Club 1 Volleyball Club wins 1st national title

PLAINFIELD – Each club has a defining moment.

This summer, Club 1 Volleyball Club had its moment. The 17-1 boys team won the club’s first national title in 17 Open at the AAU Junior National Championship and sported three All-Americans.

“It’s special that we get to know that we were the first team to play for Club 1 and win a national championship,” AAU MVP Quinn Isaacson said. “You never know if there’s going to be another team who can do it because that is such a big accomplishment. It’s cool that we know that we made history.”

Sometimes it takes a few decades for a program to establish itself and win a huge title. Club 1 was able to win its first in its seventh year.

And not only were the boys able to win AAUs, the 17-1 team added a very successful USA Junior Volleyball Nationals showing. Club 1 finished ahead of all Midwest clubs by taking first in bronze in 17 Open for a 13th-place finish.

Even though they were the top team in the area, that didn’t satisfy them. For next season, their eyes are on a very huge prize.

“My team was very happy and proud of their success this season; it was the best finish we have ever had in the history of our program,” coach Cory Sackett said. “But the moment we took our picture with the bronze plaque, first thing my captain and team told me as that it would be the last time we hold bronze, as we are focused on winning two national championships next season. They have already been back in the gym on their own will to start prepping for next season.”

This Club 1 group is looking to become the first Illinois team to win 18 Open next year. And they are going into the season with the right attitude.

The entire team is determined to make their goal a reality and sound like they won’t let anything get in their way. The team has a few other things in their favor, as well.

One of the most advantageous things about this group of guys is that they have played together for years.

Plainfield North’s Isaacson was the first core piece that joined the club. It was easy for him because his mom, Brie Isaacson, is the club director and owner.

Each addition, however, took effort.

Since the club was still fairly new four years ago, coach Isaacson had to recruit some area players at a young age because she saw their potential. One of the first was Plainfield South’s Brandon Langys.

“I was also a baseball player,” Langys said. “When it came to eighth grade, I decided I wanted to play volleyball and I ended up dropping baseball. I joined Club 1 because I was recruited by coach Brie, and my friend called me and told me Club 1 needs more guys. I was like, ‘Might as well try it.” That was one of the best decisions of my life right there, saying why not. Just go for it.”

Isaacson coached the team at the younger levels until Dan Drye took over at 15s. Sackett was handed the reins when they were 16 and he will stay with the team until they graduate. Each coach kept bringing in new players and adding depth.

The third addition was Plainfield South’s Logan Nash (AAU All-American), and by 17s year, a total of nine area players joined the team. Plainfield South’s Andrew Colantone and Mykkel Wilke, Bolingbrook’s Josh Simpson (AAU All-American) and Andrew Otto, Plainfield East’s Nick Sullivan and Plainfield North’s Patrick Crippen and Neuqua Valley’s Brett Kliegl also play huge roles in the team’s success.

For seven months, they work together in club, then get to face off for some friendly competition.

“It’s so fun when we get to compete against each other in high school season,” Langys said. “We send each other the schedules and see when we’re going to play each other. When one teammate faces another, it’s a big competition, but it’s a fun one.”

Another advantage that this team has above others is that they don’t think of themselves as a team. They are a family.

They have always been a close-knit group, but last summer they bonded even more. One of their middles, Matt Skowronski, passed away from a heart attack.

“It was the worst part of all of our lives,” Isaacson said. “It also bonded us like nothing else could have. It created the Club 1 family. ... Having that happen destroyed us, but it brought us together as a team. It made us such better teammates.”

“Before every game I would give a quick prayer to Matt,” Langys said. “Give us the confidence and make sure that we stay together as a team. I always played for him and I know all of the guys did every game.

“I know that everything we did this year was for him.”

Everything that the boys did in Matt’s honor helped establish themselves as a strong team.

Years ago, coach Isaacson, Drye and Sackett had to recruit players to give playing volleyball a chance. Now players are texting Quinn Isaacson, asking if there’s an open spot on the team for next year.

The players are proud knowing that their hard work and success is leading to not only more recognition with college recruiters, it’s giving their club recognition as well.

“Both the boys and girls side of the club are playing well and showing that this isn’t going to just be a run-through of a club. It’s going to be a club that will continue to compete at the highest level,” Isaacson said.

Even though the boys club season ended on July 2, the entire team is already in the gym, and working toward the next goal. Next time they don’t want 13th. They want it all.

“This is not the team who is happy with a 13th place,” Isaacson said. “It’s a great accomplishment, but what I like about this team the most is we’re not done yet. Next year is the year. It’s our last year, so we’re going to push for No. 1 in the country. We’re going to push for those individual awards. Our goal going forward is this is our last year, give it our all. We’re shooting for the national championship.”

“Thirteenth place is really good, but our team is going to push their hardest, train hard and focus on giving it their all during off-season and in season,” Langys said. “We’re not going to take no for an answer. We’re going to keep grinding until we get to that first place. I know 100 percent our team can accomplish that and we have the skill to do so. I’m very excited for that. I’m ready for volleyball again.”