Mundelein’s Adrianna Lesniak has put all her chips forward this season.
Lesniak decided to quit volleyball in her senior year so she could focus on basketball.
“I saw my potential last year,” she said. “Now I’m showing what I can do. I knew after last year that I could compete and be a starter and help the team out.”
Lesniak has accomplished her goal. The 5-foot-8 guard/forward has started all but one game for the Mustangs (18-11, 6-7), who have one North Suburban Conference game and one nonconference game left to play in the regular season as they pursue their first 20-win season — and winning record — since 2013-14.
“She’s not someone who gets attention, but she deserves it because of all the little things she does,” Mundelein coach Sarah Teipel said. “She’s a true competitor, and she plays with grit. She throws her body on the line for the team.”
Indeed, Lesniak is earning a reputation as a player who takes charges. She averages nearly one charge taken per game.
“I take a lot of charges, which gives a lot of momentum and energy to our team,” she said. “I also play tough, physical defense and crash the boards. I love the physicality and toughness of basketball.
“I know that basketball is also a mental game, so I work every day on staying out of my head and just giving my all.”
Teipel agrees that Lesniak, who is a team captain, gives her all for the Mustangs.
“Her vocal leadership has been huge this year,” Teipel said. “She understands what it means to be the best version of herself for the team. She has been really determined this year. She’s making a really positive impact.”
Junior guard Casey Vyverman has also noticed Lesniak is playing at a higher level this season, which is reflected in the Mustangs’ record.
“The biggest difference from last year is her leadership,” Vyverman said. “She is the most vocal person on our team and guides you through every tough moment. I think she’s playing very well because her leadership has helped grow her confidence a lot too.”
Junior guard Madalyn Gardner also emphasized Lesniak’s leadership qualities.
“She communicates really wells and reads the ball and game really well in order to take charges and close gaps,” Gardner said. “She is a great teammate and is always there for us. I can go to her for anything.”
Lesniak may not be a stat stuffer like Vyverman, but she had 16 points and six rebounds — and also took two charges — during Mundelein’s 51-44 loss to conference leader Libertyville last week.
“Adrianna’s willingness to make hustle plays makes her a talented player,” Vyverman said. “She isn’t afraid of any contact.”
Lesniak points to Mundelein’s Thanksgiving Tournament at the beginning of the season as a turning point.
“I’ve always struggled with my confidence, but this year I’ve stepped up a lot offensively,” she said. “That’s been the big difference. I think being way more aggressive, going downhill and shooting when I get open looks rather than passing it up has helped me. I’m more of a versatile player.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
