Stevenson senior outside hitter Ava Wysocki isn’t a superhero.
But much is expected of the Illinois commit, who played alongside two Division I recruits last season.
“She has to be Batman,” Stevenson coach Tim Crow said. “She was the greatest Robin you could have last year.”
The 6-foot Wysocki recorded 153 kills and 44 blocks last season, when the Patriots (31-8) featured Iona recruit Mija Jegers and Northeastern recruit Brynn Smith up front and advanced to the Class 4A sectional finals.
Wysocki is the focus this season. She had seven kills in Stevenson’s season-opening loss to Barrington, a state semifinalist last year.
“Ava goes from safety net to her being the show,” Crow said. “She’s very talented and has a strong presence on the court.”
Wysocki, a third-year varsity player, understands the challenge ahead on what Crow calls the least experienced team in his 23 years as Stevenson’s coach. Sophomore setter Ryler Bondad is the only other returnee.
“Last year was a struggle for me,” Wysocki said. “If I made one error, I would get frustrated with myself. This year I’m really working on my composure and the ability to bounce back from errors.
“I have to be a leader this season. This year is a whole new team. I’m excited to see what this season has in store for us.”
So is Crow.
“It will be interesting to see her go through those growing pains and struggles, but that growth will help her later,” Crow said.
Bondad, who had 104 assists, 34 aces and 18 assists last season, said Wysocki is a talented player but is a fun teammate too.
“Ava jumps super high and hits super hard,” Bondad said. “She’s an amazing blocker. She gets to so many blocks, it’s crazy.
“She’s also a great energizer and never fails to makes us laugh. She’s so much fun to play with, and I think that’s what makes her such a great player.”
Wysocki, whose mother, Tara, won two state titles in volleyball in Iowa, actually focused on soccer when she was a kid. She also swam. Volleyball came later.
“I grew up playing soccer for eight years,” Wysocki said. “I started getting burned out by it. I didn’t like running. My mom wanted me to play volleyball. I tried it. I hated it.
“I gave it a few more tries, doing a camp for like two weeks. I kept getting camper of the day. The head person said I had athletic ability and talent in me.”
Tara Wysocki said Ava began playing organized volleyball in seventh grade.
“She started getting stronger and really dedicating more time,” Tara Wysocki said. “Her vertical is one of her gifts. She’s gotten so much better.”
Ava Wysocki said she’s amazed that she has come so far in the sport.
“I remember telling my mom to stop trying to make me like volleyball,” she said. “It’s mind-blowing and really showed all the hard work paid off and was really rewarding.”
Crow said there is more to come.
“Her best volleyball is still ahead of her,” he said. “She’s so fun to coach.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
