Nazareth senior Katie Hurta, who led the Roadrunners to their first state volleyball championship this past fall, has been named the 2021-22 Gatorade Illinois Volleyball Player of the Year.

Gatorade made the announcement in a press release on Tuesday.

Hurta, a 6-foot-1 senior setter and outside hitter, led Nazareth to a 30-7 record and the Class 3A state championship. The Indiana recruit was also the Suburban Life Player of the Year.

Hurta compiled 415 kills with a .531 kill percentage and a .450 hitting percentage, including 15 kills in Nazareth’s win over Belvidere North in the Class 3A championship match. Hurta also tallied 360 assists, 198 digs, 30 blocks and 22 service aces. A 2021 American Volleyball Coaches Association First Team All-American selection, Hurta concluded her prep volleyball career with 1,011 kills, 578 assists and 527 digs.

“Katie can be described as one of the best all-around players in IHSA volleyball history, definitely in Nazareth program history,” Nazareth coach Melissa Masterson said in a statement. “There is no question about her talent, especially in her ability to attack, set, and defense/passing. What is most impressive though, is her ability to also be a great teammate and leader. She is extremely humble, hardworking, and will always find a way to focus on the positive. We are incredibly proud of the legacy Katie has created at Nazareth Academy.”

The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the court, distinguishes Hurta as Illinois’ best high school volleyball player.

Hurta has volunteered locally as a youth volleyball coach and referee, and has donated her time making meals and cookies for families at the area Ronald McDonald House.

Hurta is also an honors student, a member of National Honor Society and National English Honor Society, and volunteers as a physics tutor in the Peer Tutoring Center.

Hurta is the second consecutive Suburban Life Player of the Year also named Gatorade Illinois Player of the Year. Benet’s Rachel Muisenga was the Player of the Year for the 2020-21 school year.