If a book were to be written about the volleyball career of Caroline Smith at Lincoln-Way West, it could legitimately be titled, “Sacrifice.”
The 6-foot senior is a natural outside hitter. She will play that position in college at Drake.
But during her four years with the Warriors — out of necessity — she has probably played more rotations in the middle than she has on the pin.
And you know what? That’s just all right with her.
“It really was all about what was best for the team,” Smith said. “Whatever it was, I would work hard for that.
“I have a thing for the outside, and playing in the middle is definitely a lot of physical work for not a lot of touches. But it is definitely an important job.”
Smith was top shelf at a few spots Thursday night for host Lincoln-Way West in a 25-14, 25-19 victory over Joliet Catholic in a Class 4A regional championship match in New Lenox.
Elly Decker led the way with six kills for the Warriors (25-12). Kara Stigter contributed five kills and four blocks, while Lily Goyer chipped in with five kills, Claire Murphy dished up 15 assists and Laney Tuttle made 10 digs.
Ellie Blotnik paced Joliet Catholic (20-16) with five kills and three digs. Olivia Chovanec added four kills and five digs, while Maggie Tibbott had eight assists and Ella Godeaux made eight digs.
Smith, meanwhile, came up with a complete effort. She was clutch with five kills, three aces and seven digs for the Warriors, who will play Lockport at 6 p.m. Tuesday in a Bolingbrook Sectional semifinal.
In Thursday’s first game, Lincoln-Way West was in control at 18-13, but Smith salted it away with a kill from the right side and then served five consecutive points. In the second game, the Warriors were ahead 19-18 when she put down a kill. She also served up an ace for the final point.
Regional champs — two seasons in a row. And still rolling.
“It feels great,” Smith said. “I’m excited. We thought we were good here, and we did it. Now we just want to keep going.”
Smith has actually played some outside hitter of late for the Warriors. Lincoln-Way West coach Kendall Villa moved her there to reward her for her dedication and good attitude.
“And also to honor her, too,” Villa said. “She has been such a strong leader for us. She’s so in control. She gets a kill and she comes together with her team in such a mature way.
“Caroline works hard at perfecting her game. She’s a good student, she’s a good human — all of those things that you want in your players. I don’t coach just for volleyball. I coach for these young ladies to be strong and confident, and she’s a great example of that.”
This season, Smith has 281 kills, 51 aces, 29 blocks and 179 digs. Murphy, a junior setter, is very adept at spreading the offense and does, but Smith is clearly a favorite target.
Murphy broke into a smile when answering why.
“I have full confidence when Caroline is up there,” Murphy said. “I trust her with everything. She’s my go-to. Just seeing her succeed is so amazing.
“She is always up. The team always looks to her for energy, and she always brings it.”
It has been quite a four-year transition for a player who walked into Lincoln-Way West as more of a basketball player.
“I started by playing club basketball and that was my main sport,” Smith said. “But I still had an itch to play volleyball, and I wanted to make it far in any sport I played.”
She stopped playing AAU basketball after eighth grade. As a starting forward this winter, Smith will be making her farewell to that sport.
“This will be it,” Smith said, smiling. “Kinda sad.”
She’s in no hurry, though, to make it to early practices.
“Oh, no,” Smith said with a laugh. “Our basketball coach (Ryan White), he’s really good about it. We want to keep going in volleyball as long as we can.”
Tony Baranek is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
