Carmel senior libero Molly Malzahn has finally found stability.
Among the challenges Malzahn has faced during her four-year career, she wasn’t allowed to play for the Corsairs’ varsity team during her sophomore season after transferring from Grant.
“I’ve learned resilience in the face of all that adversity,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of hard things in my volleyball career happen, but it made me a stronger person — physically, mentally and emotionally. I’ve learned not to get upset or frustrated about things I can’t control.”
But one month into her final season, Malzahn is well in control for Carmel. Although the Corsairs (9-10, 0-3) returned four starters, their rotation is filled with underclassmen who are learning to play in the rugged East Suburban Catholic Conference, and Malzahn has emerged as a leader.
“She will get into the face of anybody who needs it, or she will pick up her teammates,” Carmel coach David Pazely said. “Her leadership is nonstop.”
So is Malzahn’s defense. She has a team-high 197 digs as well as 35 aces.
“As a libero, Molly covers a lot of ground for us defensively,” Pazely said. “She’s incredibly fast and reads the game well and is able to anticipate what’s coming from opponents, and she makes a lot of points for us.”
Malzahn had 229 digs and a team-high 57 aces last season but in a different role.
“She has more confidence in herself,” Pazely said. “Last year, we had her playing out of position in a different back-row spot in the middle back. It was a learning curve. This year, she’s at libero. It’s a natural comfort for her.”
That’s a new feeling for Malzahn, whose talent made her a varsity player as a freshman at Grant.
“I was used to playing with girls my own age, including in club,” she said. “It was nerve-wracking. I didn’t even start school yet but already was on the varsity. It was a big challenge. It taught me a lot about adversity and becoming more independent.”
Then Malzahn, whose older sister Olivia played volleyball at Grant and uncle Matt Van Daele was a standout running back at Warren, transferred to Carmel. She said the Illinois High School Association ruled that she couldn’t play for the varsity team during her sophomore season.
“I played libero on JV,” Malzahn said. “It was different because I practiced all summer with the varsity. It was a little disappointing not to play to my potential on the varsity.”
Malzahn’s junior season was a smoother experience. She credited her friendship with then-senior libero Isa Swiatkowski, who plays at the University of Dallas.
“I learned a lot last year competing with Isa,” Malzahn said. “She made me a much better player. Just being in her footsteps and her shadow was very good. We pushed each other to get better. She was also a captain, so I learned from her. This year, I’m a captain and libero. I’m filling her spot.”
Carmel senior outside hitter Reese Wagner, a third-year varsity player, said the young team has benefited from Malzahn’s steadiness.
“Molly is a great athlete and is also so uplifting to the team, especially when we’re in a rut,” Wagner said. “When we’re down, she’s always there on defense. She has some amazing digs. She’s a great person to rely on in the back row and is a strong server.”
Malzahn, who organized a drive for a food pantry over the summer, noted she has come full circle in her high school career while meeting one more challenge.
“We have two freshman starters and two sophomore starters,” she said. “I remember my freshman year, starting this new adventure. I have more of a voice this year, being a senior and a captain. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, just to be more talkative and help the younger players.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
