Former Murphysboro coach Mike Layne had plenty to celebrate during his 20 years as head coach of the Red Devils. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorSix years ago, Illprepvb.com was approached to collaborate on the creation of an Illinois High School Volleyball Coaches Hall of Fame.Unfortunately, at the time, nothing ever came of that phone call. But we felt that the creation of a coaches’ Hall of Fame was long overdue.In July 2020, with input from current and former coaches, players and officials, Illprepvb.com put together the in...
Can Barrington’s new cast make it four in a row? Oswego pins hopes on Hamaker
Sidney Hamaker's 392 kills helped to lead Oswego to its first regional title since 2011 and only the fourth in program history. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com Editor The 2024 girls high school volleyball season got underway last Monday with the start of practice/tryouts, and Illprepvb.com continues its annual series of previews of the teams, players and coaches whose ultimate goal is a trip to Redbird (now CEFCU) Arena on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal. So, here is (almost) everything you ne...
Willett, Glenbard West deny Downers North; York, Bute party like it’s 1999
Downers Grove North's 6-5 junior outside hitter Aiden Akkawi hits over the block of Glenbard West's Brayden Tejeda (11) and Casey Maas (1) Tuesday at Bolingbrook. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Randy WhalenSpecial to Illprepbvb.com Over the past decade, many teams have tried to block Glenbard West's path to the IHSA finals. But with a block like the Hilltoppers had Tuesday night, that's a nearly impossible task.Glenbard West came up big at the net and defeated Downers Grove North, 25-19, 25-19, in Tuesday’s championship match of the ...
Can Limestone, Glenwood challenge St. Francis’ dominance in Class 3A? More …
An all-too familiar sight at Redbird Arena. St, Francis celebrated its second Class 3A championship in two years last fall, and is going for its third three-peat since 2002 this season. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorThe 2024 girls high school volleyball season got underway last week Monday with the start of practice/tryouts, and Illprepvb.com continues its annual series of previews of the teams, players and coaches whose ultimate goal is a trip to Redbird (now CEFCU) Arena on the campus of Illinois State Uni...
Belleville East’s Werner is the Ultimate VBC/Illprepvb.com Player of the Week
Belleville East's August Werner, who has set a program record for most kills in a career, is this week's Ultimate VBC.Illprepvb.com Player of the Week. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorTournament champions. Conference champions. Regional champions. Sectional finalists.Belleville East (33-4) is having a season for the record books, and the driving force behind the Lancers’ excellence this spring is 6-1 outside hitter August Werner.A three-year varsity starter, Werner recently surpassed 900 career kills, the first player in Bell...
Last season’s heartbreak fuels Nokomis; Gavin’s wait finally over at Fremd; more
Lockport's 6-2 sophomore Kyla Mitchell returns after a freshman season that saw her post 157 kills and 78 blocks. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorThe 2024 girls high school volleyball season got underway Monday with the start of practice/tryouts, and Illprepvb.com continues its annual series of previews of the teams, players and coaches whose ultimate goal is a trip to Redbird (now CEFCU) Arena on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal.So, here is (almost) everything you need to know about some o...
Eastside VBC doubles its fun in Orlando, but Belusa’s day is an absolute Classic
Belusa United 18 Cycloes, who wn the 18 Girls division at the 2024 ASICS Junior National Volleyball Championships at Navy PIer earlier this month, capped off a 68-10 season Thursday by winning the 18 Classic division at the AAU Girls Junior National Volleyball Championships in Orlando, Florida. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorOrlando, Florida – Eastside Volleyball Club in East Peoria had a great day Thursday at the AAU Girls Junior National Volleyball Championships at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.But Bel...
Michio Chicago VBA/Illprepvb.com present the Best of the Girls’ H.S. Class of 2027
As a freshman, Mother McAuley setter Peyton Heatherly (22, far left) was instrumental in leading the Mighty Macs to the IHSA Class 4A chamionship last fall. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorContinuing with our series presenting the top girls high school players throughout Illinois, today we present the best of the Class of 2027. The list is headed by Mother McAuley’s 5-11 setter Peyton Heatherly, who had more than 700 assists last fall to lead Mother McAuley to the IHSA Class 4A championship, and Mia Lamb...
Here are a few tips on how to get college volleyball coaches interested in you
College coaches scout for players with not only exceptional skills, but also strong academics and the right team fit. Dreaming of hitting, setting or digging your way onto a college team?You're not alone. College volleyball recruiting is a competitive and strategic process. To stand out, you need to serve more than just aces on the court. It's about showcasing your skills, networking effectively, and understanding the landscape of college volleyball recruiting rankings for 2024 and beyond. Let’s break down the steps to increase your...
Normal U-High, Snows hope for better sledding; depth key for L-W East; more
Lemont senior setter April Rice (7) is one of only two starters back for Lemont in 2024. On the home page is Normal U-High's Laney Snow. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorThe 2024 girls high school volleyball season got underway Monday with the start of practice/tryouts, and Illprepvb.com continues its annual series of previews of the teams, players and coaches whose ultimate goal is a trip to Redbird (now CEFCU) Arena on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal.So, here is (almost) everything you need t...