Volleyball playing families, seniors show way
HUNTLEY — It’s a tough combination to beat.
Huntley’s volleyball squad has a mix of experienced players and a couple of family members on the same squad, and a rich tradition of success.
A large group of nine seniors, who experienced a three-year run of sectional titles, leads the way. They are: Georgia Watson, Sienna Robertson, Mari Rodriquez, Ivie Aschenbrenner, Ava Czysz, Jocelyn Erling, Alexandria Goritz, Ashley Santana and Diellza Sejdini.
“We’ve had a very good start and we have a lot of depth this year,” Naymola said. “We have nine seniors on the squad. It helps a lot. They know the goal is to get to state, and this is their last year to do it. They have all come in and worked so hard Being so deep is a great problem to have but you can only play six players at one time. So understanding and accepting your role can be a challenge.”
The sister duos on the team are senior Georgia Watson and freshman Lucy Watson and sophomore Lizzy Whitehouse and junior Abby Whitehouse.
The season opener at Huntley’s gym was a week away, Aug. 26, against Lakes, when Naymola summed up the team’s strengths. HHS was 31-7 overall, won its seventh straight Class 4A regional and was 17-1 in FVC matches for the league championship.
“Our goal every year is to make it down state. We are also looking to defend our Fox Valley Conference championship. The keys to that are being disciplined, trusting the process, working hard and staying healthy,” Naymola said.
The nine 12th graders are led by All-Fox Valley Conference outside hitter Georgia Watson. Watson, 6-foot, 3-inches, committed to D-1 University of Kentucky this time last season. Georgia Watson overcame a shoulder injury before resuming volleyball play in June.
“She can do it all,” Naymola said of Georgia Watson. “She is a great player, leader and competitor.”
Also looking to be key seniors this season:
Robertson, who finished fifth at state track in the discus throw, returns to the front row at outside hitter.
“She is a smart go-to hitter for us snd keeps the calmness on the court,” Naymola said.
Rodriquez is back as a defensive specialist-libero.
“She is another great leader and has great ball control,” Naymola said.
Erling is a second volleyball player who has made a college choice, as she will play at juco Harper College. She will be a middle blocker this season.
“She is a great middle attacker, blocks well and can also hit from the other spots,” Naymola said.
In addition to the seniors, two players will step in to fill other key roles.
Junior Abigigail Whitehouse is the incoming setter.
“She has great hands and can run a fast offense,” the coach said.
Sophomore Izzy Whitehouse is a defensive specialist-libero. “She is one of the quickest kids on the court and reads well, and is extremely scrappy,” Naymola said.
“We may run a little differnse offense this year. We have so many offensive threats, we have to be creative to utilize all of them,” Naymola said.
Family efforts
Georgia will be joined on the varsity by freshman sister Lucy. They are daughters of Meghan and Chris Watson. Lucy Watson is also a weapon at one of the hitter spots.
“Georgia Watson has been such a competitor and a leader for three seasons. She has the ability to mix up her shots on the front row and is a huge blocker,” Naymola said.
“I’m excited for the season. We have a real good team, and we have a lot of fun,” Georgia Watson said.
Lucy Watson has been playing volleyball since fifth grade.
“I was a little bit surprised but I have worked hard. Being taller, I have to get lower (to start a play),” Lucy Watson said.
Sophomore Lizzy Whitehouse and her sister, Abby, a junior, are another sister pair. Their mom is head coach Karen Naymola and dad is football coach Mike Naymola.
“This is a great team. Our mom taught us since we were little,” Lizzy Whitehouse said.
