Deerfield senior outside hitter Adi Zilberman didn’t intend to become a standout volleyball player.
She stayed away from the sport for most of her childhood.
“I played a lot of sports growing up,” Zilberman said. “Soccer was my main one. I played soccer, basketball and softball year-round.
“My dad always wanted me to play volleyball. He was telling me since third grade. He played volleyball when he was younger. I never considered it until middle school. I was already very happy.”
But things changed for Zilberman in seventh grade, when she made a 180-degree turn. She picked up volleyball and dropped her other three sports.
“I could tell that volleyball was such a different sport than the others I played,” Zilberman said. “I really loved the team and the competitive part and the physical part of it too. It’s a very physical sport. My height also helps in that aspect.”
The 5-foot-9 Zilberman said she made the right decision, but she hasn’t forgotten soccer.
“It was definitely a transition for me, but I loved volleyball right away,” she said. “It was a lot easier to stick to one sport than playing three sports in a year.
“I do wonder what my life would be like if I stuck to soccer.”
No one wonders about Zilberman’s importance to the Warriors (10-15, 2-4), who are trying to build momentum for the Class 2A playoffs after being tested against several strong 3A teams in the Central Suburban League’s South Division. Zilberman has 125 kills, 15 blocks and 50 digs this season.
“She’s a very powerful hitter and is very dynamic in the front row,” Deerfield coach Jonathan Bolek said.
Zilberman also is a positive influence on younger teammates, according to Bolek. Zilberman and 6-2 senior middle blocker Uma Schulz were the only returning starters for the Warriors, who have two sophomores and two freshmen in the lineup.
“Overall, it’s good to see her grow these last two years,” Bolek said. “Obviously, it’s something we needed this season. We had a big transition, graduating nine seniors from last year to only returning a few starters, so she’s really stepped up in that area and been a leader for us.”
Bolek said Zilberman, who had 65 kills playing on the right side last season, has displayed different skills at outside hitter.
“She’s a very aggressive offensive player and tough-minded,” Bolek said. “She’s really grown in that area of her game as well, playing on the outside and taking on a lot more of the offensive brunt. She had to work on her ability to make different shots.”
Zilberman and Schulz, a Smith commit, form a strong duo for Deerfield.
“Adi’s a strong hitter who scores us a lot of points and brings a really good energy to the team,” Schulz said. “She’s intense and hypes everyone up, especially the younger players.
“We also have a good connection. We feed off each other after playing together for three years. She’s definitely adjusted well to outside hitter.”
Zilberman said the Warriors are adjusting well, too, and can be competitive in the postseason.
“We had basically a whole new team,” she said. “It was hard in the beginning, but we’ve made a connection. Everyone is extremely determined. We compete hard and are excited to prove ourselves.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
