell (11 kills, 2 aces, 16 assists, 7 digs), Charlee Young (9 kills, 7 digs), Clare Knoll (8 kills), Athena Westphal (5 kills), Kayla Dudek (17 assists, 8 digs), Marie Reichmanm (17 digs, 4 assists). Yorkville coach Zachery Sinn: “Despite the losses, the Foxes play some of the better volleyball that the...