Prep volleyball primer: New coach leads deep, talented Illini West squad in chase of more hardware

CARTHAGE, Ill. — Four months ago, Sawyer Johnson was finishing up her animal science degree at Iowa State University. Now, she is the head coach of an Illini West volleyball team that won a regional championship and set a school record with 35 victories in 2023.

“It’s been a challenging step for sure, but we’re making the most of it,” Johnson said. “I think there’s a lot of pressure. Unfortunately, I think the girls are taking some of that pressure upon themselves because the bar is set really high. 

“We’re trying to encourage the girls to think positively and have a good outlook on the year because there is a lot of talent. Definitely have that pressure in the back of their minds, but just trying to overcome it is going to be our biggest goal this year.”

Johnson applied for an assistant coach opening with the Chargers but learned in late July she had been named to her first-ever head coaching job. Johnson said assistant coaches Kelly Carroll and Madalyn Gronewold have been instrumental in helping her settle into her new position.

“They have been a huge blessing because it has been so much to deal with,” Johnson said. “Little things that you don’t even think about like scheduling, the Hudl times so we can get the film, just little things like that. My assistant coaches have been so amazing, stepped up and helped me take some of that on so I can really just focus on coaching and getting to really know the girls.”

Johnson said her interest in coaching stems from her time as a Bible study leader in her new hometown of La Harpe.

“I really have a heart for that age of girls,” Johnson said. “I have gotten used to mentoring that age because I have such a heart for what they’re going through and what they’re experiencing. That’s really why I wanted to coach that age. I want to help them work through some of those things. It’s been really awesome to get to know them and help them through any of the things that they’re experiencing or struggling with.”

The Chargers return six seniors — Reagan Reed, Abi White, Audra Carroll, Madison Quisenberry, Kate Desotel and AJ Cook — from their regional championship team.

Reed, who has primarily played in the front row, will have an expanded role as a setter in 2024.

“That will be a chance for her to step up and show her versatility,” Johnson said.

White will also play in both the front and back rows.

“She’s going to be playing all the way around for us,” Johnson said. “She’s another very versatile player that we’re really going to be relying on.”

Johnson will coach her first game when the Chargers open the season Aug. 27 against Camp Point Central.

Mustangs rebuilding after regional title 

MENDON, Ill. — If it weren’t for Quincy Notre Dame and its flawless record in the West Central Conference, Unity may have taken home the conference crown. The Mustangs went 7-0 and dropped just one set in conference play after their two-set loss to the Raiders in the first match of the season.

The Mustangs went on to beat Triopia in the Class 1A Payson Regional championship, but they graduated eight players from a class that compiled a 97-31-1 record from 2020-23. State champion long jumper Saylor Berry, who had eight kills in that regional championship victory, and fellow junior Kodi Duke will figure strongly into the Mustangs’ front row.

Pirates return plenty of firepower

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal has finished with a record of at least six games over .500 every season since 2017, and if the returning talent is any indication, that streak is likely to continue in 2024. Seven of the Pirates’ top eight kill leaders and each of the top four players in digs from last return this, including senior outside hitter Abbie Martin, who led the Pirates with 250 kills and was second with 396 digs last season.

Junior libero Keegan Greening anchors the back row, while junior setter Malia Stolte led the Pirates in assists last season.

Strong senior class set to guide Bombers 

MACOMB, Ill. — Last season was the first time since 2018 Macomb finished with fewer than 30 wins in a full season, although the Bombers did win a Class 2A regional title. The Bombers bring back a loaded senior class, including outside hitter Kathryn Lukkarinen, who amassed 310 kills and 3.8 kills per set as a junior. 

Lukkarinen is also the Bombers’ leading returner in digs. Lukkarinen only trailed Ellie Duncan in that category. Most of the Bombers’ offense will run through senior setter Quinn Rexroat, who averaged 8.8 assists per set and accounted for 81 percent of the Bombers’ assists in 2023.