Haley Burgdorf arrived at St. Charles North with astronomical expectations.
That’s all well and good, but sometimes, those expectations are hard to realize.
Through three seasons, though, that has not been the case, and even the Penn State-bound junior outside hitter finds herself in disbelief at times at what she has been able to accomplish.
“It was a very surreal moment getting first team all-state,” Burgdorf said. “I was happy it happened. Getting over 1,000 kills for the first time in program history, I didn’t expect to cry that night, either.
“It’s just amazing to see me accomplish those things.”
Add another amazing accomplishment to that list for the 6-foot Burgdorf, a repeat pick as the 2024 Beacon-News/Courier-News Girls Volleyball Player of the Year.
In just three seasons for the North Stars, Burgdorf has totaled 1,216 kills, 122 blocks and 115 aces. This fall alone, she ended up with 611 kills, 268 digs, 48 aces and 44 blocks.
She thrived while striving to become a reliable six-rotation player, something she knows will serve her well at Penn State.
“She has grown up a ton,” St. Charles North coach Lindsey Hawkins said of Burgdorf. “She started off as a little freshman on our team and was making a big name for herself even then.”
As a sophomore, Burgdorf was forced to grow up quickly. She already had talent, but when senior stars Jackie Ruder and Katherine Scherer got injured, it was time for her to become a leader.
“We had all these leadership puzzles put in place and they all got hurt,” Hawkins said. “She had to shoulder that and was working on how to do it. When she came in this year, she took off running.
“That’s something we talked about after her sophomore year — being more of a vocal leader. They needed to hear her voice and needed somebody that would push them but let them know it’s OK to make mistakes.”
Initially, it’s also not a trait that came naturally for Burgdorf, but she has adapted. She knows younger players inherently look up to her due to her skill level and she has risen to the occasion.
“They always want to do well to get her approval,” Hawkins said.
Junior setter Mia McCall realizes the impact Burgdorf has had on the program.
“She’s been able to take control and always has something to say in huddles,” McCall said. “She’s always there to help us get through tough times.”
It was something Burgdorf had to develop over time. With her skill level, she always played up levels in club, so she wasn’t expected to lead. That changed as her sophomore year developed.
And then especially this season.
“I knew I was going to have to be the big voice and the team reflects on how I’m doing,” Burgdorf said. “It’s important to be in a good mood and using that to an advantage.
“I had to work on it a little. I had to learn you’re the player on the team that’s going to bring everybody together. They’re going to depend on you.”
McCall has been along for Burgdorf’s journey, and she can’t wait to see what’s next.
“I’ve seen her grow as an athlete,” McCall said. “She’s able to do anything with the ball. I just trust her to do it. She’ll continue to get better, even though that sounds crazy.”
Before college, Burgdorf’s goals are still intact, surreal as they may be. So many individual dreams have come true so far, but she has yet to take the North Stars to the state finals.
“I want to potentially win state next year,” Burgdorf said. “I’d like to get to 2,000 kills. There are so many bigger goals that will be even more surreal than the others.
“I’m excited to have one more year and one last dance with this team.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
