Supporting teammates is an important role for Mundelein senior libero Sarah Choi.
But her desire to help others extends beyond volleyball too.
“I help out refugees for three or four hours every week,” Choi said. “I’ve grown up meeting so many people from different backgrounds and cultures. I’ve been volunteering since I was little.”
Choi’s mother, Jeanna, is the director of programs for Exodus World Service, a nonprofit organization that assists refugees. Choi said she also does volunteer work for her church.
“I like interacting with different people and building the community,” she said.
The 5-foot-5 Choi, who has 61 digs for the Mustangs (4-3) this season, has become a team builder as well.
“I have learned to be a better teammate who encourages and tries to bring out the best in my teammates,” she said.
Choi does that well, according to Mundelein senior setter Norah Emso.
“Sarah is the sweetest person I’ve ever met,” Emso said. “She’s always so positive and cheers me up on the court. She plays at such a high level.
“Her positivity continues off the court. She’s always helping classmates when they need extra support.”
Choi contributes on the court in several ways. She had 275 digs, 72 assists and 26 aces last year. She believes she is an even better player this season.
“I’m more confident in my serve-receive and have become more consistent with my digging,” she said.
The Mustangs also have senior outside hitter Allison Kampa and junior setter Bella Snow back after winning 20 matches last season. But they have some new players as well as a new coach, Jeff Blezien. He said Choi has been instrumental in helping him adjust to a program that is trying to compete for the North Suburban Conference title.
“During the offseason, Sarah was at everything,” Blezien said. “She was one of our main leaders, making sure everyone was getting to offseason workouts and camps. Sarah’s more of a lead-by-example person, but she does her job and is the epitome of consistency.”
Kampa agreed that Choi is a leader for the Mustangs.
“Sarah is an amazing player, both on the off the court,” Kampa said. “She’s always a supportive shoulder to lean against defensively and really shines as a leader in the back row. When others are struggling mentally and with passing, she’s always there to step up her game and support our players with her volleyball skills and encouraging words.”
Blezien said Choi’s demeanor is important.
“On the court, she’s a calm presence and a very cerebral person,” he said. “But at the same time, she has high energy with her play because she dives all over and pursues balls.”
Choi said her primary pursuit this season is leading Mundelein on a long playoff run. The Mustangs haven’t reached the regional finals since 2018.
“A lot of the seniors have been working well together and grown from last year,” Choi said. “I feel we had a pretty good season last year, which motivated us to keep doing our best.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
