Panzloff helps set net pace; HHS rules FVC volleyball

HUNTLEY – “There’s a wall there,” is a common cheer heard at Huntley High School volleyball matches.

The Red Raiders strong 28-6 season is led by front row standouts seniors Ally Panzloff, Emily Willis, Avary DeBlieck and junior Morgan Jones and the setter is senior Maggie Duyos who has topped 1,000 assists with the help of “the wall.”

“The 18-0 FVC record was a huge motivator for us,” HHS coach Karen Naymola said. “Panzloff and DeBlieck are such great leaders for us and setter Maggie Duyos has such great confidence in them and spread the passes out so well.”

HHS readied for the McHenry Class 4A regional this week battling seventh-seed Rockford Guilford in the playoff opener.

Panzloff, daughter of Jennifer and TJ Panzloff, has gained many  achievements of her long volleyball career. She has selected Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island to continue her volleyball career next fall.

Panzloff answered several survey questions about her volleyball career.

How did you get started in volleyball and were there nerves in your first varsity matches?

Panzloff: “I started playing in seventh grade at HMS because my mom made me (thanks mom). Then I started playing club in eighth grade for Sky High. I was so nervous my first game freshman year, I remember my first kill and people crowding and cheering for me. I felt like I was going to pass out. I’ve definitely gotten less nervous.”

Describe your pre-season weekly training plans, how did volleyball camps help?

Panzloff: “Pre-season is a lot of very basic skills training, like freeball passing, serving from the 10-foot line. It felt silly and repetitive my underclassmen years, but those first few weeks really set the foundation for our defense and serve receive so I definitely take them seriously.”

What are the team’s biggest wins this year you are most proud of?

“Our biggest wins were probably our first game over Barrington and our win over Glenbard West at Autumnfest (a 3-2 tournament). Any win over Barrington is huge. They’re a great team and we had the stamina to beat them in three sets which was great.”

Most frequent way the team bonded, in season and off-season?

Panzloff: “Right after tryouts we headed to a water course in Wisconsin. It was freezing cold and we were slipping all over but it was so much fun. In season, we do team dinners on Mondays, which we love. The parents make amazing food. Lizzie Williams’ mom makes this breakfast scramble we actually fight over.”

How do you get motivated for each match?

Panzloff: “I always wear my hair the same and I have to use three ties but before games. I can’t play with them, or I forget to talk in warmups. I want to be connected with my teammates before we play.”

Recent HHS alumni, family members who have helped you in volleyball?

Panzloff: “My parents, Jennifer and TJ, have always helped me in volleyball. My parents go beyond helping me stay healthy, motivated and confident when I play. My dad didn’t know a ton about volleyball when I started, but he has really made an effort to learn so he can be as supportive as possible. My mom is definitely my ‘hype man’ and I really lean on her confidence in me in tough games.”

How do you assist the younger players?

Panzloff: “I always try to think what I learned from older players when I was a frosh-soph. I try to point out specific things and talk them up when they’re down because that is the teammate I needed at that age.”

Who are the funniest members on the team?

Panzloff: “Cierra Fletcher and Mari Rodriquez are so funny. Avary DeBlieck is also great at lightening the mood and is always upbeat and positive.”

Other sports you have played?

PAnzloff: “I played softball until eighth grade. Also basketball for two years, but I was really bad. I’m on the HHS track and field team, throwing shot put and discus.”

How did you choose Brown University and your major?

Panzloff: “I plan on majoring in psychology. I really fell in love with Brown University after going there the summer of my junior year. The coaches and players were so welcoming. I felt like I would really fit in with their culture. The campus is also in a city which is a plus for me and the open curriculum at Brown is super great.”