Doug Wilbrandt, who has more than 40 years of coaching experience, was recently hired as the new volleyball coach at Marian Central.
Alex Muschong, a 2017 Woodstock graduate, was recently announced as the new head volleyball coach at McHenry.
Woodstock senior Hallie Steponaitis put together one of the area's most dominant seasons in volleyball with 565 kills and earned her third state medal in track and field. Steponaitis, who will play volleyball at Iowa, is the 2024 Northwest Herald Female Athlete of the Year.
At 5-foot-9, Richmond-Burton’s Elissa Furlan was unsure if it was realistic for her to play college volleyball at her natural position at outside hitter. Last week, the Rockets junior announced her commitment to NCAA Division-I Wright State University.
Woodstock's Julia Laidig took on an unfamiliar role for the Blue Streaks as the team's starting setter in the fall and set the team record for single-season assists. That versatility helped Laidig's recruitment. She recently announced her commitment to Southern Illinois.
Prairie Ridge made two important hires Tuesday. Assistant coach Michael Frericks will take over the Wolves' storied football program for Chris Schremp. Hilary Agnello will become the school's second volleyball coach in its 27-year history.
Stefanie Otto has been Prairie Ridge's only volleyball coach since the school opened in 1997, recording more than 700 wins in her coaching career. After 27 seasons at Prairie Ridge, Otto will retire at the end of the school year.
Meet the 2023 Northwest Herald All-Area girls volleyball team.
Woodstock third-year coach Jimmy Neill helped lead the Blue Streaks to a memorable season, including the program's first regional title since 2006. Neill is the 2023 Northwest Herald Girls Volleyball Coach of the Year.